Chapter 173

The kiss lasted an eternity, leaving Evelyn's lips tingling and her breath stolen.

She gasped for air as she pushed Liam away, her chest heaving from the intensity.

With trembling hands, she pressed against his broad chest, breaking the passionate embrace. Liam reluctantly released her, their foreheads touching as they both struggled to catch their breath.

"Come with me when I return to base tomorrow," his deep voice rumbled, sending shivers down her spine.

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. He'd just come home, and already he was leaving again.

She understood his duties - the military didn't wait for anyone. For a man like Liam Blackwood, even this brief visit was a rare concession.

Eleanor had mentioned how he'd been visiting more frequently since their marriage, unlike the months-long absences before.

But Evelyn couldn't go. Not yet. Not when she was so close to uncovering her true identity, waiting for that crucial DNA report.

"I can't," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Liam's lips curved into a bittersweet smile before he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

As her feet touched the ground, Evelyn's knees nearly buckled. Her fingers still clung to his uniform, unwilling to let go.

"Call me when you're ready. I'll send a car," he promised.

She nodded, her throat tight with emotion.

Liam ran his fingers through her hair, his touch tender despite the barely restrained desire in his eyes. "I leave at dawn."

"Let me see you off," she pleaded, her eyes glistening.

"No. Sleep in." His thumb brushed her cheek. "Call if you need anything."

"Okay," she agreed quickly, though the word tasted like ashes.

His gaze burned into her one last time before he murmured, "Goodnight, Evelyn."

She stepped aside as he opened the door. "Goodnight, Liam."

The door clicked shut behind him with finality. Evelyn pressed trembling fingers to her swollen lips, replaying every electrifying moment.

A blush crept up her cheeks as she remembered how he'd pinned her against the wall, his usually controlled demeanor shattered by passion.

She fell onto the bed, burying her face in the pillows to muffle her giddy laughter.

When morning came, Liam was already gone.

Days passed in a haze of longing. Evelyn moved through her routine like a ghost, her thoughts constantly drifting to Liam.

He'd told her to call, but what would she say? That she missed him? That her bed felt too empty without him?

And he hadn't called either. Probably buried in work. Or maybe he didn't miss her at all.

Meanwhile, Dorothy kept calling, dropping not-so-subtle hints about needing money and pushing for divorce papers.

Evelyn ignored each call, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions.