Chapter 182

"Why won't he divorce you if he doesn't love you?" Rosalind's question hung heavy in the air.

Evelyn poked at her food listlessly, the once comforting mac and cheese now tasteless on her tongue.

"His grandmother adores me," she murmured, pushing the noodles around her plate.

Rosalind snorted. "Ah, the dutiful grandson act."

Silence descended again as they mechanically ate their meal.

After several minutes, Rosalind picked up a shiny red apple and began peeling it with practiced motions.

"You know," she mused, "no matter how passionate the romance starts, marriage always changes things. The fire burns out."

The knife flashed as she continued, "Marriage isn't about love. It's about obligation and convenience. As long as he provides for you, does it matter if he loves you?"

Evelyn gave her a wry smile. "When did you become so cynical about marriage without ever trying it?"

Rosalind chuckled darkly. "I've seen enough miserable marriages to last a lifetime. Besides, being single isn't so bad."

"I envy you," Evelyn admitted. "After this divorce, I'm never marrying again. I'll live out my days alone, just like you."

Rosalind nearly choked on her apple slice. "How can you be alone if you're with me?"

Evelyn managed a small smile as she accepted the offered fruit.

Rosalind's expression turned curious. "It's been two days since you left. Do you think your husband will come looking for you here?"

Evelyn took a bite of apple. "He doesn't know we're friends. He won't find me here."

"But he's Liam Blackwood!" Rosalind exclaimed. "Head of Aldenria's military defense! The man who develops weapons systems for our country!"

She leaned forward. "If he can handle advanced weaponry, finding one missing wife shouldn't be difficult, right?"

Evelyn froze mid-bite, the apple suddenly tasting like ash in her mouth. Rosalind had a terrifying point.

The doorbell chose that exact moment to ring.

Rosalind wiped her hands on a napkin. "That'll be my package." She rose from the table. "Be right back."

Left alone, Evelyn forced herself to chew the apple slice, her stomach twisting with anxiety.

At the door, Rosalind's breath caught in her throat. Towering before her stood a man who radiated power and authority. His chiseled features were set in a stern expression, his military bearing unmistakable. Two equally intimidating men flanked him.

The leader's piercing gaze locked onto hers. "I'm looking for Evelyn Carter."

His voice - deep and commanding - sent an involuntary shiver down Rosalind's spine. Without thinking, she stepped aside.

"She's inside."

Hearing that familiar voice, Evelyn's heart lurched violently. She shoved the rest of the apple slice into her mouth and scrambled to her feet, frantically looking for an escape route.

She barely made it two steps before the imposing figure filled the small living room doorway.

Trapped, Evelyn forced herself to meet his gaze, her cheeks bulging comically with half-chewed apple.

Liam's stern expression softened momentarily at the sight. Two days without her had felt like an eternity. His gaze flicked to the half-eaten meal on the table, and his chest tightened.

Rosalind hovered awkwardly, gesturing to the other men. "Would you all like to come in?" When they declined, she closed the door and turned to Liam.

"Excuse me, sir, but who exactly are you? And what business do you have with Evelyn?"

Liam's eyes never left his wife's face. "I'm her husband. Please give us some privacy."

Rosalind's mouth fell open. He was dismissing her from her own apartment?

She opened her mouth to protest, but something in his demeanor made her reconsider. Muttering under her breath, she grabbed her tea and retreated to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Left alone, Evelyn finally swallowed the apple, her hands trembling at her sides. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, staring instead at a spot on the floor between them.