Andrew stirred awake, a rare sense of contentment washing over him as he noticed Eva nestled beside him. He glanced at the clock—9:15 a.m. Sunlight poured through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on her face, illuminating her soft features. He found himself mesmerized, his gaze lingering on the way her eyelashes fluttered as she dreamed, a slight frown creasing her brow.

"Where have you been all my life?" he thought, reaching out to brush a loose strand of hair from her face. She looked so peaceful, so vulnerable, that he couldn’t resist leaning down, placing the gentlest kiss on her lips. He pulled back, struck by his own reaction. Even while she slept, she had a strange power over him, making him feel weak, unguarded.

"God, you make me weak, Eva," he whispered with a quiet chuckle, rising reluctantly from the bed. As he showered, a hopeful feeling settled over him. Things seemed to be slowly shifting between them, and he could sense it.

Meanwhile, Eva awoke feeling conflicted. She could no longer deny the feelings stirring in her heart, yet Andrew’s enigmatic, often cold demeanor left her doubting everything. She didn’t know about the stolen kisses or the quiet confessions he whispered when he thought she was asleep. Her chest tightened as she considered what staying with him might mean for her heart. If he didn’t return her feelings, she’d eventually be shattered.

"I can’t stay here without love," she murmured, slipping out of bed and heading quietly to her own room, where she gathered herself before heading downstairs.

When Andrew emerged from the bathroom to an empty bed, a wave of disappointment hit him. Quickly, he dressed and headed downstairs, only to spot her speaking with his father. She looked serious, her tone soft as she spoke. Unbeknownst to him, she was expressing doubts to Leonard about whether their marriage could work without love.

“Eva!” he called as he hurried towards her. “We need to leave now.” His voice came out sharper than intended, but he didn’t realize the effect it had, nor the flicker of irritation that crossed his father’s face.

"Eva, why don’t you join us for breakfast?" Vanessa asked, noting Andrew’s abrupt tone.

“Thank you, but we’re in a hurry,” she said softly, casting a quick glance at Andrew before following him.

"Honestly, that boy needs a good scolding," Leonard muttered as they walked off.

Vanessa smirked, resting her hand on her husband’s arm. “Well, he is your son, after all.”

In the car, Andrew informed Eva that they’d have to grab something quick on the way. "There’s no time to waste, especially with launch day ahead."

The company was already a flurry of activity when they arrived. Employees moved around briskly, the tension in the air almost palpable. Andrew’s stoic demeanor only seemed to add to the gravity of the day as he took stock of everything.

"Sir, we have a press meeting in fifteen minutes," Edward informed him.

“Adrien and Tristan will join me,” Andrew replied coolly.

“Great,” Adrien muttered, rolling his eyes. “I’m sure you both will be as talkative as ever.”

Tristan smirked, nudging him. “The job’s yours, Adrien. Your face says it all.”

At the press meeting, James introduced Adrien as the lead designer for the new line. Questions flew from the reporters, especially curious about the collaboration between King Corporation and the startup fashion house.

"Mr. King, why would you choose to collaborate with a new company rather than an established one?" a reporter asked.

Andrew’s expression remained calm as he answered. “A partnership isn’t about how established a company is, but about the quality and innovation they bring. Foster Industries has that vision.”

Tristan fielded the next question. When asked if he was next in line to lead Foster Industries, he replied icily, "I’m only here to discuss the new line. Any other questions about my role in Foster are personal."

Adrien, noticing the tension rising, chimed in to steer the meeting back on course. “Our new collection embraces a Bohemian aesthetic—bold, unconventional, free-spirited,” he explained, detailing the inspiration.

But the atmosphere shifted again as a bolder reporter brought up Andrew’s personal life. “Mr. King, it’s rumored that your original bride ran away, and you ended up marrying her sister. Is that true?”

The room went silent, and Andrew’s face darkened. Without hesitation, he pulled Eva to his side. “This is my wife,” he declared, his voice leaving no room for doubt.

“Andrew,” she whispered, shocked.

The reporter’s eyes flicked between them. “Miss, are you Jessica Foster?”

Andrew’s eyes blazed as he held her tighter, his arm wrapped protectively around her. “Her name is Eva Andrew King,” he said icily. “She is my one and only wife. Remember that name.”

Without waiting for further questions, he grabbed Eva’s hand and stormed out, leaving the room stunned.

“What a mess,” Tristan murmured, glaring at the reporters. He pointed his gun menacingly, causing a collective intake of breath. “I trust you’ll keep your stories focused on the collection launch.”

When Andrew returned, he looked calm, his voice devoid of anger. “You may include my wife’s name in your article. I want the world to know Eva is my wife.”

Adrien exchanged a worried glance with Tristan. “Andrew, it’s risky. Your enemies—”

“Let them try,” Andrew replied sharply. “I can protect my wife.”

As Andrew walked off, Adrien sighed. “If he loves her so much, why doesn’t he just tell her?”

“His pride,” Tristan replied, his jaw tightening. “It’s eating at him, and he’s hurting her with it.”

Adrien shook his head, a hint of a smile softening his features. “Love’s not so easy. If you were in love, maybe you’d understand.”

Tristan shrugged, brushing off Adrien’s words. “I’m fine being single.”

Adrien chuckled knowingly, watching his friend, “We’ll see about that.”

Back in the hallway, Andrew slowed his pace as he approached Eva, who stood by the windows overlooking the bustling city below. She turned, catching the look of intensity in his eyes.

“What was that all about?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Andrew’s expression softened as he stepped closer, cupping her face in his hands. “I meant what I said, Eva. I want everyone to know who you are to me. I’m done letting anyone question you or us.”

Eva’s heart skipped a beat as his thumb brushed her cheek. “Andrew…”

Without another word, he leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both tender and full of unspoken promises. For a moment, they stood there, lost in each other, as the world and all its complications faded into the background.