Chapter 253

Liam's arm encircled Evelyn's waist, his fingers intertwining with hers as he whispered, "Darling, whatever you decide, I'll stand by you."

Evelyn leaned into his embrace, seeking solace in his familiar warmth. "Aren't you upset I kept this from you?"

"You weren't ready to share with anyone, were you? The moment overwhelmed you." His understanding tone made her throat tighten.

She nodded. Dorothy's relentless pressure had been unbearable. The accusations had flown like daggers, and in that heated moment, the truth had spilled from Evelyn's lips without thought.

"It's alright now. I'm here." Liam pressed a kiss to her temple, his lips warm against her skin.

A rush of affection flooded Evelyn's chest, wrapping around her heart like a security blanket.

"Have you eaten today?" Liam's question was soft, concerned.

She shook her head. "Not hungry."

"You need to eat something." His tone brooked no argument.

Evelyn opened her mouth to protest, but suddenly found herself lifted into his arms. "Let me take you upstairs to rest. I'll bring you a proper meal."

"I can walk," she murmured, though her arms instinctively wound around his neck.

"I know." His steps were measured, his voice tender. "But I want to carry you."

Heat bloomed across Evelyn's cheeks as she nestled against his shoulder, surrendering to his care.

From the foyer, Ryan and Adrian watched the couple ascend the staircase before moving to their posts outside Blackwood Manor's entrance.

Adrian chuckled. "Never thought General Blackwood could be so... domestic."

Ryan's expression darkened. "He's been running on fumes lately. How much longer can he keep this up?"

"Ryan," Adrian lowered his voice, "you've noticed it too, haven't you? The General's feelings for Mrs. Blackwood have changed."

"Changed?" Ryan scoffed. "That's an understatement."

Adrian's eyebrows shot up. "What happened while I was hospitalized?"

"The General knows her true identity now."

"Then why hasn't he told her? Why let her go through that media circus searching for her family? She looked devastated."

"Some truths are too complex for simple explanations."

Adrian leaned closer. "Give me details."

Ryan exhaled heavily.

Since publicly renouncing her identity, Evelyn had become a recluse within Blackwood Manor's walls. Fear kept her indoors, away from prying eyes and news broadcasts. She filled her days with books, studies, and tending to her plants - anything to avoid confronting the storm outside. For Evelyn, staying safe had become the greatest gift she could give Liam.

On a particularly golden afternoon, after hours of intense reading, Evelyn's eyes grew heavy with fatigue. She'd just finished her eye exercises when two figures materialized before her, making her jump.

Blackwood Manor wasn't a place where strangers wandered in unannounced.

The young man and woman were strikingly attractive, each holding gift bags and regarding Evelyn with curious expressions, seemingly as startled by her presence as she was by theirs.

"May I help you?" Evelyn asked, smoothing her dress.

The man offered a polite smile. "Benjamin Hudson. This is my sister, Victoria. We're Liam's friends. And you are?"

Taking in their refined attire and the gifts, Evelyn guessed they were Royal Heights residents. She returned their smile. "Evelyn Carter. Liam's wife."