Chapter 209

Evelyn's heart fluttered as she approached Liam's hospital room, clutching her favorite novel tightly in her hands.

"What should I say first?" she pondered. "Should I mention this book or ask about his recovery? How can I stay longer without seeming obvious?"

Lost in thought, she reached the doorway before realizing it was slightly open.

She had been walking briskly but came to an abrupt stop at the threshold.

The sight before her made her blood run cold - Liam locked in an intimate embrace with another woman.

One fleeting glance was all it took to shatter her composure. She stumbled backward, pressing herself against the hallway wall.

The book dug into her chest as she hugged it like a lifeline. A sharp sting pierced her nose as hot tears threatened to spill.

Evelyn tilted her head back, fighting the tears, but the crushing weight in her chest demanded release.

There was no mistaking it - Victoria Dawson was wrapped around Liam's neck.

How had she gotten here so quickly? Had Liam summoned her the moment he was injured?

Victoria's saccharine voice carried through the doorway.

"I came the instant you called, darling Liam. When you asked me to visit yesterday, I never imagined you'd be hurt. I've been sick with worry."

"It's nothing serious," Liam replied.

"But you're in pain!" Victoria whimpered. "Does it hurt terribly?"

Evelyn squeezed her eyes shut as twin tears traced down her cheeks, dripping onto her collar.

An icy numbness spread through her body while her heart felt cleaved in two. The agony was unbearable.

This marriage had brought her nothing but endless heartache.

Her arms went slack. The book hit the floor with a resounding thud.

She gasped for air, her chest constricting painfully.

Feeling hollowed out, Evelyn turned away blindly, tears distorting her vision as she fought back sobs.

Inside the elevator, she scrubbed at her face furiously, but the tears kept coming in relentless waves.

Back in the hospital room, Liam disentangled himself from Victoria's grasp. He started to speak when a faint noise at the door caught his attention.

"Let me check," Victoria offered sweetly.

She stepped outside just in time to see Evelyn's retreating figure disappear around the corner. Spotting the abandoned book, a triumphant smirk curled her lips.

Returning, she said airily, "Just a nurse passing by."

Liam gave a distracted nod.

Victoria fluttered her lashes coquettishly. "Did you summon me so urgently because of your injury, darling? Do you need me to care for you?"

He averted his gaze. "Don't throw yourself at me like that. I'm married now. It's inappropriate."

Victoria pouted dramatically. "You'll always be the love of my life, Liam. I don't care about wives or families - my feelings will never change."

Keeping his tone gentle but firm, Liam suggested, "You must be exhausted from traveling. Why don't you rest at the guest quarters?"

He was still waiting for Evelyn.

"Fine," Victoria sighed. "I'll bring you lunch later."

Liam nodded absently, his expression unreadable.

Victoria collected her things, pausing to scoop up the discarded book on her way out.

Alone again, Liam checked his watch impatiently, sitting on the edge of the bed.