The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot
Chapter 221: Light Of My Life

Chapter 221: Light Of My Life

[A Few Months Later]

Evelyn stood before the mirror, her hands caressing her tiny, almost unnoticeable bump. She was currently in her twelfth week of pregnancy, and ever since her tummy had started showing, she couldn’t stop staring at it. Everything seemed calm for now, and she hoped things would only get smoother as she would enter her second trimester the following week.

Elias had been recovering well and had returned to the Wright mansion a week ago. He was slowly getting back to work, helping Gracia with the business. Zevian, though busy as ever, always made sure to carve out time for Evelyn. During the day, Avery took it upon herself to look after Evelyn in the company, while Rosalind stayed with her until Zevian came home.

"Mommy!" Kiana’s cheerful voice broke through her thoughts as the little girl ran into the room, her energy lighting up Evelyn’s mood.

Evelyn smiled, brushing her hand gently over Kiana’s head. "All set for the movie?" she asked, her tone soft and playful. Everyone had decided to watch a movie together, it was specifically Avery’s idea who was burnt out from overworking and wanted to spend time with the family.

"Yes!" Kiana nodded eagerly. "I heard Grandma and Uncle are already there. I can’t wait to see them!"

"Me too," Evelyn replied with a grin. She grabbed her coat and added, "Let’s go." Kiana held her hand and the two walked out of the room.

In the hallway, Avery was pacing back and forth, her unusual restlessness on full display. She stopped at their arrival. "Oh, she’s here!" she announced to Rosalind, who stood nearby.

Evelyn descended the stairs and was greeted by her in-law’s warm smiles. Jonathan didn’t seem interested at first but Evelyn guessed her mother-in-law would have forced him to join then. She then looked at Avery who was glued to her phone, typing out a quick message.

"Let’s leave," Jonathan said and picked up Kiana in his arms. The three women followed him out of the mansion.

Once they reached the venue, Evelyn’s brows knitted in confusion as she stepped out of the car. The area wasn’t what she’d expected, and she turned to the group. "What are we doing here?"

"Oh, I planned an open theatre," Avery answered with a wide smile, gesturing toward the breathtaking setting. It was a serene garden by the river, where the gentle flow of water added a soothing background melody. The place was secured by guards, ensuring their privacy. Smiling slyly, she added, "It’ll be even more special and intimate."

"What?" Evelyn frowned, her confusion deepening. Avery had always complained about open theaters, grumbling about the lack of the cozy, dark-room experience she preferred.

Avery shrugged, dismissing her past complaints, and promptly looped her arm through Evelyn’s, dragging her inside before she could question further.

Soft lights hung delicately from the towering trees, casting a warm glow over the spacious garden. Several tents dotted the area, with tables arranged elegantly inside for dining with chefs were stationed nearby, busy preparing dinner under a canopy. As they ventured further, crossing a paved stone path lit by small lanterns, Evelyn’s gaze settled on a large screen set up in the open. Different seating arrangements had been laid out on the grass, from plush couches to comfortable chairs, all illuminated by soft fairy lights.

"Uncle Eli!" Kiana’s excited voice rang out as she wriggled out of Jonathan’s arms and darted toward Elias.

Elias and Gracia turned at the sound, their faces lighting up in delight. Gracia immediately scooped up Kiana, holding her in a tight hug before the little girl shared her special handshake with Elias, giggling all the while.

Evelyn and the others joined the group. Jonathan politely inquired about Elias’s health, while Avery and Rosalind warmly greeted Gracia with hugs. When Gracia finally embraced Evelyn, she looked around and asked, "Where’s Zevian?"

"Speak of the devil," Avery murmured, gesturing toward the entrance.

Evelyn turned instinctively and smiled as she spotted Zevian approaching. Her smile turned into an amused blink when she noticed his attire—casual clothes instead of his signature sharp suit.

Zevian wore a crisp white linen shirt, its sleeves rolled up to his forearms, paired with perfectly fitted black chinos. His unassuming look somehow made him even more attractive, and Evelyn couldn’t help but admire how effortlessly handsome he looked in every outfit. Glancing down at her attire—a white turtleneck sweater paired with a black skirt—she realized they were matching.

’Was it a coincidence?’ she wondered as she adjusted her coat.

