C11 She Still Doesn't Want a Child!

Never brought a woman home to stay the night before?

So, was she the first woman Uncle had ever brought home?

Clutching the agreement, Evelyn's heart swelled with a tumult of emotions.

She and Uncle had only met a few times; their knowledge of each other barely scratched the surface.

For some reason, despite her resolve last night, she found herself hesitating now.

Caught in her indecision, Dan's voice abruptly called out, "Young Master."

Young Master?

Had Uncle returned?

Evelyn looked toward the hall entrance.

Through the flickering light, Leslie was wheeling himself into the room.

Dressed in a grey suit, it impeccably accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist.

His striking features were set in a firm expression, his thin lips exuding an air of commanding presence.

Evelyn stood and hurried over to him.

Positioning herself behind him, she took over the wheelchair, then leaned in close to whisper, "Uncle, you're back."

Approaching him, she involuntarily shivered.

It was so cold.

Perhaps he had brought the chill of the mist inside with him.

Leslie's demeanor softened in response to Evelyn's actions. "Hmm."

Evelyn wanted to speak, but sensing his mood, she remained silent.

She wheeled Leslie to the dining table and came to a halt.

Noticing the unsigned marriage agreement on the table, Leslie's gaze intensified, a surge of animosity emanating from him.

He turned to her, his voice hardened, "Having second thoughts?"

Evelyn, caught off guard, jolted at his abrupt inquiry. "Ah?"

She froze, her dark eyes locked onto Leslie's.

Noticing her reaction, a barely perceptible glint flickered in Leslie's eyes.

He took a few seconds to steady himself before asking again, "Are you having regrets now?"

Realizing what he meant, Evelyn paused, then gathered her courage to speak, "Uncle, could I possibly sign it later?"

She couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze, her head bowed, fingers entwined like a child who had erred.

Yet that penetrating stare rested upon her, as if seeing right through her. "Why?"

Evelyn finally looked up at him, her words halting, "I... I just think it's all happening too fast."

Indeed, it felt incredibly rushed to her. After all, they had only met less than two days ago.

Leslie's face remained stoic, yet the temperature around them seemed to plummet in an instant.

"You've already given your word, so there's no turning back now," he stated firmly.

His voice was icy, brooking no argument.

"Uncle, it's not that I'm having second thoughts, it's just... I'm not ready to have children..." Evelyn's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as her voice trailed off to a whisper.

She was still so young herself; how could she possibly think about raising a child?

At her words, the fierce intensity that had been radiating from Leslie eased somewhat.

He cracked a slight smile and reassured her, "We'll think about kids after you graduate and we're married."

Leslie's gaze was earnest, his words sincere.

Evelyn's mind flashed back to the events of the previous night. Even in such a situation, Uncle had been so forthright.

Guilt began to gnaw at her. If it hadn't been for Leslie, she might now be married to that older man.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Shaking off the fear, she was about to express her gratitude to Leslie when suddenly, an object was pressed into her hand.