Axel leaned closer, his voice a low whisper meant only for her.
"It's tradition, Evelyn. Why are you so shy? Unless..." his lips curved faintly, "you secretly like me. Is that why you're hesitant?"
Evelyn's eyes widened, "Excuse me? You are the one who said there's no love in this marriage. No love, no kiss. End of story. That's the end of the tradition!"
Her words tumbled out faster than her heartbeat. She wanted to sound firm, but she could hear the slight tremor in her own voice. Wonderful. Exactly what she needed, the mighty, unreadable Axel Knight, knowing she was nervous.
But Axel didn't snap back. He didn't roll his eyes. Instead, his gaze flickered briefly toward Oliver—sitting on a chair, happily munching on cake like he was at the best show in town—before returning to her.
When Axel spoke again, his tone softened, low enough that only Evelyn could hear him in the midst of the continuous clicking of cameras.
