Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 53: The Late-Night Evaluation

Evander leaned against the doorframe of Ashton’s bedroom, a soft smile curling his lips as he watched Julian pull the blanket over Ashton. The soft glow of the nightlight lit up the boy’s calm face, a sight that always brought a sense of peace. With steady hands, Julian tucked the blanket around Ashton, like he’d done a hundred times before.

Julian straightened, his face softening as he glanced back at Evander. Turning off the light, Julian tiptoed out of the room, closing the door with a quiet click. Evander moved over, letting his brother catch up before they headed downstairs together.

In the living room, Delphinia sat on the couch, her legs curled up beneath her, scrolling through her phone. She looked up when she heard their footsteps and offered Julian a polite smile.

"I’ll head out now," Julian announced, grabbing his jacket from the back of a chair. His tone was casual, with just a trace of the kindness he’d shown since they first met.

"Take care," Delphinia said, rising from the couch. She hesitated when Julian stepped forward, arms slightly outstretched. Not knowing what else to do, she gave him a clumsy hug back. It was brief but friendly, Julian patting her lightly on the back before stepping away.

Evander chuckled under his breath at Delphinia’s flustered expression. "I’ll walk you out," he said to Julian, motioning toward the front door.

Julian followed him, slipping his hands into his coat pockets as they made their way outside. The cool night breeze hit them, making Julian shiver as he leaned on his car.

Evander leaned casually against the pillar, watching his brother with an amused expression. "So," he began, crossing his arms, "did she pass the test?"

Julian lifted an eyebrow, playing dumb. "What test?"

Evander smirked, shaking his head. "Cut the act. I know you’re here to check out Delphinia. Just admit it."

Julian sighed dramatically, a teasing glint in his eye. "Fine. But ’evaluate’ sounds so harsh. Let’s call it...curiosity. I wanted to see what kind of woman could put up with you." He grinned, though his tone turned serious as he added, "And what kind of woman would marry into this family."

Evander’s smirk faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it. "And?"

Julian’s gaze grew thoughtful as he leaned against the car door. "To be honest, I was surprised. Out of all the women you could’ve chosen, you married the eldest Harrington daughter. Not just any woman, but one who just came out of a divorce." He folded his arms, his expression now serious. "I’m not judging her for that, but it’s not exactly what I expected from you. And the way it happened—so sudden, no buildup—it’s not like you."

Evander said nothing, just kept looking out at the street, letting the silence speak for him.

Julian’s lips pressed into a thin line. "You guys didn’t even tell the Harringtons, did you?" he asked quietly.

He shook his head slightly, making it clear he meant no. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Julian let out a low whistle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Man, you really don’t do things the easy way, do you?"

Evander gave a faint chuckle, though it lacked humor. "Since when have I ever?"

The two brothers stayed silent, the soft chirping of crickets the only sound in the still night. Then Julian broke the tension with a soft smile. "Despite everything, I’ll give you this—she’s a good woman. Kind, thoughtful, and she clearly cares about Ashton. You’ve got good instincts, Evander."

Evander’s smirk came back, though his gaze stayed serious. "Glad to have your approval."

"I mean, she’s a thousand times better than... well, you know." He didn’t finish, but the meaning was crystal clear.

Evander’s face darkened instantly, his smirk disappearing. His jaw tightened, and his gaze sharpened. "Sure she is," he muttered, barely masking the storm behind it.

Evander knew exactly who Julian was talking about, but he didn’t want to bring that person up ever again. Not now, not ever.

Julian sighed, realizing too late that he’d stepped into dangerous territory. "Evander, I didn’t mean to—"

"Don’t," Evander cut him off, his tone flat and final.

Julian shifted uncomfortably, fiddling with his car keys. "Right. I should probably head out," he said, clearing his throat. "Take it easy, yeah?"

Without waiting for a reply, he unlocked his car and opened the car door, pausing before getting in. "If anything goes south, you know I’ve got your back, right?"

Evander nodded, his voice low but sincere. "Appreciate it. But you’ve got enough on your plate. Just focus on finishing school, ok?"

Julian grinned. "Don’t worry, I can multitask." He slid into the driver’s seat, giving Evander a mock salute before starting the engine. "Take care of yourself and my nephew. Also her."

Evander stepped back, raising a hand in farewell as Julian drove off into the night. He stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear down the street before turning back toward the house.

The soft light from the living room greeted him as he stepped inside. Delphinia was still seated on the couch, her gaze flicking up to meet his. "What’s with the smile?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

"Nothing," Evander replied, though the corners of his lips twitched upward again.

Delphinia raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "You’re a terrible liar."

Evander chuckled, shaking his head as he walked over to join her. "Just thinking about how you managed to survive Julian’s visit."

Delphinia rolled her eyes, though a small smile played on her lips. "He wasn’t that bad."

"He’s worse when he’s being nice," Evander teased, settling onto the couch beside her.

Delphinia laughed softly, leaning back against the cushions. "Well, if that was his version of ’evaluating’ me, I think I did okay."

Evander’s gaze softened as he watched her. "You did more than okay," he said quietly.

Delphinia glanced at him, caught off guard by how genuine he sounded. For a moment, they simply just looked at each other.