𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔

CHAPTER 31

The dinner stretched on, seemingly endless, much to Evangeline's dismay. With every sip of wine, Klein seemed to loosen up more and more, his laughter becoming louder and his jokes more frequent. Evangeline tried to keep up with the conversation, but as the evening wore on, she found herself growing increasingly exhausted.

By the time they finished their meal, Klein was noticeably tipsy, his words slurring slightly as he spoke. Concerned for his well-being, Evangeline discreetly signaled to Klein's bodyguards for assistance. With their help, they gently guided Klein out of the restaurant and into the awaiting car.

Despite Klein's inebriated state, he managed to mumble his gratitude as they settled him into the backseat. Evangeline gave a reassuring nod to the bodyguards before climbing into the driver's seat and starting the car.

The drive back home was quiet and Evangeline glanced at him occasionally, his slumped posture and closed eyes was almost a sight unexpected to see.

Once they arrived home, the driver parked the car and Evangeline once again sought the assistance of the bodyguards to help carry Klein inside. Together, they carefully maneuvered him into the house and settled him into his room.

As Evangeline fetched a glass of water for Klein, she couldn't help but appreciate the vulnerability he is showing her.

"Klein? Here, have some water," Evangeline said softly, guiding the glass to his lips.

The cool liquid seemed to sober him up slightly, and he squinted his eyes to focus on her blurry figure.

"Hm... Daphnie?" he mumbled, his voice slurred with drunkenness, mentioning a name that caught Evangeline off guard.

Quickly composing herself, Evangeline cleared her throat and offered a gentle correction, "It's Evangeline."

At the mention of her name, Klein let out an unconscious groan, almost as if he didn't want her there.

Evangeline felt a pang of hurt at his reaction but pushed it aside, maintaining her composure. "Let me help you change, okay?" she offered, placing the glass on the bedside table before starting to assist the drunken Klein.

Evangeline carefully helped Klein remove his tie and guided him to sit on the edge of the bed. She then proceeded to unbutton his shirt, her movements gentle and precise despite the discomfort she felt at his earlier words.

As she worked, Klein's drunken murmurs filled the room, occasionally interspersed with nonsensical phrases. Evangeline tried to ignore them, focusing on the task at hand.

Once she had helped him change into more comfortable clothes, Evangeline tucked him into bed and turned to leave the room. But before she could step away, Klein reached out and grabbed her hand.

"Stay," he slurred, his voice barely audible.

Evangeline hesitated, unsure of what to do. Despite his earlier behavior, she couldn't bring herself to leave him alone in this state. So, with a sigh, she settled into the chair beside his bed, keeping a watchful eye over him as he drifted off to sleep.

She stared into the sleeping Klein and sighed. "I should go back to my room. I'll turn off the lights, okay?" She informs him and turns the lights off forgetting to turn the electric lamp on. Just as her hand found the bedside table where the lamp was, she was then grabbed by the waist and thrown onto the bed.

"Oh my god, what was that?" She nervously exclaims as she couldn't see in the dark.

Evangeline's heart raced as she felt herself being pulled onto the bed in the darkness.

It was so dark that she could barely make out Klein's silhouette looming over her. His grip on her waist was firm, yet strangely gentle, and she could feel his breath on her skin as he leaned in closer.

"It's just me," Klein murmured, his voice low and husky. "I thought you might be more comfortable here."

Evangeline's initial fear began to ebb away, replaced by a mix of confusion and apprehension. She wasn't sure what to make of Klein's sudden shift in behavior, especially in his inebriated state.

"Klein, I appreciate the gesture, but I really should go back to my room," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach.

But Klein seemed determined to have her stay. Without another word, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together. Evangeline's breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of his embrace.

She allowed him to drift back into what seemed like a deep slumber, his breathing becoming steady and calm. Thinking he was finally asleep, Evangeline cautiously attempted to extricate herself from his embrace, gently pushing against his chest to create some space between them.

However, instead of loosening his grip, Klein instinctively pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her with a strength that took her by surprise. Evangeline's heart raced as she felt Klein's grip tighten around her, preventing her from pulling away. Panic surged through her veins as she realized she was trapped in his embrace.

"Klein, please," she pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Let me go."

But Klein didn't respond, his breathing steady and deep as if he were truly asleep. Evangeline's mind raced with fear and confusion, unsure of what to do next.

Her trembling hand gently tried to pry his arms away, but they only tightened around her, holding her in place. She felt a wave of helplessness wash over her as she realized she was completely at his mercy.

Desperation clawed at her chest as she struggled against his hold, her attempts to break free growing more frantic by the second. But no matter how hard she tried, Klein's grip remained unyielding, trapping her in a suffocating embrace.

With a resigned sigh, Evangeline realized that she was trapped and left with no choice but to surrender to the warmth and closeness of his embrace.

In the end as she was overcomed by the warmth of Klein's embrace and the fatigue of the day's events, Evangeline found herself gradually succumbing to sleep

The very next day, Evangeline woke up alone in Klein's bed as the morning light filtered through the curtains. Instead of dwelling on the empty space beside her, she focused on the sense of tranquility that enveloped her. It was the first time in a long while that she had slept so soundly.

A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she recalled how Klein had comforted her in the middle of the night, murmuring soothing words as he gently rubbed her belly to ease her discomfort. The memory brought a warm flutter to her heart, dispelling any lingering sense of loneliness.

As she stretched lazily in bed, Evangeline noticed something different. The queasiness that had plagued her for days seemed to have subsided. It was as if the worries and anxieties of the past weeks had lifted, leaving her feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Evangeline decided to step out of the bedroom the moment she smelled the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen. As she made her way down the hallway, the delicious scent grew stronger, filling her senses with anticipation.

When she entered the kitchen, she found Klein busy at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes on a sizzling griddle. The sight of him cooking brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly he seemed to move around the kitchen.

"Good morning," she greeted him, her voice filled with warmth.

"Morning." Klein greeted her with a genuine smile for the first time.