Evelyn's eyes widened in shock at Dominic's words. She pressed a hand to her chest, willing her racing heart to calm.

The past few days had been torture. Every night, she'd wake up drenched in sweat from nightmares of enforcement officers dragging Dominic away. Helpless. Powerless.

And yet here he was, completely unfazed by the existence of that damning CD.

Did he not realize how catastrophic its contents would be if leaked?

Dominic's fingers tightened around her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Why didn't you tell me something this serious was happening? Do you have any idea how relieved I was when I found out you rejected my proposal because of that CD? But I'm also furious you kept it from me."

Evelyn stayed silent.

How could she explain? She'd wanted to protect him.

His sharp gaze pinned her in place. Every time he looked at her like this, it was because she'd messed up.

Her fingers curled into fists. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hidden it. But I was terrified this would ruin your future—"

Dominic flinched.

His thumb brushed over her swollen lips—a reminder of his earlier punishment. "Between my future and you, you matter more. Understand?"

His voice dropped lower. "If you face trouble, you come to me. Keeping it to yourself only leads to misunderstandings and plays right into their hands. Do you get that now?"

Evelyn focused on the glint of his wristwatch instead of his face. "I'm sorry—"

"Don't." His expression darkened. "No more apologies. Next time, you tell me first. No matter what it is, we'll handle it together."

She nodded.

Then her stomach growled, shattering the tension.

Heat flooded her cheeks.

Dominic chuckled. "Hungry? You're neglecting your duties as a mother. Starving yourself means starving our child. Let's eat."

He scooped her into his arms.

Evelyn clung to his neck, flustered. "Put me down. I'm pregnant, not crippled. I can walk."

She worried her added weight would strain him.

Dominic shot her a look. "You're my wife. There's no one else I'd carry. What, should I haul Alexander and Isabella around instead? They're grown. They'll have their own partners to carry them someday."

Evelyn gaped.

Is he serious? If the twins didn’t look exactly like him, I’d question if he’s their real father.

###

Soft music played in the dining room. The scent of roses drifted from the centerpiece.

Every dish had been carefully curated by a nutritionist for her pregnancy.

After their heart-to-heart, the weight crushing Evelyn’s chest finally lifted.

What she’d seen as an insurmountable crisis, Dominic treated like child’s play.

She’d thought hiding it would protect him. Instead, she’d only made him worry. From now on, no more secrets.

Dominic placed chicken on her plate. She took small bites.

Then she hesitated. "What’s the plan for the CD? The evidence inside... it’s bad. I refused that woman’s demand to leave you. What if she leaks it? Did you really do what’s on there?"

Dominic’s hand settled on her head. "Ten years ago, Blackwood Industries was drowning in debt. Banks pulled out. Clients betrayed us. I had no choice but to take risks."

His voice hardened. "The property market was booming. I bribed Samuel Whitmore—then the vice secretary—for land to save the company. I didn’t expect that old fox to keep proof."

He met her eyes. "I have a solution. But you’ll need to play along. It might be hard on you for a while."

He’d already devised a plan.

One where they’d fake a breakup.

Evelyn didn’t hesitate. "I’ll do whatever it takes to clear your name."

She knew it meant harboring a crime. But for him? Without question.

She used to think women who took the fall for their lovers were fools.

Now she understood.

Love made people reckless. Willing to leap into the abyss.

For Dominic, she’d act.

For Dominic, she’d do far worse.