Chapter 120

Evelyn retreated to her bedroom with the signed divorce papers in hand.

She curled up on the balcony chair, arms wrapped tightly around her knees. The evening sky darkened as she waited for Liam's return, her chin resting on her folded arms.

Exactly sixty-three minutes later, the bedroom door clicked open.

Every muscle in Evelyn's body tensed at the sound.

The door shut with finality. Heavy footsteps echoed through the silent suite.

Liam's breathing came in ragged bursts, unnaturally loud in the stillness. He strode onto the balcony and braced himself against the railing, his piercing gaze fixed on Evelyn.

Four days apart had hollowed her cheeks and drained the color from her skin. The sight made his fingers tighten around the metal rail until his knuckles turned white.

Why couldn't this stubborn woman take proper care of herself?

Evelyn's shadowed eyes lifted from the twilight horizon to meet his. "Thank you for coming." She unfolded her legs and planted her feet firmly on the ground.

Liam turned his face away, drawing a deep breath that did nothing to ease the vise around his heart. "Why now?" he demanded.

Now?

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips as she nudged the documents across the glass table. "I've signed already. Review them at your leisure."

The railing groaned under Liam's grip, veins standing out along his forearms. Each heartbeat sent fresh waves of pain radiating through his chest. "Victoria tried to kill herself. That's why I—"

"Spare me the explanations." Evelyn cut him off sharply. "I refuse to play the other woman any longer."

"You were never the other woman!" Liam's voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "You're my wife."

Evelyn's fingers twisted in the fabric of her blouse as her smile turned sardonic. Was she really?

Everyone knew Liam and Victoria shared a childhood bond deeper than marriage vows. What was Evelyn if not an inconvenient obstacle?

Besides, Liam had promised to tell her if his feelings for Victoria remained. Since he wouldn't broach the subject, she would. She'd borne the pain long enough.

"Let's end this, Liam." Her voice held steady despite the tremor in her hands.

Agony lanced through Liam's chest. He turned toward the night sky, drawing ragged breaths that did nothing to calm the storm inside. The railing trembled beneath his white-knuckled grip.

This wasn't what he wanted. Yes, he'd promised to respect her decisions—but not this one. Never this.

The ache persisted, sharp and unrelenting.

When Liam turned back, his gaze burned into Evelyn. "Margaret will be devastated," he said softly.

The mention of his grandmother shattered Evelyn's composure. Tears welled instantly. "She doesn't remember me anymore," she choked out.

Liam stiffened. Seeing Evelyn's tears turned the pain in his chest to molten lead.

He'd known Margaret's condition would deteriorate. Had prepared for it.

Yet watching Evelyn's silent suffering made him want to crush her against his chest and never let go.

Instead, he schooled his features into careful neutrality. "Is this really because of Margaret's condition? Or is this punishment for my staying with the Dawsons these past days?"