Chapter 286

Evelyn's cheeks flushed crimson as she stammered, "He was running a fever, and his clothes were drenched in sweat."

Rosalind arched an eyebrow with a knowing smirk. "Oh really? Just sweat?"

The color deepened in Evelyn's face as she defended, "O-Of course! Besides, we're married. I've seen him without clothes before - it's nothing special."

At the mention of their marriage, Rosalind leaned in conspiratorially. "Evelyn, you've been married to him for six months since your memory loss. Have you two...you know..."

"What?"

"Done the deed." Rosalind wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Evelyn's face burned as comprehension dawned. "What kind of question is that? No, we haven't."

Rosalind's eyes widened as she glanced at Liam's still form. "Seriously? With that face and body? So he's...incapable?"

Liam, feigning sleep, felt his jaw tighten imperceptibly. His body remained motionless while turmoil churned within.

Evelyn didn't know about Liam's capabilities. What she did know was his unwavering respect for her boundaries.

"Enough nonsense." Evelyn ushered Rosalind toward the door. "I'm staying to care for him. You go investigate my grandfather's illness."

"Fine, but be careful. Don't let anyone discover him here."

"I know."

After Rosalind left, Evelyn secured the door and exhaled shakily. When she turned back toward the bed, her breath caught - Liam had propped himself up, massaging his temples.

The defined muscles of his torso glistened faintly, accentuated by several faded scars that added a dangerous allure.

Evelyn swallowed hard and approached cautiously. "Liam, you're awake? Are you feeling any discomfort?"

He shook his head slightly, the air between them growing thick. Evelyn reached for the blanket. "You should cover up. Don't catch a chill."

The fabric slipped from his shoulders repeatedly. After two failed attempts, she knelt beside him, carefully wrapping the blanket around his frame.

Their eyes met suddenly - his stormy gaze locking with her clear one. The world seemed to pause as electricity crackled between them.

In Evelyn's eyes, Liam saw unexpected tenderness. In his, she recognized smoldering desire.

Her pulse quickened as warmth spread through her cheeks. "You collapsed yesterday, soaked through. I...I undressed you to clean you up. But I didn't...look improperly."

Liam responded with a faint hum, his lips quirking slightly.

"When the storm passes, I'll have clothes brought for you," Evelyn continued. "You can't stay here. Leave as soon as you're able."

"Do you think moving in protects your grandparents?" Liam's voice was rough. "Have you considered the danger if your identity is discovered?"

"I have."

"Then why take the risk?"

Evelyn leaned closer, her whisper barely audible. "Liam, they're my family. I can't abandon them."

"You shouldn't endanger yourself."

"Liam...my parents might still be alive." Her breath warmed his ear as she confessed, "That impostor Victoria moved in a month after my disappearance. She's been impersonating me in video calls with my parents and Julian to deceive my grandparents."