Chapter 224

Evelyn lowered her gaze, her throat tightening with unspoken words as she shook her head in distress.

"Is that your final answer?" Liam's whisper carried a wounded edge, his voice barely audible.

A sob escaped Evelyn's lips as she finally forced out the word, "No."

His hands fell away from her as his misty eyes blinked open. Pushing off the bed, he turned his back to her, his broad shoulders rigid with tension.

"Whatever's going through that mind of yours," he stated coldly, "never mention divorce again. That's not an option."

He continued without turning, "If there's something I need to improve, tell me directly. I'll change anything for you - except who I am at my core."

"Be honest with me," he demanded, his voice like steel. "Don't make me guess your thoughts because I can't read your damn mind."

With those final words, he strode toward the bathroom, leaving her trembling on the bed. She wiped at her tears with shaking fingers, swallowing back the lump in her throat.

Truthfully, Liam terrified her when he wore that icy expression. His words had struck like physical blows. Even drowning in hurt and injustice, she didn't dare challenge him when he was like this.

Yet as the bathroom door clicked shut, anger at her own weakness flared hot in her chest.

Storming to the bathroom door, she pressed her palm against the wood and declared, "I want a written promise. Swear you'll cut all ties with Victoria Dawson."

"Or you'll grant my divorce request without conditions next time." Her voice wavered on the dreaded word, her pulse hammering.

Having made her demand, she fled to the dressing room, her hands fumbling with the buttons of her nightgown.

When Liam emerged from the bathroom, steam curling around his damp frame, he found the dressing room door firmly closed.

Without hesitation, he retrieved pen and paper from the nightstand and settled into the wicker chair on the balcony. The scratching of pen against paper filled the morning air.

Evelyn emerged later, her hair neatly braided, wearing a simple linen dress. At the same moment, Liam reentered from the balcony, extending a folded sheet toward her.

She unfolded it with careful fingers. The heading read: "Binding Agreement."

"I, Liam Blackwood, solemnly vow to my wife Evelyn Carter that I shall remain faithful to our marriage. Should I ever betray this oath, I will not contest any divorce proceedings initiated by her."

Her eyes flicked up. "I'm not 'Chubs'," she corrected pointedly.

A ghost of amusement touched his lips. "Grandmother calls you that."

He wasn't wrong. She studied the document again, tracing the bold signature at the bottom.

Yet Liam remained distant, his usual reticence more pronounced than ever. Even his written promise was characteristically blunt and to the point.

Folding the paper carefully, she tucked it into her pocket, the weight of her grievances lifting. Once again, she'd surrendered her principles for him.

Since he'd complied with her demand, she softened. "Let's go down for breakfast," she offered quietly.

He stepped closer, studying her face. "You're not angry anymore?"

She nodded, avoiding his piercing gaze. "We should go before the food gets cold."

As she turned toward the door, his arm shot out, catching her waist. In one fluid motion, he pinned her against the wall, caging her between his arms.

Her breath hitched as she stared up at him, wide-eyed. "Liam, what—"

His heated gaze dropped to her lips. "I want to kiss my wife," he murmured roughly.

Before she could protest, his mouth crashed down on hers in a searing kiss that stole her breath.

"Mmph!" The startled sound was swallowed by his demanding lips as he kissed her with barely restrained intensity.