Chapter 276

"I've been managing," Evelyn replied quickly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam's chest tightened painfully. He shut his eyes briefly, his words coming out strained. "Where did you study? Where did you work? You—"

"Liam," she cut him off, her tone weighted with unspoken emotions. "That's all in the past now. There's no use revisiting it."

But was it truly the past?

His lips pressed into a thin line as he fought the urge to push further.

For ten long years, there were countless things he'd wanted to say to her. He needed to know she was safe, happy—to learn every detail of the life she'd lived without him.

Even if it meant just being a concerned friend. A neighbor who cared.

"Liam," she said softly, "goodbye."

Silence stretched between them before the line went dead. A foolish part of him still hoped she'd call back.

Evelyn hadn't mentioned when she'd come for her things. Maybe she never intended to see him again.

After a long moment, Liam set his phone down gently. He moved to the window, staring blankly at the horizon.

His tall frame looked strangely isolated in the quiet room. Like a mighty oak stripped bare of its leaves.

Two days later.

The evening sky burned crimson as sunset painted Blackwood Manor in warm hues.

A car pulled up at the gates. Rosalind stayed inside while Evelyn entered alone.

Stepping into the familiar foyer sent a wave of nostalgia crashing over her. Swallowing hard, she quickened her pace.

The manor was unusually empty of staff. Evelyn climbed the stairs and pushed open the master bedroom door.

Given Liam's hectic schedule, she assumed he wouldn't be home.

Her fingers trailed over the vanity she'd once used, lingering for a heartbeat too long before moving to the closet.

She retrieved her suitcase and began packing methodically—folding clothes, gathering documents, tucking away mementos.

When everything was neatly arranged, she grabbed the suitcase handle and turned to leave.

Descending the stairs, she froze mid-step at the sight before her.

Liam sat motionless on the living room sofa, his back to her. He didn't react to her presence.

Her pulse quickened as she approached cautiously, studying his familiar silhouette. An uneasy flutter stirred in her chest.

"Liam," she murmured. "I didn't expect you here."

Silence.

Unable to see his expression, she continued, "I came to collect my things."

His voice trembled slightly. "Will we ever see each other again?"

The raw pain in his words sent a sharp pang through her heart. Her nose tingled with unshed tears.

She wanted to see him too.

For three years she'd secretly admired him, yearning to stay by his side every single day.

Even now, with her memories restored, that longing burned brighter than ever.

Those feelings had never faded.

Yet she knew they were like two ships passing in the night—destined never to meet.

Their worlds were at odds. If she returned to her work, even speaking to him could brand her a traitor.

What was the point of clinging to something with no future?

Tears welled in her eyes as she forced the words out. "I'm so sorry, Liam. I think... we should stop contacting each other. Go our separate ways, like before."

His reply came heavy with sorrow. "Of course. I understand."