Chapter 293

Liam accepted the pastry from Evelyn's hand with a curt nod. "Appreciate it. I can manage on my own."

Evelyn observed him quietly, her emotions tangled like knotted threads.

Before their divorce, Liam had pursued her relentlessly. But the moment she'd drawn her boundaries, he'd respected them completely. She'd gotten exactly what she wanted, yet an inexplicable ache settled in her chest.

She'd been disciplining herself rigorously. They weren't reckless teenagers anymore. Love couldn't be their priority - life held far weightier matters.

Liam took a small bite of the pastry, chewing mechanically as if tasting cardboard. When Evelyn brought over the entire box, she settled beside him, and they ate in silence.

It had been months since they'd shared food like this, sitting in wordless companionship. No unnecessary conversation, just two souls occupying the same space.

"How long do you think this storm will last?" Evelyn sighed, breaking the quiet.

Liam's dark eyes deepened as he set down his half-eaten pastry. Secretly, he hoped the downpour would continue - it meant more stolen moments with her.

The ringing of Liam's phone shattered the moment. He hesitated three full seconds before answering.

Evelyn's teeth sank into her pastry as her gaze locked onto Liam, ears straining.

"Victoria. What is it?" Liam's voice was calm.

Evelyn froze. Victoria Hudson - brilliant diplomat, Foreign Ministry official, and Liam's closest confidante. Her pulse quickened.

"Understood." Liam ended the call and moved toward the balcony, sliding open the glass door.

Evelyn abandoned her food and rushed after him. "Liam, where are you going?"

The opened door unleashed a gust of wind that sent the curtains billowing. The torrential rain outside looked treacherous.

Liam turned, his expression unreadable. "Since you've made your choice and I can't change your mind, there's no point in me staying."

"It's pouring! And you're still recovering. At least wait until-"

"Unnecessary," Liam cut her off coolly.

The pain in Evelyn's chest intensified. "Liam."

His back remained turned. The storm meant nothing to him - only Evelyn mattered. "Call if you need anything," he murmured.

Then he stepped onto the rain-lashed balcony and vaulted over the railing. Evelyn's face drained of color.

She lunged forward, ignoring the stinging rain, gripping the wet railing as wind whipped her hair. The cold downpour soaked through her clothes instantly.

Below, Liam landed gracefully on a first-floor ledge before dropping to the ground. Two fluid movements carried him effortlessly from the ten-foot height.

Rain plastered his clothes to his body, but his posture remained unbroken. His retreating figure grew smaller in the curtain of rain until he vanished completely.

Evelyn's vision blurred. She couldn't tell if it was rain or tears streaming down her face. All she knew was the crushing weight settling over her heart.