Chapter 422

Evelyn's heart clenched painfully as she whispered, "Liam, what do you mean?"

Liam Blackwood's piercing gaze held hers as he spoke softly, "If one day you choose to leave Aldenria and me to return to your career in Solterra, why would I complicate your life and stand in the way of your future?"

Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes. Her voice trembled when she asked, "Liam, how could you ever be a complication?"

Moisture gathered in Liam's eyes too. He tenderly brushed her cheek with his thumb, forcing a smile. "Eventually you'll want to settle down and start a family back in Solterra, won't you?"

Evelyn stared at him through her tears. "You found out, didn't you?"

Liam gave a slow nod. "The Solterran government contacted me. They're determined not to let you go."

"Then why did you propose?" she choked out.

Gently wiping her tears away, Liam asked with a bittersweet smile, "Would you have said yes if there were no obstacles?"

Through her tears, Evelyn nodded firmly. "Yes. I'd marry you. I'd follow you to live at the borderlands."

Liam pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her shoulder. "That's all I needed to hear."

"Liam..."

He held her tightly but maintained careful distance between their bodies. "Let me just hold you like this until we sleep."

"I want to be close to you. You don't have to hold back," Evelyn said bravely.

"I don't want to," Liam replied firmly.

Evelyn frowned. His body told a different story - she could feel his racing heartbeat and the heat radiating from him.

"Don't all men want intimacy with the women they love?"

Liam remained silent. He gently moved her head away, creating more distance between them. He wouldn't even embrace her properly now.

To him, true love wasn't about possession. It was about respect, care, and wanting the best for the other person's future.

Knowing they had no future together, Liam refused to complicate her life for momentary pleasure. He wouldn't risk damaging her future relationships.

He tenderly brushed her hair and tucked the blanket around her. "Don't overthink it. Just sleep."

"Liam—"

"Come with me tomorrow to visit Grandma," he interrupted. "Afterwards, you can help me pick Mother's birthday gift."

Evelyn's tear-filled eyes met his as she nodded silently.

That night, neither slept well. Each wrapped in separate blankets, lost in their own thoughts. Just like during their marriage, they maintained respectful boundaries.

Evelyn understood Liam was protecting her. Perhaps the greatest act of love was restraint.

The next morning, Evelyn accompanied Liam to Shovale to visit Margaret Thorn. Her Alzheimer's had progressed to late stages - she no longer recognized anyone, needed constant care, and had lost all self-awareness.

After the visit, they went jewelry shopping for Eleanor Blackwood's birthday present.

For Eleanor's celebration, the Blackwoods opted for an intimate family gathering rather than an extravagant party.

When Evelyn arrived at Blackwood Manor with her gift, nearly everyone welcomed her warmly. Only Layla seemed reserved.

It was common knowledge among the family that Evelyn was actually Cassandra Wright - Liam's childhood sweetheart and first love.