"Daddy!" Kiana shouted and ran toward Zevian, breaking Evelyn out of her thoughts. She smiled as she watched the father and daughter share a few words before walking over to join the group.

"Now that everyone is here, let’s start!" Avery clapped her hands, brimming with energy. She grabbed Evelyn by the arm and led her to the front, all but forcing her to sit on the couch placed closest to the screen. Gesturing to Zevian, she called, "Hurry up and join her!"

Evelyn glanced back at the seating arrangements and noticed how the couch she was seated on was isolated in the front, with a notable gap separating it from the others arranged behind them. "What’s gotten into her?" Evelyn murmured as Zevian sat beside her.

"She just seems excited," Zevian replied smoothly. He turned to look at Avery, who was gesturing to the staff and whispering hurried commands, clearly flustered and almost ruining his plans.

Evelyn hummed and turned her gaze toward the screen. A soft smile spread across her lips as she took in the beauty surrounding her. The garden was illuminated by a thousand fairy lights intertwined with the trees, casting a magical glow. The sky was dark and twinkling with stars, while the gentle sound of the nearby river made the place even more enchanting.

Kiana, who had been sitting snugly between her parents, felt a pair of eyes boring into her. Turning, she caught her aunt’s pointed gestures, urging her to move. Huffing, the little girl pouted but obeyed.

"Mommy, I want to sit with Aunt Avery!" Kiana declared before hopping down from the couch and running toward Avery’s seat.

Evelyn blinked, watching her daughter run, and settled beside Avery. "Why is everyone acting weird?" she muttered to herself.

Before her thoughts could spiral further, Zevian pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Stop overthinking and just enjoy the movie," he murmured, his voice calm.

Evelyn smiled softly, humming in agreement. She leaned her head on his shoulder, letting herself relax.

Once everyone was settled in, the staff started the movie. Evelyn felt a flutter of excitement as the video began to roll. But her smile gave way to confusion as the title appeared on the screen.

"The Light of My Life?" Evelyn read aloud, her voice filled with curiosity. Glancing back at Avery, she frowned. "Wait, weren’t we watching your favorite rom-com?"

Avery simply shrugged, but there was a glint of mischief in her eyes. "It is one of my favorites too."

Evelyn turned her attention back to the screen, where a familiar café came into view. The shot lingered on the exterior of the café, the evening lights reflecting off its glass windows. Inside, a silhouette of a woman could be seen sitting in the corner, impatiently tapping her fingers on the table and glancing at her watch.

"This place..." Evelyn’s voice trailed off as she turned to Zevian, surprise flickering in her eyes. She recognized it instantly—it was the café where they’d first met.

"Exactly six years ago, on this date, I met you here," Zevian’s voice began to narrate, the depth of his tone reverberating through the speakers. Evelyn’s surprise deepened as her gaze darted between the screen and the man sitting beside her.

On the screen, the woman’s figure remained a silhouette, her face hidden, though her body language radiated impatience. The artistic presentation made the scene feel both intimate and magical.

"At first, I was frustrated with this date just as much as you," Zevian’s voice continued, his words laced with humor. "Even more annoyed that it was a friend of my stupid cousin. But, as it turns out, I’m glad I went."

The scene shifted, showing a man entering the café and approaching the woman’s table. Evelyn couldn’t hold back a chuckle as the next moment played out—the silhouette of the woman threw some cash at the man and stormed out of the café in exasperation.

"That was a disaster," Evelyn murmured, laughing softly. She could never forget how terrible their first date had been.

"You were the first one to tell me to learn manners," Zevian’s voice narrated with a teasing edge, "and I was very much interested in learning from you."

The screen transitioned to a university library, where the same woman from the café was seated. Behind her, the man lingered awkwardly, attempting to strike up a conversation.

"But since you weren’t ready, I was forced to pull out my CEO card and make you work at my company."

Evelyn nodded with a smile, recalling how Zevian had approached her professor, arranging for her internship under him. She glanced at Zevian beside her, and they both chuckled as memories of those days came rushing back.

The movie continued, showing glimpses of their journey together. The library shifted to scenes of office meetings, their banter-filled arguments, and eventually, the moment Zevian asked her out. Evelyn couldn’t help but smile at how stubborn she had been, making him work so hard for her approval.

