Chapter 183

"Let's have this conversation." Liam's voice was tender, his eyes filled with a warmth that made Evelyn's heart ache.

She kept her gaze lowered. "My attorney has already made everything clear to you. There's nothing left to discuss between us," she replied stiffly.

His fingers curled into tight fists as his tone grew more insistent. "You gave me your word," he reminded her. "You promised never to threaten divorce again."

Evelyn finally lifted her tear-filled eyes to meet his. "And you swore you'd cut all ties with Victoria Dawson," she countered sharply.

"I haven't contacted her once since then," Liam declared firmly.

The words only made her fists clench harder. Hot tears spilled down her cheeks. Even without contact, his love for Victoria remained unchanged.

When she'd been drowning, Liam had been the only thought in her mind. Yet he'd chosen to save Victoria - who could swim - and left her to die.

The memory still cut like a knife.

"If not for Julian, I'd be your dead wife now," she choked out.

Panic flashed across Liam's face. "Without Julian, I would have saved you both."

Evelyn forced a bitter smile through her tears. "How thoughtful. Though Victoria knows how to swim. Were you truly so worried she'd drown?"

He stepped closer, his expression pained. "She used to have aquaphobia. I didn't know she'd overcome it and learned swimming."

Evelyn retreated, her voice shaking with anger. "Don't come any closer. Stay away from me."

"Please, Evelyn. Just let me explain." His voice held a note of desperation.

What good would explanations do? Nothing could change the past. Time and again, Victoria had come between them, leaving Evelyn broken.

It didn't matter anymore. She refused to force what couldn't be.

Besides, she wasn't truly Evelyn Carter. Even if they continued this marriage, it would all be void once her real identity came to light.

"I don't want a messy court battle, Liam. Let's settle this amicably." Her voice broke as she met his gaze with tear-filled eyes.

Liam's chest constricted painfully. Seeing her determination, his eyes reddened as he growled, "I won't agree to this divorce."

The words sent a fresh wave of pain through her. Clenching her fists, she warned, "Don't push me, Liam Blackwood. We're married on paper, but this was never a real marriage."

"Then let's make it real. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here," he vowed.

Evelyn bowed her head as tears splashed onto the floor. Her entire body trembled with suppressed emotion.

"I don't want to," she whispered hoarsely, repeating like a mantra, "I don't want to. I don't want this."

Sobs wracked her body as she struggled to contain her anguish. It felt like her heart was being torn in two.

Liam had loved Victoria for over twenty years. Having that woman constantly between them would drive her mad.

If only she didn't love him so deeply. As Rosalind had said - marriage didn't require love, just companionship and mutual respect.

But Evelyn couldn't bear it. Her love for Liam couldn't tolerate another woman in his life.

Liam closed the distance between them, pulling her into a crushing embrace. He drew a shuddering breath, the pain in his chest so acute it stole his words. There were no explanations that could mend this.