Accidentally Yours, My Super Rich Second Husband-Chapter 72: A Favor

Delphinia wiped her damp forehead with the back of her hand, exhaling deeply as she surveyed the dining table. Steam rose from a variety of dishes—roast chicken glistening with golden brown skin, mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, fresh green beans sautéed with garlic, and a basket of warm dinner rolls. She had even baked a rich chocolate cake for dessert.

The counters were a disaster zone, showing just how much work she’d put into cooking, but Delphinia didn’t care. Tonight’s dinner had a purpose. She needed Evander to be in a good mood because she had a favor to ask. Just a small favor, she told herself, nothing he should object to—but with Evander, one could never be sure. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

As the clock ticked closer to the time he usually came home, Delphinia darted around the house, tidying up and making sure everything was perfect. By the time she heard the rumble of his car pulling into the driveway, her heart was pounding—not because she was tired, but because she was excited.

When Evander walked through the door, his sharp suit slightly rumpled from a long day at work, Delphinia greeted him with a warm smile. "You’re just in time. Dinner’s ready."

He raised an eyebrow as he loosened his tie, glancing toward the dining table. "You sure spend a lot of time in the kitchen. What’s the occasion?" he asked.

Delphinia brushed it off with a casual wave, pretending it wasn’t a big deal. "No occasion. I just thought you deserved a good meal after all the hard work you’ve been doing."

Evander’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if trying to read her thoughts. Finally, he shrugged, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "If you say so."

They all sat down to eat after Evander cleaned up. He cut into the roast chicken, taking his first bite. His eyes flicked to Delphinia. "This is good."

She smiled, a flicker of relief passing through her. "I’m glad you like it."

Dinner proceeded with light conversation, mostly Ashton recounting his day. Delphinia chimed in here and there, but her mind was preoccupied, rehearsing how she would bring up her request.

After the plates were cleared and dessert finished, they moved to the living room. Ashton plopped onto the floor with a coloring book, while Evander sank into the armchair, his posture relaxed. Delphinia sat lightly on the edge of the couch, her hands folded in her lap.

"Dad," Ashton piped up suddenly, looking up from his drawing. "After school today, Delphinia and I went grocery shopping."

Evander glanced at his son, amused. "Yeah? Did you help her carry the bags?"

Ashton nodded proudly. "Yeah, and we also bought party supplies!"

Evander’s brows rose, and he turned his gaze to Delphinia. She froze for a split second before chuckling awkwardly. "Ah, about that..."

His posture was relaxed, but the sharp look in his eyes told a different story. "Go on."

Delphinia cleared her throat, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, tomorrow is my friend’s birthday," she started. "I was thinking of going to her place to celebrate."

Delphinia tried to keep her smile intact, but inside, her thoughts were a tangled mess of confusion. Why am I even telling him this? she thought, her brow twitching ever so slightly. I’m a grown woman. I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. I don’t need his permission. I’m not a child asking for candy.

Yet, despite her internal rebellion, something in her traitorous brain nudged her to wait for his response. He’s my husband now, she reminded herself with a mental groan. Apparently, that comes with... whatever this is. Asking for his approval? Reporting my whereabouts? Ugh.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, only to find him still staring at her, expression neutral but with an eyebrow arched in subtle curiosity. That single brow was mocking her. She just knew it.

Evander’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "And?"

"And," Delphinia continued quickly, "I can take Ashton with me. It’ll be fun for him too!" She glanced at Ashton, hoping for his support.

To her dismay, Ashton frowned. "I don’t want to go. Thank you for the invitation."

Delphinia’s smile faltered, and she turned back to Evander, who was now watching her with mild amusement. "It’s just... my friend’s birthday," she said again, her tone almost pleading.

"Valerie, right?" Evander said smoothly, his lips curving into a knowing smile.

Delphinia blinked, momentarily startled. "Right, of course. You know everything, don’t you?"

Evander leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "It’s my job to know," he said simply.

She bit her lip, trying to gauge his mood. Finally, he leaned back and gave a slight nod. "Fine. You can go. Just don’t stay out too late."

"Really?" Delphinia’s eyes lit up, and she shifted closer to him, grabbing his arm in excitement. "Thank you, thank you!"

Evander looked down at her hand on his arm, one brow arching. Delphinia quickly let go, her cheeks flushing. She chuckled dryly, leaning back to put some distance between them.

"I appreciate it," she said, trying to regain her composure.

Evander smirked, leaning toward her slightly. His voice dropped to a low whisper, his breath warm against her ear. "Don’t drink too much. And don’t get into trouble."

Delphinia shivered, her eyes widening. She turned to look at him, but he was already leaning back, his expression as calm and composed as ever.

"Noted," she said softly, her heart pounding.

The moment lingered briefly before Ashton’s cheerful humming broke the silence. Delphinia shook her head, smiling to herself as she realized how easily Evander could unsettle her—even when he was being reasonable.

As the evening wore on, Delphinia found herself feeling both relieved and nervous. Tomorrow’s celebration was just an excuse for a brief escape, a chance to feel like her old self again, if only for a night. But she couldn’t ignore the way Evander’s words had stayed with her—firm, protective, and laced with something she couldn’t quite define.

For now, though, she focused on cleaning up, grateful that the night had gone smoothly—for the most part.