"You gave me a really hard time, but it was worth it," Zevian’s voice narrated, as images and videos from their dating days filled the screen. Sweet and candid moments—their secret dates, quiet walks, and shared laughter—played out one after another.

"You still have them?" Evelyn asked, turning to Zevian with wide eyes.

"I never deleted them," Zevian replied softly, a fond smile on his lips.

Evelyn’s tears finally spilled over as she took in the screen. Each moment, every small detail from their past had been preserved. Trips they’d taken together, special moments away from prying eyes, and the memories they’d built—they were all there. He had never let them fade away.

Evelyn wiped her tears hastily as Zevian handed her a tissue box. "You’ll need these until the end," he teased gently and she hit his shoulder.

The tone of the movie shifted slightly, with Zevian’s voice taking on a more somber note. "I still wonder if things would have been different if I had shown up at the bureau that day," he said, remorse thick in his voice.

The screen showed a scene of a woman standing in front of the marriage bureau, with a young boy by her side. They stood there from sunrise to sunset, waiting for her boyfriend to arrive. Evelyn’s heart clenched at the sight.

"Is that you, Uncle Eli?" Kiana’s small voice broke through the quiet, pointing to the middle schooler on the screen.

"Yes," Avery replied, her smile bittersweet.

Evelyn’s tears welled up again at the image of the woman—of herself—waiting endlessly. But before the weight of the moment could settle, Elias’s voice suddenly boomed across the speakers. "And I still want to kill you for that day!"

The frustration in Elias’s voice caught everyone off guard, and the room erupted in laughter. Evelyn laughed through her tears, unable to hold it in. She leaned against Zevian, wiping her cheeks with a tissue as he gently pulled her closer.

"I thought we would never meet again," Zevian’s voice came through the speakers again, gentle yet filled with sincerity. "And I hoped we didn’t—because you deserved someone better. Someone who would keep you happy and treat you well."

The screen transitioned to a scene years later. "But fate had other plans," Zevian’s narration resumed, bringing them to the present year.

A new scene began to play, showing a little girl in her school uniform, entering an ice cream shop, her face alight with curiosity.

"That’s me! That’s me!" Kiana’s voice rang out loudly from her seat, filling the air with her excitement. Evelyn smiled through her tears, recalling their first meeting.

Her heart tightened as the scene on the screen played out. She vividly recalled that awful day—she’d been accused of sleeping with Vincent’s uncle, with Annabelle successfully turning everyone against her, including William. It felt as though the entire world was collapsing around her. But then, like a fresh ray of hope, Kiana had walked into her life, requesting her to buy an ice cream.

Snuggling closer to Zevian, Evelyn watched the movie intently as the actors recreated the fateful day. The screen showed the gang attacking them after their chance meeting. Evelyn felt a shiver as she recalled the fear and confusion of that moment. On the screen, the woman playing her role fainted, and the man playing Zevian carried her out of the shop, with the little girl playing Kiana tailing behind. The boy portraying Elias, however, was left behind, abandoned in the chaos.

"And I still hate you guys for leaving me alone there!" Elias’s voice grumbled from the speakers, breaking the tension and making everyone laugh out loud.

Evelyn chuckled, looking at the boy on the screen. "He looks like Eli," she commented with a smile, staring at the young actor. His rebellious expression and mannerisms reminded her so much of Elias from middle school.

The real Elias, sitting behind them, clearly didn’t agree. He crossed his arms, grumbling, "He looks stupid. Nothing like me. I told Avery we should’ve picked someone else."

Avery smirked. "I think he’s perfect."

The movie fast-forwarded to the moments leading up to Evelyn’s contract marriage with Zevian. "Kiana went on a hunger strike for you," Zevian’s voice narrated. "She wanted you to be her mommy, and that forced me to come up with the contract marriage."

The screen transitioned to their wedding scene, where the actors reenacted the dramatic interruption by Zevian. Evelyn grinned as the iconic "flip" moment played out—when she’d fought off her old groom and thrown him to the ground.

"Yes! Go Mommy!!" Kiana’s chirpy voice cheered from the back, eliciting another round of laughter. Evelyn, on the other hand, groaned inwardly, her face heating with embarrassment. She hadn’t realized how ridiculous she’d looked to everyone else.

"But right at that moment, I found the old you again," Zevian’s voice on the screen continued. "And I vowed to protect her at all costs."

