Chapter 202

Evelyn Carter nodded solemnly, committing the doctor's words to memory.

After finishing his examination and giving additional care instructions, the physician exited the room.

Evelyn stood motionless as her eyes traced every wound on Liam's body, her heart shattering. Her face was pale with distress. She hadn't spoken a word since entering, consumed by overwhelming guilt.

Noticing her expression, Liam Blackwood attempted to reassure her. "Don't fret. I've lost count of how many injuries I've sustained. This is nothing."

His casual dismissal only intensified her anguish. The last time, a bullet had nearly pierced his heart. How could he remain so composed when any misstep could be fatal?

Now he was covered in lacerations. She couldn't fathom the dangers he'd faced throughout his military career.

His brow furrowed as he watched her distress. "Why are you crying? Are you... concerned about me?" he asked hesitantly.

She immediately turned away, hastily wiping her tears.

Liam exhaled sharply, disappointment flashing across his face. He must have misinterpreted her reaction. After all, she'd been adamant about their divorce - why would she care about him now?

Perhaps she was merely shocked by his injuries. Whatever she felt was likely just pity and gratitude.

After composing herself, Evelyn approached again. Picking up the hospital gown, she said with a slight tremor, "Put this on before you catch cold."

Liam studied her intently as he slowly complied.

She avoided his gaze, her cheeks flushing under his scrutiny, her pulse quickening noticeably.

"Did you... happen to see Alexander?" she asked softly.

"No," he replied in a low voice.

"What about the missing weapons?"

"Recovered them."

Her hands froze on his buttons as she looked up, startled. "That's wonderful," she breathed. "Does this mean you can mobilize troops against them now?"

"It's not that simple. There are political considerations between both nations."

Unversed in such matters, Evelyn didn't press further.

Liam, however, grew curious. "My brother left the family five years ago. How do you know him?"

"I don't. He mistook me for someone else." Finishing the last button, she retreated to a nearby chair.

His frown deepened. "What do you mean?"

She sighed. "He thought I was Victoria Dawson," she explained. "After we crossed paths, he protected me from the traffickers. He's the one who sent you that message."

Liam's expression darkened. He studied her face in silence, recalling how not just his grandmother and Alexander had mistaken her identity initially.

Truthfully, he'd made the same error when they first met three years ago. He remembered vividly the surge of emotion he'd felt then.

His first words to her had been: "You're back, Cassandra?"

The woman had smiled gently, correcting him: "You're mistaken, Mr. Blackwood. I'm Evelyn Carter."

In that moment, he'd experienced crushing disappointment.

Later investigations revealed Victoria was still working at Solterra, living with her parents and uncle.

The woman before him was simply Evelyn.

When Victoria returned to the country, he'd felt... nothing. A year later, even his childhood crush had faded completely. No butterflies remained.

Then his grandmother had pressured him to marry.

Liam had agreed for two reasons: familial obligation, and the inconvenient feelings developing for this woman who bore such striking resemblance to Cassandra.

Now, with all these coincidences, he had reason to suspect both DNA tests might have been flawed.

Taking a deep breath, he gathered courage to ask: "Do you have a gray mole... on your inner thigh?"