Chapter 352

Before her memories returned, Evelyn had forgotten Liam for an entire decade.

Yet he had loved her unconditionally all those years, waiting patiently without any promise of reunion.

Evelyn suddenly lost her appetite. She stood abruptly, phone in hand. "Grandfather, please excuse me. There's something I need to attend to."

"Of course, dear," Archibald replied gently.

Retreating to her room, Evelyn closed the door and perched on the edge of her bed. Her thumb hovered over Liam's contact in her phone, hesitating.

The longing surprised her. Only two days without hearing his voice, yet she ached to know his whereabouts, his activities. Normally so composed, she found herself battling unfamiliar emotions when it came to him. Before she realized it, her finger had pressed call.

Her pulse raced. Palms grew damp as the line connected. Then came his warm baritone: "Cassandra? Is everything alright?"

"Must there be trouble for me to call you?" she countered, sharper than intended.

Silence stretched on Liam's end. Usually, Evelyn only reached out when she needed something. Could this simply be... because she wanted to hear his voice?

She could practically hear his smile through the phone. "No, of course not."

Suddenly tongue-tied, Evelyn lay back on the bed, cheeks warming. The silence between them stretched comfortably until Liam finally spoke.

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes."

"How are your grandparents?"

"Grandmother isn't well."

"Give it time."

"I know."

Another pause. Evelyn remembered Liam was never one for small talk. If she wanted conversation, she'd have to lead.

"Liam... where are you?" she asked softly.

"Blackwood Manor."

"You didn't return to base?"

"My current assignment keeps me in Aldenria. Nothing urgent."

His deep voice wrapped around her like a warm blanket, filling the hollow space in her chest. In that moment, she understood why he'd always hoped she'd call - not for business, but simply to connect.

"Cassandra," he murmured.

"Yes?"

"Can we meet?"

Her breath caught. Staring at the ceiling, she felt her heartbeat accelerate.

"Some friends are coming to the manor for dinner tonight. You've met them before. Will you join us?"

The thought of seeing him alone terrified her, but with others present... "Alright. What time?"

"Five o'clock. I'll send Ryan to collect you."

"I'll be there. See you soon, Liam," she answered, smiling.

"Looking forward to it." His reluctance to hang up was palpable.

Evelyn ended the call first, springing from bed with sudden energy. She practically flew to her closet, searching for the perfect outfit. Her heart had already left to meet him.

By nightfall, Blackwood Manor's gardens would be transformed - tables set, food prepared, the barbecue waiting.