Alexander found Evelyn's comment utterly amusing. He didn't correct her. Instead, he decided to play along. He gave a solemn nod.

"Obviously. My wife is a premier designer. You are absolutely correct. Anyone would be honored to be your fitting model!"

Evelyn stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Your jokes are becoming far too bold."

Had he always been this extravagant? How had she missed it?

He must have acquired some questionable habits recently.

"I'm only this way because my wife has trained me so effectively," Alexander stated, his face perfectly serious.

Hearing him grow more absurd, Evelyn reached out and covered his mouth. "Alexander, enough! Do you want everyone to hear this nonsense?"

What was he saying? He was being completely shameless!

Alexander just smirked, looking immensely pleased with himself.

"Alright, this suit is perfect. No alterations needed. Go change, and we'll get something to eat." Evelyn quickly glanced around, relieved no one was watching. She let out a soft sigh and lowered her hand.

The moment she did, he leaned in and planted a loud, deliberate kiss on her cheek.

Without a shred of embarrassment, he turned and casually walked away to change, leaving Evelyn standing there, stunned.

That kiss had been utterly brazen. And his retreating posture radiated pure satisfaction.

"Alexander!" Evelyn gasped, ready to scold him, but she immediately hushed her voice. This man was infuriating!

The days flew by. Soon, the date of the Sterling family's banquet arrived.

Evelyn was deep in sleep when a familiar voice gently roused her.

"Wake up, darling."

A warm hand cupped her face, stroking her cheek with slow, tender motions.

Half-conscious, Evelyn instinctively nuzzled into the comforting warmth.

A soft chuckle echoed in the quiet room.

A moment later, something soft pressed against her forehead.

Her eyelashes fluttered as she struggled to open her heavy eyes. She caught Alexander pulling back.

"Did you just steal a kiss?" she mumbled, her vision clearing as she narrowed her eyes at him.

Alexander arched an eyebrow but remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Then, without any warning, he leaned down and captured her lips. It was a slow, lingering kiss, full of deep affection.

When he finally drew back, he held her gaze and whispered, "Now, that is a kiss."

Evelyn blinked, the last remnants of sleep clinging to her.

So, in his definition, a forehead kiss didn't qualify. Only a kiss on the lips counted. She shifted slightly, but before full consciousness could take hold, drowsiness washed over her again. "I don't want to get up," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. "You must have misread the time. It's far too early. Let me sleep a little longer."

Her words faded as she began to drift off once more.

Alexander exhaled a fond, amused breath, watching her with sheer adoration. "Darling, if you don't get up now, you're going to be late."

He found it incredibly amusing. This was likely the first time Evelyn—who was usually so dedicated to her work—was refusing to leave bed on a workday.

His fingers gently brushed her warm cheek. "I'm serious. You really must get up now."

After a brief pause, he added with a sly smile, "Unless you want me to call and get you the day off?"

The instant those words left his mouth, her drowsy eyes flew wide open.