Chapter 680

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Evelyn Carter remained deep in sleep.

The sound of running water from the bathroom gradually roused her. She realized she'd overslept. A dull ache spread through her body as if she'd been run over by a truck.

Alexander Hamilton emerged with damp hair just as she sat up, rubbing her lower back.

"Did I wake you?" He shook droplets from his bangs. "I wanted to let you sleep longer."

Before Evelyn could respond, firecrackers exploded outside with deafening cracks.

The sudden noise jolted them both awake. Alexander instinctively covered his ears.

"The temple fair has started." Evelyn parted the curtains slightly. "Those are ceremonial firecrackers to welcome the deities."

They hurriedly got ready and bought freshly fried pastries from a street vendor. The golden crust cracked open to reveal sweet red bean paste that stretched into silken threads with each bite.

The main thoroughfare was already packed with crowds.

Alexander shielded Evelyn from the jostling masses, his arm a protective barrier around her waist. Through the fabric, she could feel the heat radiating from his skin.

"I'll get soy milk." Evelyn seized the chance to step sideways.

But as she turned, two playing children came barreling toward her.

"Watch out!"

Alexander grabbed her wrist. In that split second, the second child collided with them.

Evelyn tumbled straight into his chest.

Her lips brushed against the prominent curve of his Adam's apple.

Both froze.

Alexander's throat moved with a swallow. Flustered, Evelyn reached for a tissue but found her pockets empty.

"Use this." Suddenly he lifted her hand and, under her stunned gaze, gently wiped her fingers across his throat.

"Since...you already got pastry sugar on me anyway."

Her ears burned. Just as she tried to pull away, twin voices piped up behind them.

"Sorry, miss!" The identical boys chorused.

Their mother offered profuse apologies before enthusiastically explaining the fair's traditions: "The fortune sticks are especially accurate today, though the lines are terribly long..."

Evelyn's gaze drifted toward the distant temple veiled in incense smoke, her expression softening.

"Want to go?" Alexander asked.

She gave a small nod. "I never believed in these things before...but now I'd like to try."

The deity procession advanced in a vibrant parade. Bare-chested men carried the sacred palanquin, their bronzed skin gleaming under the sun. Elderly participants matched the younger carriers' steady pace without faltering.

"Village life builds endurance," Evelyn observed. "Farmers have far more strength than office workers."

Alexander studied her profile thoughtfully. "You seem...familiar with this?"

Her eyes focused beyond the bustling crowd into the distance. "I visited my father's hometown a few times as a child."

The quiet words made Alexander's chest tighten.

This time, when his fingers interlaced with hers, Evelyn didn't pull away.