Andrew carried Eva to the bed and gently placed her down, his intense gaze meeting hers as she lay quietly.

“What?” he asked, noticing her watching him.

Eva shook her head softly. “It’s nothing.”

“Still thinking about what Josh said?” Andrew sighed, sitting down beside her. His fingers caressed her hair, brushing it away from her face.

Eva hesitated before nodding, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She shifted forward, resting her head on his lap and wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. “I just can’t stop replaying it in my mind. I thought people in college were nice to me, but they were all talking behind my back,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Andrew’s hand continued to stroke her hair tenderly. “Sweetheart, don’t think about what others say. People who don’t know you will always gossip. It’s easier to spread rumors than seek the truth,” he said, his voice steady, grounding her.

“But I feel like such a fool,” Eva murmured, clutching him tighter. “How do I prove them wrong?”

Andrew’s expression softened. “You don’t have to. I’ll do it for you,” he assured her, his voice filled with quiet determination. “I’ll make sure everyone knows the truth. I promise.”

Eva pulled back slightly to look up at him. “Andrew, why does Jessica hate me so much?” she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

Andrew’s jaw tightened, but he waited as Eva continued.

“When we were in college, Jessica once came into my room and said my wardrobe was boring. She convinced me to wear this outfit she prepared for me—it was so revealing. I didn’t want to wear it, but I didn’t want to make her angry, either. So, I put it on,” Eva explained, her voice growing quieter. “She took a picture of me in it, saying she’d delete it if I didn’t like it. When I refused to wear the dress out, she acted like it was fine. But later that day, everyone in college was whispering about me and looking at me strangely. I didn’t know why until I found out she had posted that picture in the school’s group forum.”

Andrew’s fingers curled into fists at his sides as he listened to her story. “I never knew she could be so hateful,” Eva said, her voice breaking.

“Whatever happened in the past is over now,” Andrew said, his tone low and dangerous. “I’ll make her pay for every tear she’s caused you. She’ll regret ever trying to hurt you.” His eyes burned with resolve as he wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You’re such a crybaby,” he teased softly, leaning down to place a kiss on each of her eyes.

“I’m not!” Eva pouted, playfully pushing him.

Andrew grinned, catching her wrist and pushing her gently back onto the bed, hovering over her. “Where do you think you’re running off to, hmm?” His voice was teasing, but his eyes held a glimmer of something deeper.

Eva’s cheeks flushed under his gaze. “Andrew,” she stammered. “What are you doing?”

“I wish I could hide you away from all of this,” he murmured, nipping lightly at her collarbone.

“Ahh, Andrew, that hurts!” she exclaimed.

“Does it?” He smirked, his lips brushing against hers. “Let’s escape, Eva. Let’s go to Greece for our honeymoon.”

“Honeymoon?” she asked, blinking in surprise.

Before she could react further, Andrew kissed her passionately. Eva froze momentarily but then found herself reciprocating. The kiss deepened, leaving her breathless when Andrew finally pulled away. He smiled, his hand resting against her cheek.

“I want kids with you,” he confessed.

Eva’s eyes widened. “Kids? Andrew, are you okay? You’re not secretly drunk, are you?”

“I’m completely sober, sweetheart,” he chuckled. “I’m not joking. I want babies with you.”

Her cheeks turned scarlet, and she closed her eyes tightly in embarrassment. “Andrew, you’re making me...”

“Making you what?” he teased, leaning closer to nibble on her ear before trailing kisses down her neck.

“Andrew, you’re acting so different,” she said, her voice breathy, her body trembling under his touch.

He rested his head against her chest, feeling her heartbeat race beneath his ear. “Let’s lie here like this for a while, please,” he murmured, holding her tightly.

A knock at the door interrupted the moment, and a maid announced that dinner had been brought up. Andrew refused to let go of Eva, even as she squirmed in embarrassment. “The maid will see us like this,” she hissed.

Andrew shrugged. “This is our room, our private space. I don’t care.”

The maid quickly set the food on the table and left, hiding her smile. Eva groaned in embarrassment as Andrew chuckled. “Let’s eat before it gets cold,” he said, finally releasing her.

Dinner was a quiet affair, but Andrew’s playful mood returned as soon as they finished. “So, do you have an answer for me about having kids?” he asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Andrew!” Eva exclaimed, blushing furiously as she lightly smacked his arm. “I like kids, but I hate the... process.”

“Process?” Andrew raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

She squeezed her eyes shut. “I heard the first time is really painful,” she mumbled.

Andrew’s grin softened into something more genuine. “It will be, but I’ll be there with you. I’ll make sure it’s short-lived. Don’t worry—I’m not claiming you tonight.”

Relief washed over her face, but Andrew still pulled her into his arms as they lay back on the bed. Eva rested against him, feeling safe and warm.

“Andrew,” she murmured. “Why didn’t your grandparents come to our wedding?”

Andrew’s expression darkened briefly, but he kissed her forehead. “I’ll tell you later when the time is right. It has nothing to do with you, I promise.”

She nodded, sensing that the topic was a heavy one. “Let’s sleep,” he said, scooting over to give her space as she requested.

However, as Andrew’s breathing evened out and he drifted off to sleep, Eva found herself unable to resist. She slid closer, curling up against his side, and finally allowed herself to rest in the safety of his arms.