Chapter 339

The aftermath of passion left Evelyn breathless, her arms slipping from Liam's neck as she stared blankly at the ceiling, emotions churning like a storm within her.

Liam traced his fingers through her hair, pressing a lingering kiss to the shell of her ear. His voice was rough with emotion, barely above a whisper. "Cassandra, I'll give you everything. A future brighter than the stars. My heart, my soul—all of it. Marry me."

The words struck like a blade. Evelyn's chest tightened, tears burning behind her eyelids. She clenched her fists, nails biting into her palms as she fought to keep herself together.

If she were still lost in amnesia, still believing herself to be Cassandra, she would have melted into his arms, nodding through joyful tears.

But she wasn't Cassandra.

She was Evelyn Carter—a woman who couldn't afford to be bound to the leader of Aldenria's military.

"I'm sorry, Liam." Her voice cracked, tears blurring her vision. "I can't accept."

Liam's breath hitched. He buried his face against her neck, his next words laced with raw pain. "Is it because you don't love me... or because you can't?"

Her heart shattered.

If she admitted she loved him but refused anyway, he wouldn't let it go. He'd dig deeper, unraveling the truth she couldn't afford to reveal.

Tears spilled freely as she forced her voice steady. "I don't love you. And we can't be together."

Liam went rigid, agony ripping through him. A bitter smile twisted his lips, his eyes reddening with unshed tears.

The pain in his chest eclipsed everything else—worse than any wound, any battle scar. Slowly, he pulled away.

Evelyn reached for him, fingers brushing his jaw as she met his devastated gaze. The sorrow there nearly broke her.

Her voice trembled. "Liam... I'm willing."

Bracing a hand on the bed, Liam gently caught her wrist with the other, studying her from above. "Willing to do what?"

"To sleep with you." The admission came without shame. But seeing the fresh wave of hurt in his eyes, her own heart ached in response.

Liam exhaled sharply, his smile strained as he brushed a thumb over her cheek. "Don't be ridiculous," he murmured before pushing off the bed and striding toward the bathroom.

The moment the door clicked shut, the warmth of his presence vanished, leaving only a hollow ache in her chest.

She lay there, silent tears slipping down her temples, dampening her hair.

He had wanted to propose before taking things further.

Even now, rejected, he refused to claim her body when he couldn't have her heart.

The thought carved deeper into her soul, stealing her breath. Wiping her face, she sat up, the weight of her decision crushing. She couldn't bear to see him in pain any longer.

Looking back, she regretted not realizing Liam's feelings for her years ago. When she left Aldenria, she had severed all ties, never considering the scars she left behind.

She wouldn't make that mistake again.

She wouldn't give him false hope, only to disappear once more.

The next time she left, it might be for years.

Or forever.

Stepping out of Liam's room, Evelyn felt the weight of sorrow settle over her like a shroud.

She had no idea of the torment Liam endured that night—whether physical or emotional, it consumed him.

Yet the next morning, he was composed.

Despite her rejection, Liam treated her with the same quiet gentleness, holding no resentment.

He didn't pursue her with jewels or grand gestures, with lavish gifts or empty promises.

Instead, he loved her in silence—through respect, through freedom. Willing to give her anything, demand nothing.

His love was boundless, yet restrained.

And though Evelyn felt everything, her identity shackled her. She couldn't ask him to wait another five years.

If something kept her from returning, the guilt would haunt her forever.

Days passed.

While Evelyn remained wary of Victoria's next move, Rosalind delivered devastating news.

"Evelyn... Victoria is getting married."