Chapter 21

The drive lasted exactly fifty-three minutes.

Liam pulled up to the gilded gates of Royal Heights.

This was the most exclusive enclave in all of Aldenria - home to presidents, military commanders, and the nation's most brilliant minds. The car came to a smooth stop. "Step out," Liam ordered.

Evelyn's breath caught when she saw the words "Royal Heights" etched in platinum lettering above the gates. Reality crashed over her - Liam had brought her somewhere ordinary citizens couldn't even approach.

Her fingers trembled as she unclasped the seatbelt. The pavement felt unsteady beneath her heels as she moved to stand beside him.

Two armed sentries approached with practiced efficiency. The taller one examined Liam's identification with a sharp nod.

"General Blackwood," they greeted in unison, snapping perfect salutes.

Liam acknowledged them with a tilt of his chin.

Advanced scanners whirred to life, sweeping the vehicle with invisible beams. Only after the system beeped approval did the guards step aside. "Clear for entry, sir."

"This woman will be residing here," Liam stated. "Register her biometrics."

Evelyn's protest died in her throat as technicians appeared with equipment. "We'll need fingerprints and retinal patterns for security clearance," one explained.

Before she could object, they'd guided her through the process, her biological data now permanently embedded in the compound's systems.

She slumped back into the passenger seat, defeated.

As they drove through the manicured grounds, Evelyn's stomach twisted tighter with each passing minute.

The mansion came into view after seven minutes - a stately two-story residence with armed patrols circling the perimeter.

The interior surprised her. Unlike the opulent Blackwood estate, this home exuded quiet power. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves dominated the living space, housing what must have been thousands of volumes. The air smelled of leather and aged paper.

She was admiring the reading nook when Liam's voice shattered the moment. "Victoria and I occupy the second floor. Choose any guest room downstairs."

His words landed like a physical blow.

So this was where he brought his mistress. Where they shared a life while she played the dutiful wife elsewhere. The humiliation burned her cheeks.

"I can't stay here," Evelyn choked out. "Victoria will-"

"Victoria's temper is childish at best," Liam interrupted, settling onto the sofa. "I'll manage her."

That affectionate dismissal cut deeper than any insult. Evelyn bit her tongue, clinging to the thought of freedom in thirty days.

She fled to the nearest bedroom, locking the door behind her.

Her knees buckled. Back pressed against the wood, she gulped air like a drowning woman. Through the balcony doors, the sunset painted the sky in hues of betrayal.

Three years of love. Three years of lies.

Had her devotion ever meant anything to him? Or had she merely been an inconvenient obligation?

A sharp pain lanced through her chest. Evelyn fisted her blouse over her heart, twisting the fabric until her knuckles whitened. The physical ache barely registered against the devastation tearing through her.