Chapter 383

The truth hit me like a freight train.

Victoria noticed Evelyn's pale complexion and distant gaze. "Are you alright?" she asked, genuine concern lacing her voice.

Evelyn forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine."

Victoria rose from her chair, studying Evelyn's face. "Did you just find out about Liam and me? He didn't tell you?"

A bitter laugh escaped Evelyn's lips as she shook her head. Tears threatened to spill over. "It's not his fault," she said, voice trembling. "I was the one who cut ties. Told him we couldn't even be friends anymore."

"I see," Victoria replied softly.

Evelyn's fingers unconsciously traced the box in her pocket, feeling the weight of the hydronium through the fabric. "When are you returning to Solterra?" Victoria asked.

"Soon," Evelyn answered vaguely.

Victoria tilted her head. "Why do you keep leaving? Your grandfather's empire, your family... are you really willing to walk away from all that?"

Evelyn's gaze drifted to Liam's unconscious form. The pain in her chest was unbearable. "No," she whispered. "I'm not."

That single word held all her unspoken feelings - not for the wealth, but for the man lying in that hospital bed.

Victoria's expression darkened slightly. "So you're... staying?"

Evelyn discreetly wiped her eyes before looking up. "No. There are matters I must attend to."

"Good luck with your work."

The words were like salt in Evelyn's wounds. She stole one last glance at Liam, memorizing his features. Now, even looking at him felt like trespassing.

He belonged to someone else now. Soon, he would build a life with Victoria.

The thought was excruciating, yet Evelyn forced herself to smile. "I wish you both happiness."

Victoria beamed. "Thank you. We will be."

Evelyn turned abruptly before her composure shattered completely. Hot tears streamed down her face as she hurried from the room. The pain was physical, a crushing weight on her chest.

She knew better than to expect anyone to wait forever. A man like Liam Blackwood? He had galaxies to conquer.

He'd promised to wait five years once. She'd rejected him. This was the consequence of her choices.

Outside the ward, she collided with Ryan. "Ms. Wright?" he asked, noticing her red-rimmed eyes. "Is everything alright?"

Evelyn wiped her face hastily. "I need to go."

"Go where?" Ryan frowned.

Evelyn looked toward the horizon. "Back to Solterra."

"But..." Ryan hesitated. "Aren't you waiting for General Blackwood to wake up?"

A shuddering breath escaped her. "He has Victoria now. My presence isn't necessary."

Ryan's jaw tightened. Disappointment radiated from him in waves. Evelyn could practically see his opinion of her plummeting.

She'd risked everything to save Liam, only to walk away now. To Ryan, it must seem like the ultimate betrayal.

"Ryan," she said softly, "when Liam wakes up... could you let me know he's okay?"

A cold scoff escaped him. "I don't think that's necessary. General Blackwood has Ms. Hudson now."

The words were daggers to her heart. Evelyn turned away before he could see her crumble completely. She walked briskly down the corridor, tears falling freely now.

She had no one to blame but herself. When she'd finally been ready to love Liam properly, it was already too late.