Chapter 302

Evelyn lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Liam, I'm sorry." The weight of guilt pressed heavily on her chest, each breath more painful than the last.

Liam forced a smile, tilting his head back as his arms fell limply to his sides. His eyelids fluttered shut. "I understand," he murmured.

She couldn't bear to meet his eyes. Turning abruptly, Evelyn fled the garden.

Liam didn't follow. He remained motionless on the wrought iron bench, face turned toward the twilight sky. Even with his eyes closed, hot tears traced paths down his stubbled cheeks. The golden glow of sunset painted his solitary figure in heartbreaking hues.

Evelyn vanished into the gathering dusk without looking back.

Liam pressed trembling fingers to his temples, attempting to stem the flood of emotion. A decade had passed since he'd felt this particular brand of agony. The familiarity made it no easier to endure.

The taxi ride home blurred through Evelyn's tears. The driver offered awkward condolences about "young love," mistaking her grief for a simple breakup. She let him talk, unable to explain these tears were for the man she loved too deeply to be with.

Rosalind answered the door at Wright Manor. One look at Evelyn's swollen eyes and she gasped. "Evelyn! What happened?" Her fingers tightened around Evelyn's wrist. "Who did this to you?"

"I'm fine," Evelyn lied, brushing past her.

Rosalind pursued her up the grand staircase. "Tell me who hurt you!"

Evelyn collapsed onto the canopied bed, burying her face in silk pillows. Rosalind perched beside her. "Where were you? I've been worried sick."

Shudders wracked Evelyn's frame. "He... he told me he loved me," she choked out. "And I had to say no."

"General Blackwood?" Rosalind breathed.

Evelyn's composure shattered. "He asked for so little! Just... just occasional messages. And I couldn't even give him that." She clutched at her chest. "I'm monstrous, aren't I? This pain... it's unbearable."

Rosalind gathered the weeping woman into her arms. "Evelyn... do you love him too?"

The silent answer spoke volumes. Rosalind stroked her hair. "You're doing what you must. He'll understand someday."

"Make it stop," Evelyn begged between sobs. "The pain... is there medicine? Anything?"

Tears welled in Rosalind's eyes. She'd never seen her strong-willed charge so broken. They cried together until exhaustion claimed them.

"Evelyn, please," Rosalind whispered later. "General Blackwood would support your decision if he knew—"

"Enough!" Evelyn cut her off sharply.

Rosalind bit her lip, glancing at the door. She stayed the night, watching over Evelyn's fitful sleep.

Morning light revealed the damage - puffy eyes, pale complexion. Yet the storm of tears had left Evelyn strangely hollow, numb.

She was halfway to Archibald's suite when Victoria's voice froze her in the grand foyer.

"Stop right there." The blonde lounged on a velvet settee, arms crossed. Her expression promised trouble.