Alexander Returned

The velvet box felt heavy in Alexander's palm as his car sped through the night toward Serenity Oaks.

The butler, Samuel, heard the engine's purr and frowned. It was late. His surprise was evident when Alexander wheeled himself through the grand entrance. "Mr. Blackwood? I understood you were staying in the city tonight."

Alexander's eyes met his, dark and unreadable.

It was Samuel's message that had pulled him back.

"Where is Evelyn?" he asked, his grip on the box tightening.

Samuel offered a gentle smile. "Sir, it's the middle of the night. Mrs. Blackwood has been asleep for some time."

Alexander paused. He checked his watch. It was past two in the morning.

A soft sigh escaped him. Of course. She would be asleep. Waking her now was unreasonable.

"Very well. Inform her I wish to see her in the study when she wakes," he instructed.

He turned his wheelchair toward the study, his mind already shifting to pressing matters at Aethelgard Industries.

Samuel watched him go, perplexed by the master's sudden, urgent return.

Evelyn slept deeply, waking only as morning light spilled into her room. After getting ready, she went down to the dining room. Alexander was absent. She assumed he had remained in the city. Then Samuel approached.

"Mrs. Blackwood, Mr. Blackwood requests your presence in the study after breakfast."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "Alexander is here? He returned this morning?"

She had risen early. How had she missed his arrival?

Samuel's smile was patient. "He returned quite late last night and went directly to the study. He has not left since."

A flash of irritation crossed Evelyn's face.

He had come home so late, only to bury himself in work instead of resting.

Did his well-being mean nothing to him?

Her anger grew with each thought. The lavish breakfast before her lost all appeal. Her appetite vanished. She needed to see him now.

She stood and walked toward the study.

Outside the heavy door, she took a deep breath, rehearsing her words. She raised her hand and knocked firmly.

"Enter." Alexander's deep voice resonated from within.

She pressed her lips together. "It's me," she said, her voice softer than she intended.

Her resolve wavered.

She had meant to be firm. But speaking to him always softened her edges.

Since learning of the coldness he had endured from his own family, she felt a deep need to be gentle with him. As if her kindness could somehow counteract their cruelty.

She knew her power was limited. But she could try to show him warmth existed.

"Come in," he said. His tone seemed different. Less sharp. Almost warm.

She pushed the door open and found him at his desk.

Their eyes met. His expression softened immediately. His hand moved toward the velvet box that had waited all night.

He was ready to give it to her.

But Evelyn, consumed by her concern, didn't notice it.

Her gaze was fixed on him. "Alexander," she began, her voice tight with worry. "Do you always treat your own health with such complete disregard?"