Chapter 41

Liam stood tall in his tailored black tuxedo. The impeccable cut accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame.

The dark fabric made his piercing blue eyes appear even more striking. Evelyn found herself unable to look away.

Her pulse quickened whenever he was near. Even after all this time, his presence still left her breathless.

Right now, her palms were sweating. Words failed her completely.

Liam's gaze swept over Evelyn's simple attire. A shadow of displeasure crossed his handsome features.

He had respected her choice not to wear the designer gown he'd selected. But the disappointment still lingered.

"Have you greeted Grandmother yet?" His deep voice was carefully neutral.

Evelyn shook her head mutely. If she spoke, the tremor in her voice would betray her emotions.

Liam had always been her anchor. She longed to lean on him now, to pour out her troubles.

But she'd forfeited that right.

His expression darkened. "Were you planning to leave without seeing her?"

Evelyn lowered her eyes. The silent admission hung between them.

Liam exhaled sharply. Without another word, he closed the distance between them and grasped her wrist.

The unexpected contact made her gasp. Her wide eyes searched his face questioningly.

"You may leave after the reception." His tone brooked no argument as he guided her toward the glittering crowd.

Though they weren't holding hands, the proximity sent her heart racing. An unfamiliar warmth spread through her.

With Liam beside her, the sea of strangers felt less intimidating. His presence was a shield against her social anxiety.

He introduced her to various guests with effortless grace. Each time someone inquired about her identity, his response never varied.

"This is my wife, Evelyn Carter."

The simple declaration made her chest tighten. No matter how temporary their arrangement, hearing those words still affected her.

Because tonight, after this charade ended, their marriage would be dissolved.

So why was he still claiming her as his wife?

Around them, whispers spread like wildfire. The elite of Aldenria were clearly shocked by Liam Blackwood's marital status.

When pressed for details about Evelyn's background, Liam smoothly deflected the questions.

Just then, Margaret made her grand entrance, supported by two attendants. They seated her in the ornate chair at the head table.

The elderly woman radiated quiet dignity, her face alight with childlike delight at the celebration in her honor.

Though her memory failed her these days, she remembered this was her birthday. That these were loved ones gathered to honor her.

The Blackwood family descended upon her immediately with well-wishes and lavish gifts, presenting them in order of seniority.

Margaret's delighted laughter rang out frequently.

When Liam's turn came, he offered an exquisite velvet box with quiet words of affection. Then he added, "Evelyn and I chose this together."

The inclusion spared Evelyn the embarrassment of arriving empty-handed.

Margaret beamed as she accepted the gift, running her fingers over it lovingly before gazing at the couple.

"My dear grandson and his lovely bride! You've made an old woman very happy."

More murmurs erupted through the crowd. The mystery of Liam Blackwood's marriage was clearly the evening's hottest topic.

Cassandra chose that moment to interject with a saccharine smile. "The rest of us brought separate gifts. How...convenient that Evelyn's is combined with yours."

Evelyn's cheeks burned with humiliation.

Liam's eyes turned glacial as they locked onto his sister. "My schedule hasn't permitted personal shopping. I insisted on adding my name to Evelyn's thoughtful gift. Do you have an issue with that, Cassandra?"

Cassandra blanched, immediately backpedaling with a strained smile. "No, of course not! I didn't mean anything by it."