Chapter 133

Evelyn remained perfectly still, pretending to sleep with her back turned to Liam. Her fingers crept up to trace her lips, still burning from the memory of his unexpected kiss.

A hollow ache spread through her chest, tangled with confusing threads of longing and sorrow. All night she'd agonized over why Liam had kissed her.

Was it just a moment of impulse? Or something more primal? The first seemed impossible given his injuries, while the second felt equally unlikely considering his usual restraint.

Liam made no further moves, simply turning off the light and settling on his side of the bed, his breathing soon evening out into sleep.

Evelyn couldn't begin to guess what thoughts swirled behind those closed eyelids.

Morning came with persistent knocking. Through half-lidded eyes, Evelyn saw Liam rise to answer the door before joining the others for breakfast.

Shaking off sleep, she dragged herself up, a dark cloud hanging over her as she prepared for the day.

Dressed in her usual elegant style, she descended the stairs - only to freeze at the sight of her least favorite people gathered around the breakfast table.

There sat Liam's meddlesome aunt Beatrice with her goddaughter Genevieve, alongside Victoria and her scheming uncle Julian. The scene appeared civil, but Evelyn sensed the tension crackling beneath like a live wire.

Not wanting any part of their poisonous games, Evelyn turned on her heel toward the front door.

As she reached the foyer, she caught Liam watching her from the corner of his eye. His expression darkened as she hesitated only a moment before stepping outside.

The breakfast before Liam turned to ash in his mouth. He knew this gathering wasn't about his recovery - every person here had their own agenda.

...

In the manor's sun-drenched gardens, golden light bathed every blossom and leaf in warmth.

Evelyn lounged lazily on the stone bench in the pavilion, soaking in the fresh air and gentle breeze. Despite her empty stomach, she felt oddly at peace.

A man's voice shattered the tranquility. "Skipping breakfast, Evelyn?"

She startled upright, her mood souring instantly when she saw Julian approaching. Dressed impeccably as always, he looked every inch the distinguished doctor.

Evelyn had no patience for either Julian or his niece. She offered a noncommittal hum and stood to leave.

Julian moved quickly, catching her wrist.

Evelyn turned with a scowl, her voice icy. "Dr. Whitmore, unhand me."

But Julian held tight, his breathing growing ragged. "Please Evelyn, we need to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you."

"Our past—"

"Don't," Evelyn cut him off sharply. "That past means nothing to me. You're a stranger."

Julian's grip tightened as his other hand seized her free arm, pulling her closer. "Let me go!"

His voice turned venomous. "How long will you keep lying to yourself? Liam has always loved Victoria. Marrying you was just to please his grandmother. When will you face the truth?"

Tears welled in Julian's red-rimmed eyes. "I've loved you desperately all these years. Why won't you see that?"