Chapter 408

Evelyn's thoughts spiraled deeper into despair. Her eyes flickered toward Victoria, who stood behind Liam like a shadow.

That woman must be reveling in this moment. Victoria probably found twisted pleasure watching their relationship crumble.

A lump formed in Evelyn's throat as tears threatened to spill. She recognized her mistakes, every misstep that led them here.

But she needed Liam to choose her - not just as someone he liked, but as the woman who held his heart. The realization made her vision blur with unshed tears.

With forced indifference, she said, "Yes, I'm that capricious. You got hurt because of me, and I nursed you back to health. Consider my duty fulfilled."

"Duty?" Liam's voice cracked on the word.

A bitter smile twisted his lips. "So you only feel responsible for my physical wounds?"

Evelyn gnawed on her lower lip, unable to meet his gaze.

She knew exactly how her words wounded him, yet they'd tumbled out anyway. Instant regret flooded her senses.

Liam's breath hitched, his eyes turning glassy. His grip on her arm tightened - as if she might vanish the moment he let go.

"Sweetheart," he murmured, voice thick with emotion, "my recovery isn't complete. Your responsibility remains unfulfilled."

"I'll stay as long as you need. But when you're ready, I'll take you home."

The tenderness in his words melted Evelyn's resolve. Despite Victoria's venom, despite Liam not defending her, the fight drained from her.

Victoria's sudden outburst shattered the moment. "Liam! Why are you debasing yourself? Have you lost all self-respect?"

The intrusion hardened Evelyn's heart again.

Ignoring Victoria, she locked eyes with Liam. "Should outsiders be meddling in our affairs?"

Before Liam could respond, Victoria's voice rose shrilly. "I'm his oldest friend! I won't stand by while you break his heart. What? You can play with his feelings but I can't speak up?"

Evelyn's composure snapped. "How exactly am I playing with him?"

Victoria planted her hands on her hips. "He had an entire medical team! You're not special for playing nurse for a few days."

"And that kiss? If you don't love him, why lead him on? Disgusting behavior."

The verbal assault left Evelyn trembling. She clenched her fists, unable to counter the accusations.

Tears welled in her bloodshot eyes as she searched Liam's face. Never had she expected such public humiliation.

The nearly deserted street seemed to close in around them.

Twilight painted the scene in melancholic hues, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows.

Evelyn bit her quivering lip, tears clinging to her lashes. She silently pleaded for Liam to intervene.

"Do you... feel the same way?" The question scraped her throat raw.

Liam's gaze held oceans of unspoken words, but he remained silent.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Do you believe I've been toying with you?"

When Liam reached for her hand, hope flickered in her chest. "Then give me a real place in your life," he said.

Her heart shattered. Not only had he failed to defend her, he'd essentially taken Victoria's side.