Chapter 428

Though her heart was breaking, Evelyn chose to let go out of love for Liam. She reached down to help him stand.

With trembling fingers, she brushed away his tears.

Even as her own heart shattered, Evelyn gazed tenderly into Liam's eyes and whispered, "Though this goodbye tears me apart, I won't stand in your way. Your happiness means everything to me."

An unbearable pain constricted Liam's chest, making each breath a struggle. Overwhelmed by gratitude and guilt, his body shook with silent sobs. He pulled Evelyn into a crushing embrace, murmuring against her hair, "Thank you, Grandma."

Alexander released a heavy sigh. After discreetly wiping his eyes, he rose and placed a comforting hand on Liam's shoulder. Words failed him in that moment.

Raised in this loving family that always supported his dreams, Liam made sure to spend every possible moment with Archibald and Margaret as his departure loomed. He also visited Donovan at Blackwood Manor regularly.

When all his affairs in Aldenria were settled, Liam bid farewell to Rosalind and Donovan. Despite tying up all loose ends, an emptiness lingered in his chest - he knew it stemmed from his unresolved feelings for Evelyn.

Evelyn hadn't contacted him at all these past days. It was as if she'd already erased him from her life.

Time slipped away, and a week later on an unremarkable evening, Liam encountered Nathaniel Winslow. They'd been seniors together at Solterra University and now worked at the same research institute.

Nathaniel cut an elegant figure in his tailored suit, his dark-framed glasses adding an intellectual air. He'd been sent by the Solterra Research Institute to escort Liam.

A pang of sorrow struck Liam at the sight of him, but he schooled his features into calmness. "Nathaniel," he greeted evenly, "it's been a while."

Adjusting his glasses, Nathaniel replied with quiet warmth, "When you disappeared for three years, I feared the worst. Seeing you safe is a relief."

Liam offered a tight-lipped smile.

"You know why I'm here," Nathaniel stated.

"I do."

"Our flight leaves tomorrow afternoon," Nathaniel added.

"Tomorrow?" The words hit Liam like a physical blow.

Never had he longed to see Evelyn more than in that moment. After tomorrow, years might pass before they met again. Just thinking of her made his heart ache so fiercely he could barely breathe.

"I'll go pack then. Nathaniel, you can rest in the guest room," Liam said, forcing composure.

After a maid showed Nathaniel to his room, Liam retreated to his balcony. The starless sky mirrored his mood, and the warm night air felt suffocating.

Wright Manor glowed softly below, its garden path illuminated by golden lanterns that created an almost surreal atmosphere.

Liam kept unlocking his phone, torn about calling Evelyn. Tomorrow would begin at least five years of separation. By then, everything between them might change irrevocably. The thought deepened his sorrow.

Evelyn's voice, her smile, the way she moved - all flashed vividly through his mind. He realized now that parting while both still lived was more painful than death could ever be. Tears welled in his eyes.

Unable to resist any longer, he pressed call. The ringing tone echoed through the silent night.