The movie shifted away from the reenactments, transitioning to a montage of photos and videos from their life after the wedding. Moments of joy and struggle were brought to life through snapshots—their small family celebrations, quiet moments of happiness, and the bond they’d built over time.

"After the wedding, you were pushed through many more hurdles, and our lives were anything but peaceful," Zevian’s voice narrated. "But there were also moments that gave you strength, that helped you find yourself again."

"And I am so proud you fought and won those battles that were nothing less than a war," his confession continued, his words soft yet powerful, moving Evelyn to tears once more.

Collages of photos from their past and present filled the screen, showcasing the trials they had overcome and the love that had blossomed despite it all. "I was lucky to have met you," Zevian’s voice admitted, filled with sincerity. "I was damn lucky to have gotten another chance to love you. And I want to love you for the rest of my life, Eva."

Suddenly, large letters popped up on the screen, the question clear and bold: "So, will you marry me?"

Evelyn broke into a teary chuckle as Zevian stood up from beside her, his tears threatening to spill as well. Her heart swelled as she watched him kneel before her. Her mind flashed back to a silly wish she’d once confessed to him—that she’d dreamed of being surprised in a theater, watching her favorite movie, with him popping the question at the end. But here he was, making the moment even more special by showing her their movie, their love story.

Behind them, the family rose from their seats, clapping and cheering for the couple. Gracia dabbed at her eyes, overwhelmed by emotions as the movie had also shown her how much her daughter had endured in her absence. Rosalind gave Gracia a warm side hug, both mothers sharing the joy of their children finding happiness.

Zevian looked up at Evelyn, his eyes moist with emotion. For the first time, Evelyn saw him unable to mask his feelings behind his usual composed demeanor. It was a rare, vulnerable moment, and her heart melted at the sight.

Both broke into gentle chuckles, their gazes locked. A lone tear slipped from Zevian’s eye, and Evelyn instinctively leaned forward to wipe it away.

"But we’re already married," Evelyn said softly, breaking into a smile.

"That doesn’t count," Zevian replied, his voice shaking slightly. He wanted to give her a proper wedding, one the way she’d always wanted, and told him about six years ago.

Taking out a velvet box from his pocket, Zevian opened it to reveal a diamond ring with a dazzling sapphire blue gemstone at the center. "So, will you marry me again?" he asked, his tone tender yet shaky.

"Say yes, Mommy!" Kiana’s voice came from behind, loud and bursting with excitement.

Evelyn couldn’t stop the tears streaming down her face. Wiping them away, she nodded fervently. "Yes! A thousand times yes!"

Zevian gently took Evelyn’s left hand, and slipped the sparkling ring onto her left finger, perfectly complementing the one she already wore on her right hand. His eyes never left hers, filled with emotions too deep for words.

Standing up, Zevian pulled her into a tight embrace. Evelyn leaned against him, her tears now a blend of joy, relief, and love. Breaking the hug, she looked up at him. Without a word, she leaned forward and captured his lips.

"Oh!" Avery’s playful squeal cut through the moment, making Evelyn pull back slightly. Avery giggled and picked up the little devil. "Come on, Kia! Let’s go light firecrackers!"

Kiana pouted and grumbled, clearly not wanting to leave, but Avery scooped her up and carried her away, giving the couple their well-deserved privacy.

As the rest of the family slipped away, Zevian pulled Evelyn closer and captured her lips. Evelyn closed her eyes and kissed him back. His hand slid to the back of her neck and titled it as he deepened the kiss. His lips moved against hers passionately, sending sparks through her body. The world around them blurred and Evelyn melted into him, feeling utterly consumed in his love.

Zevian pulled away from the kiss, and Evelyn buried her head in his chest, both trying to catch their breaths.

Suddenly, the night sky above came alive as firecrackers erupted into a dazzling display. Reds, golds, and blues lit up the darkness, their reflections shimmering in the nearby river.

Evelyn turned around, her eyes widening at the beautiful sight. She leaned against Zevian and he wrapped his hand around her waist, holding her close, both enjoying the vibrant lights letting up the sky.

Evelyn looked up at Zevian, a smile spreading across her lips. He was the light of her life too, one that would always burn brighter than the rest, guiding her through every storm and darkness. And he was all she ever needed in this lifetime.