His gaze roamed around the room until he spotted her. With quick strides, he walked up behind her and leaned down, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

"Good girl," he murmured, a smile in his voice.

Taking the dryer from her hands, he began drying her hair himself. His fingers moved expertly, massaging her scalp with gentle strokes. The warmth of his touch sent an unexpected shiver through her, but she remained still, letting him care for her.

When he was done, he quickly dried his own hair before setting the dryer aside. Then, taking her hand, he pulled her up from the chair. Grabbing a T-shirt from the bed, he slipped it over his head before taking her hand again and leading her out of the bedroom.

Downstairs, the dining table had been set, the maids having already retreated.

Christian never seemed to like eating with others around. Every time they had a meal together, it was always just the two of them.

Ivy sat down, but Christian remained standing, silently serving her food. He placed everything on her plate before taking the seat next to hers. But instead of maintaining a respectable distance, he pulled his chair right next to her, eliminating any space between them.

His gaze remained on her as she ate, watching her intently.

She didn’t comment on it. She was already used to this habit of his. It was the same as five years ago—always watching her, always focused on her.

"Do you want more?" he asked, pointing at one of the dishes she had finished.

She shook her head. "I'm full."

"Alright." He murmured before reaching out, rubbing the back of her head gently. "Finish your food, then I’ll take you somewhere."

Her brows furrowed as she turned to him. "Where?"

Christian didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze flickered to her hands, his brows furrowing slightly.

"Wedding rings," he said after a pause. "I want you to wear one. Is that okay?"

Her hands stilled, his words sinking in. She had completely forgotten about that.

After a moment, she nodded. "Yes."

His lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Okay." He resumed eating, looking visibly pleased.

Once they were done, Ivy carried her dishes to the sink. Just then, Samuel appeared at the doorway.

Christian gestured for him to enter.

Samuel stepped forward, carrying a set of suitcases.

Ivy frowned in confusion. "What’s this?"

"I asked him to bring your things from your place," Christian answered casually. "He hired some people to pack everything up and bring it over."

Turning to Samuel, he ordered, "Take them to our bedroom. Ask the maids to arrange everything properly."

Samuel nodded, then turned to Ivy. "Mrs. Evans, if you think anything is missing, please let me know, and I’ll bring it over. Mr. Evans has bought the apartment, so you can still go there anytime you want."

The moment Samuel called her ‘Mrs. Evans’, Christian’s gaze shifted to Ivy, a bright smile forming on his lips. He studied her face carefully, searching for any sign of discomfort or tension. But there was none.

"Thank you," Ivy said, nodding at Samuel.

Christian stepped forward, taking her hand in his own. Then, turning back to Samuel, he announced, "Your salary is doubled this month. The maids’ as well and everyone else."

Samuel's face lit up with a wide smile. "Thank you, Mr. Evans."

He had never seen Christian this happy before. Not once since working for him. And seeing him like this made one thing clear—Ivy wasn’t just anyone. She was the most important person to him.