"Axel, you haven't told me who that man is," Evelyn asked, her curiosity returning now that her heartbeat had finally calmed. "And how are you handling the gossip news out there?"
For a brief second, Axel's expression soured.
It was subtle. Quick.
But she saw it.
His jaw tightened almost invisibly before he regained his usual calm composure.
"Eve," he said slowly, "before I tell you who that man is, I need to ask you something."
Her eyes flickered at once. Again? Why did he always answer her questions with questions?
A faint unease curled in her chest. "Why am I suddenly worried about your question?" she asked honestly, her tone half-teasing, half anxious.
Axel smiled gently. He reached up and brushed his thumb along her cheek in a soft, reassuring touch.
"Don't worry, my wife," he murmured. "I'm not about to confess another shocking secret."
"That's not comforting."
He chuckled softly.
