Chapter 154

Liam found himself lost in Evelyn's luminous gaze, where hope shimmered like morning dew. Her delicate features belied an iron will that radiated quiet strength.

The prolonged silence made Evelyn fidget. "Could you investigate Isabella Grayson for me?" she asked abruptly. "I need to know the truth behind this identity."

"I've already tried," Liam admitted, running a hand through his hair. "Whoever created that persona covered their tracks impeccably."

Evelyn's fingers twisted in her lap. "Are you absolutely certain there's nothing more to find?"

"The only concrete evidence we have is your voice recordings with charity organizations," Liam explained. "Agatha Winslow already confirmed you're Isabella Grayson."

Evelyn opened her mouth to protest when sudden doubt clouded her expression. She studied Liam's face carefully. "Can I trust you?" The words slipped out before she could stop them.

Liam's lips twisted into a humorless smile. "What do you think?"

Evelyn hesitated, then shook her head. Too many strange occurrences had happened since her memory loss. Blind trust wasn't a luxury she could afford.

Her suspicions only grew when she recalled the second DNA test conducted under Liam's supervision.

Determination hardened Evelyn's features. Until she uncovered the truth about her identity, she would rely on no one.

"Let's get a divorce, Liam." The words hung in the air between them, calm yet final.

Liam froze, his expression turning glacial. Unseen by him, Evelyn's heart clenched painfully at her own words, yet she remained resolute in her quest for answers.

"I want to return to Solterra," she added softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's hands curled into fists, his chest constricting painfully. He tilted his head skyward, drawing a shaky breath. "I'll take you there," he offered gently, deliberately avoiding the divorce topic. "When do you plan to return to Aldenria?"

Evelyn lowered her gaze. "I don't know. It could be months. Years." A pause. "Maybe I won't return at all."

The timeline stretched uncertainly before them. Recovering her identity or memories might take days - or a lifetime.

Turning away, Liam exhaled sharply, each breath like shards of glass in his lungs. The pain was excruciating.

In the heavy silence, Evelyn ventured, "Should we finalize the divorce before I leave?"

"Stay." The single word slipped out before Liam could stop it.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shock, her gaze fixed on his rigid back.

Suppressing the ache in his chest, Liam turned and grasped Evelyn's arm. Tears glistened in his eyes as he pleaded, "Please, Evelyn. Don't go. I'll give you anything you want."

Evelyn stood frozen, utterly bewildered. The intensity in Liam's gaze suggested feelings she hadn't anticipated. Though inexperienced in love, she recognized the raw emotion burning in his eyes.

Yet his messages had clearly stated his heart belonged to Victoria Dawson. Why then was he begging Evelyn to stay?

A chilling thought occurred to her - perhaps Liam feared her stay in Solterra would reveal her true identity. After a long moment, she squared her shoulders. "What I want is my freedom."