Evelyn stared, completely taken aback. "What? You didn't send these?" She let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "I was certain it was your idea of a romantic surprise."

Alexander's face clouded with genuine confusion. "No. I haven't ordered any flowers."

Intrigued, Evelyn moved closer to him, the bouquet of red roses still held securely. She peered down at the blooms, her brow furrowed in thought.

"Then who sent them?" she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Her fingers gently parted the velvety petals, searching for a note. There was nothing. No card, no clue.

She shrugged, a light laugh escaping her. "Must be from another friend, then."

Alexander rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps it was Sebastian. He's known for his spontaneous, and often unannounced, gestures."

Evelyn's eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked at him. "Does that bother you? You sound almost competitive, not like best friends."

He gave a casual, good-natured shrug. "Just joking. Sebastian and I are close."

"Alright," Evelyn said, her smile softening as she accepted the mystery. "If Sebastian sent them, that's very sweet. We should appreciate the thought."

"Of course," Alexander replied, his tone warm and agreeable. "As long as you're happy."

Laughing together, they made their way out of the bar's dim private room, their cheerful conversation blending into the lively atmosphere.

From a shadowy corner, Theodore Vance watched them leave. His brows knitted together in confusion.

This was strange. Evelyn had just accepted roses from another man, and Alexander, her husband, showed not a flicker of jealousy.

Was their marriage lacking the passion it should have?

A slow, mocking sneer spread across Theodore's face.

Earlier, Evelyn's tender care for Alexander had almost convinced him of a deep bond between them. Now, it seemed like nothing but an act.

Perhaps Alexander knew he was inadequate for a woman like Evelyn.

Maybe, faced with a rival like Theodore, Alexander was simply too cowardly to put up a fight.

If that was true, then victory was practically in Theodore's grasp.

His original plan had been to drive a wedge between them and exploit the resulting conflict.

While things hadn't gone exactly as planned, Theodore wasn't concerned. Any development that worked to his advantage was a good one.

Evelyn, meanwhile, hadn't given Theodore a second thought.

After leaving the bar, she strolled along the shoreline, pushing Alexander's wheelchair.

The cool night sea breeze washed over them, refreshing and calming.

A peaceful silence settled between them, comfortable and deep.

Suddenly, Alexander's voice cut through the quiet. "What did you wish for when you blew out your candles?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow, a secretive smile playing on her lips. "That's a secret. If I tell you, it won't come true."

"Is that so?" Alexander responded, his tone suddenly serious. "My wish was about you. I'm sure you're curious now."

Her interest was immediately piqued. "What was it?"

He looked at her mischievously. "Are you sure you want to know? Lean closer, and I'll tell you."

Drawn in by his promise, Evelyn bent down toward him.

Instead of a secret, she heard his soft chuckle near her ear as he repeated her own words back to her.

"It's a secret. After all, you said if you tell, it won't come true."

Surprise flashed across Evelyn's face. She saw the playful smirk on Alexander's lips and realized he had been teasing her all along.