Chapter 8

Evelyn Langley hadn't done manual labor like this in years.

During her time with Nathan Evans, she'd barely lifted a finger.

Even during his early startup days when money was tight, they'd always hired an hourly maid for cleaning.

Finishing the last bucket of paint, Evelyn rubbed her aching lower back.

Years of comfortable living had made her soft...

She stepped into the hallway to fetch more paint supplies.

Her foot accidentally knocked over a paint can near the neighbor's door.

Though she caught it quickly, some paint still spilled.

As she frantically mopped the mess, the previously closed door swung open.

Their eyes met. Both froze mid-apology.

"You live here?"

"What a coincidence?"

Adrian Klein glanced at the paint stains, then at the supplies behind her.

"You're the one moving in today?"

Evelyn hadn't expected this either. "Looks like we'll be neighbors."

A flicker of surprise crossed Adrian's eyes.

He'd chosen this modest walk-up for its proximity to the lab and campus.

But the lack of elevators and basic amenities made it unsuitable for a woman living alone.

Noticing her still cleaning, Adrian turned back inside.

"Wait a moment."

He returned with a folding ladder. "This will make painting easier."

"Thank you."

With proper equipment, the work progressed quickly.

By noon, the dingy walls looked fresh and bright.

That afternoon, she visited the furniture store for a sofa, table, and chairs.

The transformed space now glowed with warmth.

Golden lamplight illuminated sun-dried linens.

Lush greenery thrived on the windowsill. Plush throw pillows adorned the lounge chair.

Though compact, every corner radiated cozy charm.

"Nice job with the place," Sophia Laurent remarked during their video call.

"Still the interior design queen from our dorm days."

Evelyn smiled. "Home should feel special."

"You're handling this better than I expected." Sophia hesitated.

"Starting over... it's good."

After hanging up, Evelyn gazed out the window.

At least it wasn't too late.

By six, hunger pangs reminded Evelyn to check the fridge.

She quickly prepared sandwiches and millet congee from the bread, vegetables, and grains.

Returning the ladder, she brought Adrian a portion.

He'd been editing research data in his study when the knock interrupted.

"Thanks for the ladder. I made extra dinner."

Her eyes sparkled in the hallway light.

Adrian accepted the container with thanks and resumed work.

Hunger finally struck at eight.

As he reached for his phone to order takeout, his gaze landed on the untouched meal.

The thermal layer kept everything warm.

Crispy bacon and perfectly cooked eggs filled the sandwich.

The congee offered comforting smoothness.

His brow relaxed—a rare sign of satisfaction.

The flavors... surpassed expectations.

At ten, returning from his nightly run, Adrian spotted Evelyn collecting a package at the complex entrance.

Her signature topknot made her easy to spot in the crowd.

"Evening stroll?"

"Just finished running?"

They spoke simultaneously.

Evelyn lifted the parcel. "Grabbed a delivery."

"The dinner was excellent. Thank you."

"I should be thanking you."

Children's laughter drifted from the nearby park.

"It's lively here."

Compared to the Evans mansion's tomb-like silence, this place brimmed with life.

Adrian followed her gaze.

After two months here, he'd never noticed before.

"Just got word—Professor Roland will be home tomorrow."

A pause.

"I'm going at ten. Would you like to join?"

"Tomorrow?"

Evelyn's pulse quickened.

Nervousness crept in as the moment approached.

"Problem?"

"No."

Adrian noted her tension but didn't pry.

Privacy wasn't his to invade.

That night, sleep eluded Evelyn.

Rain pattered against the window by dawn.

She rose early to prepare.

At precisely ten, knocking sounded at her door.

She opened it immediately, fully ready.

Adrian blinked at her promptness. "Let's go."