Simply Us

“What are you even planning to buy here?” Anastasia asked, confused as Evan led her into the store.

“Well, certainly not tires,” Evan joked, his lips twitching in amusement.

Anastasia rolled her eyes and pinched his arm. “Smartass.”

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself—but her confusion only deepened when she glanced around. Of all the places, he had brought her to a wedding boutique.

A wedding boutique.

The interior was nothing short of breathtaking. Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft golden glow over the polished marble floors. Rows of pristine white dresses lined the walls, shimmering with delicate lace, satin, and beads. Plush velvet couches in soft blush and cream were scattered throughout, offering a luxurious place for brides-to-be to sit and swoon over their dream gowns.

As soon as they stepped inside, the staff immediately bowed their heads—not at her, but at Evan. He didn’t acknowledge them beyond a curt nod, his usual cold and composed demeanor firmly in place.

“Bring me the catalog,” he said, his voice as icy as ever.

The staff scrambled to obey, returning moments later with an elegant leather-bound catalog. The manager herself handed it over, offering a nervous smile. Evan took it without a word and turned back to Anastasia, his entire demeanor softening as soon as his eyes met hers.

“Which dress do you like?” he asked gently, as if he hadn’t just barked orders at everyone else.

Anastasia sighed softly, closing the catalog in his hands before he could flip through it. “Evan, listen… I want to marry you but not like this.” Her voice was soft, but her words were firm.

For a moment, he just stared at her. His expression unreadable before lifting his hand and making a subtle gesture. Immediately, the staff bowed again and quietly slipped out, leaving them alone.

“What’s wrong?” Evan asked, his voice lower, gentler now that no one else was around.

“Everything is wrong,” Anastasia admitted, stepping closer. “I mean, considering everything that’s happened… and now suddenly wanting to get married? It’s too rushed. Too unexpected.”

A shadow crossed his face. “You’re still mad about Monica,” he said faintly, as if the thought physically hurt him. “I told you, Rose. I’ll cut ties with her. I’ll never see her again. I won’t let her come near us—”

“It’s not about Monica,” Anastasia cut in, shaking her head.

His jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “Then what is it?” Though he sounded calm, she could feel the tension rolling off him and could hear the faint tremor underneath his words. “Is it about the stalker? Don’t worry. I’ll settle it. I’ll protect you.”

Anastasia sighed again

“Do you really want to marry me?” she asked quietly.

“Absolutely,” Evan answered without hesitation.

“Do you love me?”

“Unconditionally.”

Her throat tightened. “Is it because of the stalker? Do you feel guilty, like you need to protect me?”

“No,” he said sternly, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. “I told you, even before the stalker, I already wanted to marry you. This has nothing to do with that. The stalker just…” His voice softened as he exhaled shakily. “It just made me realize how much I need you safe. That’s all.”

His eyes, usually so cold and unreadable were filled with something raw. Pleading.

“Please, rose,” he whispered. “I’m not trying to rush you. I’m not trying to trap you. I just… I love you. And I want a family with you. A real family.”

Anastasia’s heart softened. She reached up, brushing her fingers across his cheek, and he leaned into her touch like he needed it to breathe.

“But you do know, right?” she murmured. “I still have parents. You can’t just decide everything without them. And I’m not leaving my family behind."

Evan opened his eyes. "I know." A small smirk tugged at his lips. "But your parents already said they’re fine with it."

"Yes, but still—wait, what?" She pulled back slightly, eyes narrowing in confusion. "What do you mean, they’re fine with it?"

“I already met them,” he admitted, watching her reaction carefully.

Her mouth fell open. “When? How?”

“When you ran away,” he said softly. “I broke up with Monica and went to meet your parents.”

Anastasia blinked, struggling to process his words. “My dad said it was okay?”

“Yup,” Evan smirked faintly. “After he punched me, of course.”

“Huh?!” Anastasia’s jaw dropped. That… definitely wasn’t what she expected.

“Well,” Evan chuckled, “I hurt his princess. Of course, he was mad. But after that? He gave me his blessing.”

Anastasia let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. "I can’t believe this."

Evan grumbled under his breath. "Thats it? You care about some stranger getting punched, but you don’t even ask if I was okay?"

Anastasia blinked. "What stranger?" Then she realized. "Oh my god, are you still mad about the photographer?"

Evan narrowed his eyes, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

Anastasia burst into laughter.

She cupped his cheeks, grinning. "Did my Evan get hurt, hm?"

Evan exhaled through his nose, then smirked. "I'm fine. But…" He tilted his head slightly. "Kiss me under my eye."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because that’s where your dad punched me."

Anastasia giggled, tilting his head slightly to examine him. “There’s no bruise. I’m pretty sure it’s already healed.”

“Rose…” His voice was low, almost teasing.

Rolling her eyes fondly, she leaned up and pressed a soft kiss beneath his eye. “Happy now?”

“Almost.” His lips curved into a smirk. “More.”

Laughing softly, she kissed the same spot again, lingering a little longer this time.

Before she could pull away, Evan tilted her chin up and captured her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. One that melted away all her worries, one that whispered you’re mine without saying a word.