It's One Of Your Favorites

Alexander's smile was genuine and warm. "Certainly. Ms. Sinclair, you must stay for dinner. I'll instruct the kitchen to prepare something exceptional."

Charlotte gave a slow, deliberate nod, a trace of superiority in her movement. "Very well. It has been too long since I shared a meal with Evelyn."

"I'll tell them to include all your preferred dishes," Evelyn said, her eyes sparkling with playful intent.

As she rose, she shot a quick, secretive wink in Alexander's direction, ensuring Charlotte remained unaware.

A pleasant heat bloomed in Alexander's chest, and a gentle smile curved his lips. His gaze was soft and full of affection.

The kitchen staff worked with efficient haste, and soon an array of exquisite dishes covered the dining table.

During the meal, Alexander placed a selection of food onto Evelyn's plate. "Here, try more of this. I know it's a particular favorite of yours."

Evelyn looked at the offering, her expression one of genuine surprise. "How could you possibly know that?"

He smiled softly at her reaction. "I make it my business to know," he replied gently. "I even had the chef adjust the seasoning specifically for you. It's nutritious but doesn't compromise on flavor. I believe you'll appreciate it."

Her surprise deepened. "You went to such trouble... Honestly, I'm not usually so particular."

Alexander chuckled. "Your time in the hospital told a different story. You endured those health-focused meals, but it was a struggle. I observed it clearly. That's why I instructed the staff to refine the recipes."

Evelyn winced slightly at the memory of the bland hospital food.

It had been so focused on health that all taste seemed absent, something she truly disliked.

Yet, she had eaten it all, never wanting to be wasteful.

Most observers would have assumed she enjoyed it, given she always finished her plate. She never imagined Alexander had detected her true feelings.

"Taste it," he urged softly. "It should meet your preferences now, while being better for you." Evelyn took a bite, and her eyes immediately brightened. "It's perfect! Exactly how I like it!" Seeing her delight, Alexander felt a wave of satisfaction. He took her plate and added more generous portions of her chosen dishes.

"Eat well, Evelyn," he encouraged, his voice laced with concern. "You lost weight during your hospital stay. You need to regain your strength."

Evelyn offered him a slightly embarrassed smile. "It's really not a big deal, Alexander. Just a few pounds."

At least the hospital stay was over, she thought privately.

Charlotte, who had been quietly observing the exchange, felt a distinct sense of astonishment.

Having grown up with Evelyn, Charlotte possessed an intimate understanding of her friend's subtle peculiarities, especially regarding food.

She knew the depth of Evelyn's selective palate.

But Evelyn's inherent politeness and consideration meant she would never complain. She would quietly eat something she disliked simply to avoid waste.

Charlotte had once teased her, suggesting Evelyn must have been a pampered aristocrat in a past life, accustomed only to the finest cuisine, which explained her refined tastes in this one.

Evelyn was so adept at masking her true feelings that few people ever realized the extent of her preferences.

Yet Alexander, a relatively recent presence in Evelyn's life, had not only discerned them but had taken active steps to accommodate her.

His level of attention was extraordinary.

To Charlotte, it was glaringly obvious. Alexander was deeply, utterly in love with Evelyn.

How else could he have learned her likes and dislikes with such precision in such a short time, unless he was completely captivated?