Chapter 116

Evelyn walked alone through the pouring rain for two hours to return to Blackwood Manor. By the time she arrived, her body trembled with exhaustion.

After a hot shower, she collapsed onto the bed with damp hair. Only sleep could silence the tormenting thoughts of Liam.

She didn't leave her room all day, her appetite gone. When midnight came, she awoke burning with fever. The realization of her illness struck like lightning.

Her fingers hovered over her phone to call Liam when she noticed his text notification. Her heart pounded as she opened it.

"My heart still belongs to Victoria," the message read.

Those five words stabbed through Evelyn's chest like jagged glass.

Tears blurred her vision as she slammed the phone down. Tilting her head back, she wiped the escaping tears with trembling fingers.

She drew a shuddering breath, holding it until her lungs burned. But the pain only intensified, breaking her fragile composure.

Biting her lip until she tasted blood, Evelyn swallowed the sobs clawing at her throat. Minutes passed before the storm inside her subsided.

With shaking hands, she typed her reply. "Understood. File the divorce papers whenever convenient. Just inform me."

"I can proceed whenever you wish. The decision is yours."

His words turned her blood to ice.

What kind of cruel game was this? Her love meant so little? Had she wasted years on this sham marriage?

She powered off her phone and stumbled toward the medicine cabinet.

Her knees buckled the moment her feet touched the floor. The world spun violently as she crashed onto the hardwood.

A sharp cry escaped her lips as pain radiated from her palms. Fresh tears joined the cold sweat on her face.

Her physical agony paled against the crushing weight in her chest. The darkness of despair threatened to swallow her whole.

Somehow, she dragged herself back to bed. Pulling the covers over her head, she surrendered to oblivion.

Medicine no longer mattered. In this abyss of suffering, death might bring the only true relief.

Meanwhile, Liam emerged from the guest bathroom in fresh clothes.

Victoria had just finished deleting the incriminating messages. She continued her charade, carefully blow-drying his phone.

A triumphant gleam flashed in her eyes as she handed it back. "Good as new, Liam. I took care of it for you."

He checked the device briefly before pocketing it.

"That clumsy maid! Spilling my bathwater all over you. Grandmother will dismiss her tomorrow."

Liam shook his head. "No need. Just wet clothes, nothing more."

"If you insist."

"I should return home." Worry gnawed at him - leaving Evelyn alone all night might have triggered her anxiety.

Victoria sprang forward, clutching his arm. On cue, tears spilled down her cheeks. "Don't leave me, Liam! How will I survive without you?"

"Victoria..." His brow furrowed in frustration.

Margaret entered at the commotion, wringing her hands. "Please, Liam. As a personal favor. Stay a while longer? I fear what she might do if you leave now."

Exasperation colored his voice. "What Victoria needs is professional medical care, Mrs. Hoffis."