**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 113: Digging A Little Deeper**
[Third-Person]
Alexander found himself in a delightful predicament. As much as he yearned to surrender to another passionate embrace with his beloved wife, he opted instead for a more tender approach. He pulled Evelyn close, enveloping them both in the fragrant, clean aroma of the body wash he gently applied. With each deliberate movement, he kneaded away the soreness that clung to her tired muscles, focusing on one area at a time, as if trying to erase the remnants of her fatigue.
Evelyn surrendered to the soothing sensations, her eyes fluttering shut as a series of soft, appreciative sounds escaped her lips. She felt herself melting into his touch, her head tilting back against his shoulder, seeking the comfort of his presence.
“Please,” she whispered, her voice a mix of longing and vulnerability.
The warmth radiating from her body only heightened Alexander’s own desire, and he could feel his arousal growing as she pushed back against him, instinctively seeking more. However, he swiftly captured her hips, holding her in place with a gentle but firm grip.
“Ah, ah,” he chided softly, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. “I know you’re too sore for anything more right now.”
Evelyn didn’t argue; the truth of his words resonated with her. The tenderness of her body reminded her that she was still recovering, but she cherished the way he cared for her in this moment, his affection evident in every stroke.
Once they finished their morning ritual, Alexander and Evelyn made their way to the dining room for breakfast. The familiar sounds of the household staff bustling about greeted them, each person engrossed in their daily tasks, as if nothing had shifted in their world.
Yet for Alexander, everything felt irrevocably transformed. It was as if a new light had been cast over their lives, illuminating even the darkest corners.
A smile threatened to break free every time he glanced at Evelyn. She was radiant, practically glowing with a warmth that made his heart swell.
How was he supposed to concentrate on work when the temptation to sweep her off her feet and return to their shared sanctuary was so strong?
“Get a grip, Alexander,” he admonished himself internally, trying to rein in his racing thoughts.
They settled at the table, enveloped in a comfortable silence as they enjoyed their breakfast. The morning had unfolded perfectly, almost too idyllic to be real.
However, the earlier thoughts that had plagued him began to resurface, refusing to be ignored. Edward’s story left a nagging feeling in his gut, a sense of unease that he couldn’t shake off. He knew that probing too deeply into the matter might upset Evelyn, but the need for clarity gnawed at him relentlessly.
“Evelyn?” he ventured cautiously, breaking the tranquil silence.
“Hmm?” She lifted her gaze from her tea, her expression curious.
“I know discussing your brother isn’t easy for you,” he began, choosing his words carefully. “But there are a few details that don’t sit right with me.”
Evelyn nodded slowly, encouraging him to continue.
“He mentioned that his motorcycle was side-swiped by a car. But what happened to the car afterward? And the driver?”
Setting her cup down, Evelyn took a moment to gather her thoughts. “We were told that he died on impact after crashing into a building,” she replied, her tone steady but shadowed by an undercurrent of sadness.
“I see,” he murmured, trying to mask the dread that was creeping into his heart. Could it be mere coincidence that the driver in his own car accident had also perished in a crash?
A sickening feeling churned in his stomach. The next question hung heavily in the air, poised to either reveal something far more sinister or to dispel his fears entirely.
“Where exactly did the accident take place?” he asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
She tilted her head thoughtfully, taking a steadying breath. “Um, it was just outside the next town over… Hollygrove, I believe.”
His entire body froze. Panic surged through him, his heart pounding furiously against his ribcage as he fought to maintain his composed facade.
Hollygrove.
That name echoed ominously in his mind, reminding him of the headlines that had blared across the nation about the tragic crash. It struck him as odd that, during the initial investigation, he hadn’t heard much about any other casualties. He had instructed his solicitors to handle any damages, but what if one of those casualties had been Evelyn’s brother?

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