Chapter 388

"Chubs," Liam murmured. His lips curved into a tender smile as his gaze lingered on her with unmistakable warmth.

Evelyn lifted her eyes, their depths shimmering like morning dew. "Hmm?"

His voice was thick with emotion. "Aldenria needs you."

A delicate smile played on her lips. "And what about you?"

Liam froze, his expression flickering between surprise and something deeper, more conflicted.

Evelyn instantly regretted her words. The realization struck her like icy water—he wasn’t hers to ask such things anymore. Heat rushed to her cheeks.

Before he could respond, she forced a laugh, waving a dismissive hand. "Forget I said that. Just a bad joke."

His reply died in his throat.

The silence grew unbearable. Evelyn stood abruptly, smoothing her skirt. "You should rest, Liam. I should go."

"Chubs—" His voice cracked with urgency. She couldn’t leave. Not yet.

But she was already moving toward the door.

He called after her, but her steps only quickened. Desperation clawed at him. "Cassandra Wright!"

The sound of her full name halted her mid-step. Her fingers hovered over the doorknob. Slowly, she turned.

The moment she faced him, Liam’s weakened legs gave out. He stumbled forward, collapsing against her.

Evelyn gasped as her back hit the doorframe. Instinctively, her arms wrapped around his waist, holding him upright.

Liam braced himself against the door, his weight pressing her into the wood. His breath came in ragged bursts.

Panic fluttered in Evelyn’s chest. "Liam! What’s wrong?"

He hadn’t realized how frail he was until now. Standing took everything he had.

Ignoring the dizziness, he fought to stay conscious. The scent of her hair—vanilla and something uniquely her—anchored him.

"Cassandra," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

She tightened her grip. "Let me help you back to bed."

His fingers dug into the doorframe. "Do you understand?" he rasped. "Donovan... my brother... his first love destroyed him. He still can’t let go."

Evelyn’s throat tightened. Loving a Blackwood only led to heartbreak.

Tears pricked her eyes. "Liam, let me call Ryan. You need help—"

"Just... let me stay like this. A little longer." His head dropped to her shoulder, his breath warm against her skin.

She didn’t protest. Her hand drifted up, fingers tracing slow circles on his back. A silent promise.

Tears spilled over. In this moment, she admitted the truth: she loved him. Hopelessly.

When they’d pulled him from that waterlogged cell, barely breathing, she’d wanted to die with him. The world had scientists, innovators—but there was only one Liam.

Her decision was made. She’d return to Aldenria, serve her country... and him.

So why? The question burned. Why did you choose her?

"Liam," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Why did you follow me?"