Chapter 292

Liam Blackwood and Cassandra Wright had once been inseparable, spending countless hours together.

Yet Cassandra had always admired Donovan Blackwood. Liam often heard her praising Donovan's achievements.

There was no denying Donovan had been the golden boy of their school days. Basketball team captain. Straight-A student. Ivy League material.

Everyone considered him brilliant, yet he chose the police academy instead.

Donovan and Cassandra were the academic stars who dominated every competition. Liam worked tirelessly to match Cassandra's brilliance, desperate to prove himself worthy. Eventually, he carved out his own successful career, standing equal to her—yet her heart remained untouched.

"Cassandra, if you want to visit Donovan, I can have Ryan take you." Liam's voice carried a quiet melancholy.

Evelyn shook her head. She feared she might have caught Liam's cold and didn’t want to risk infecting Donovan in his fragile state.

"Not today. I’ll bring flowers and visit when the weather clears. Showing up drenched in this storm would be embarrassing."

Liam’s dark eyes were unfathomable as they lingered on her profile. His chest tightened painfully at her words—proof she still cared deeply about Donovan’s opinion of her.

No matter how hard Liam had tried to surpass Donovan, to become the man Cassandra admired, he knew he could never truly replace him.

Evelyn accidentally met Liam’s gaze when she glanced up, and he immediately turned toward the window. Her pulse quickened inexplicably.

"Liam, you should eat something and rest," she said softly. "You still need to take your medication."

Liam hummed in response and moved away from the window. He twisted open a water bottle and swallowed his pills dry.

Evelyn frowned. "You didn’t eat anything. Medicine on an empty stomach is bad for you."

"Not hungry," he murmured. He sat on the edge of the bed, watching the storm outside with subdued energy.

She assumed his illness had dampened his mood. Moving closer, she sat beside him. "Liam, you need to take care of yourself. Medicine requires food—that’s basic. You’re a grown man. Do I really have to remind you?"

Liam turned to her with a faint smile. "Cassandra, you’ve gotten quite naggy."

Her expression darkened. She opened the takeout box, revealing chicken pies and pastries.

Picking up a pastry, she held it out to him. "Open your mouth. I’ll feed you."

Liam recoiled slightly, surprise flickering across his face.