Evelina and the Ruby Castle

Alexander just finished his business. He called his team and had a meeting regarding their sudden change of plan. Their sudden change of plan was because of Alexi. Alexi was at the meeting. He discussed and convey his plans to them. They were mostly discussing Evelina's condition, level, and training. They decided on her schedules for her training.

As soon as the meeting was adjourned, Alexander fled to his bedroom. He saw the beautiful and mesmerizing Evelina was lying on the floor. Her face was pale and blue veins of her temple was now visible. Her sweat was falling down. A glint of uneasiness appeared on his face. He immediately approached the woman and see whether she was still breathing or not. He placed his index finger under her nose. Fortunately, there was still air coming out. He then checked her pulse; it was still beating normally yet her complexion wasn't normal. He cradled as he carried her and placed her on his bed. He placed his hand on her forehead, it was burning hot. Earlier when he was checking her pulse, her body temperature was still normal like him. Now that he felt that her body was starting to heat up, he instantly checked his first-aid kit that was available. He had really forgotten what was the most important—medicines. He failed to supply his storage. Back when he was in Diamond, he would always store his bag with medicines.

The woman in front of him, suddenly reddened. Her face was flushed, feeling her need to satisfy her sexual needs. Out of the blue, she sat up and clung to his neck. She was panting, wanting to grasp some air. "Alexander, what took you so long? Why did you leave me?" she leaned onto him and kissed his lips.

Alexander widened his eyes in shock. In situations like this, Alexander would've pushed her and give her a punch. However, he felt like he was drawn to her more. Her rosy lips tasted like vanilla with a tinge of strawberry.

Evelina was so glad that he responded to the kiss. 'Alexander, you have to remember the past!'. She held the back of his head and passionately kiss him. Soon after she finished the meal, she felt like her world was collapsing. There were lost memories that seemed to be hers that she remembered. Although the memory was a little vague, she knew that it was hers. When she first met Alexander, she knew that he was so familiar to her. Thus, everything seems to be clear to her! There was a connection deep between them.

A long time ago…

Evelina was 18 years old. She attended the ball with her family in the Maximus Palace. The Stepanov family was the host of the ball and was there to introduce Evelina to everyone in the kingdom. She wore an off-shoulder charming champagne ball gown with a plunging neckline that was appliqued with flower lace pearls; it revealed her beautiful collarbones and her slender neck; her fair, porcelain skin that was like the brilliant stars shining bright. It was night yet she wore simple makeup. She simply held her long straight hair back. She didn't like her hair to be tied in all sorts of hairstyles; she wanted it plain and innate. She didn't forget to wear the circle of sparkle necklace; the reversible jewelry was framed with glistening stones on one side and embossed with the family crest logo on the reverse – enabling her to create two different looks. The necklace was paired with Sapphire stud earrings that were secured in classic four-prong basket settings with comfortable push back posts. She beautifully showcased her overall appearance. Other women at the ball have worn expensive and lavish ball gowns that were imported from other countries yet, Evelina wore a low profile and down to earth ball gown. Evelina showed off the gown that was made by Mrs. Laurent. She was a simple yet elegant lady. The Stepanov family gave her a chance so, they decided to wear all her collection. The eyes of the people in the room were on her.

From the perspective of the guests, she was like the only one, the spotlight of the ball. If anybody was struck with her silver eyes, they would surely go addicted and flushed in embarrassment. Her beauty was tantalizing; she was simply glamorous and bedazzling, making other women speechless and insecure. She then greeted the guests in a polite and courteous manner. She discussed with them in line with state affairs and didn't dare utter a single word about their biggest secrets of the family. Evelina was well aware that there were people around them that were extremely terrorizing and intimidating towards their family. She was told to be wary of her surroundings even though she was tightly guarded with bodyguards.

She felt so tired so, she ambled towards the terrace. The terrace was huge; it had an enormous vase of roses in every corner. Her eyes were looking at the breathtaking moonlight. She leaned her elbows on the beautiful balustrade of the terrace while looking at the mesmerizing view. She was too preoccupied that she wasn't able to decipher that there was a man approaching her. The man was so handsome with his dashing smile and his Emerald green eyes. His eyes were vivid scenery of the greenest Emerald jewels.

He approached the lovely Evelina. He leaned and tucked her hair behind her ears and whispered, "Evelina, how long are you going to make me suffer like this?" they have been in a secret relationship, not letting their parents know. It was because of Evelina. She was afraid that her parents won't accept him, knowing his unknown status in the kingdom. He was a foreigner and her family forbade her to marry someone from another country.

She exhaled deeply, "I'm thinking, Alexander, maybe I should just elope with you," she looked directly at his eyes.

She clung to his neck. Fortunately, there were no bodyguards around. His wide muscular back was blocking them. They would think that he was just making out with a random woman.

He clung to her hips and whispered in her ear, "My dear Evelina, will you marry me?"

There was a huge silence… five minutes have passed and he still got no answer from her. He suddenly wanted to give up. He released his hands that were holding her hips.

"Evelina, please I beg you, why won't you give me any answer?" he pleaded in despair. It was like the biggest tragedy in his life.

"I think we should not continue this relationship any longer," she paused, "Alexander, even if I love you, you have to stay away from me. You will forever be living in my heart and you will always have a special place there,"

Tears started to fall down from his eyes as he held onto her shoulders "Evelina! Why are you doing this?! Why can't you understand me? I've left the kingdom just for you!! Why are you breaking my heart? Do you have someone else you love? Who is he and tell me!" he pleaded in a loud voice. He was on the verge of strangling the man to death.

Evelina look to her right side and didn't look at him. She was trying her best in holding in her feelings. She had a duty. She was a lady of a royal family. She had to do this or else, everyone from her family will kill him for not choosing a man from the kingdom.

"Stop it, Alexander! Just stay away from me!" she pushed him with great force.

(End of Flashback)

"Alexander, we're back together!" she hugged him tightly. She couldn't express the indescribable feeling. No wonder she was feeling lonely and lost in the past few years.

He was now back. Everything was clear to him. He felt like a robot all those years, working non-stop. He always felt like there was something missing in his life. After the kiss ended, he now realized what he was missing. 'It's Evelina!!'

"How are you feeling, Darling? She paused "How were you all these years?" she still felt a little awkward after what she had said that year.

He smirked, "I feel like there were tons of mountains on my head," he caressed her face and said, "You've grown beautiful day by day. Let me guess, you went into lots of blind dates, hoping for a marriage partner chosen by your family?"

She pouted and nodded, she replied, ���Well… all of the men I met pale in comparison to your beauty. No one is as handsome as you," she gave him a peck on his cheeks. It was so refreshing to finally meet her true love. She then thought about why her memories were erased after that time.

He changed the topic and uttered, "I was worried that you were hurt. What made you collapse?" he was curious and worried at the same time.

"The meal that was served by your 'Tatiana' was the one that made me collapse," she then added, "After having the meal, I felt dizziness and sudden pain in the stomach,"

His face turned dark instantly and replied, "Who? Tatiana?! I'm going to teach that damn woman a lesson!" he stood up and immediately left her alone in the room.