Chapter 429

Evelyn's pulse hammered against her ribs as the dial tone echoed in her ear. Her palms grew clammy, fingers trembling around the phone. A wave of nausea crashed over her.

The line connected.

"Hello?" Liam's voice came through, deep as always but drained of its characteristic warmth. Like a candle flickering its last.

Hearing him shattered Evelyn's fragile composure. She clamped a hand over her mouth, biting back a sob. Hot tears spilled over her fingers, dripping onto her lap.

Words burned in her throat, trapped behind the dam of her emotions. If she moved her hand, she knew she'd break completely.

This wasn't like her. She'd always been the pragmatic one, prioritizing career over romance. Yet here she sat, unraveling at the sound of his voice.

§

On the other end, Liam waited. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating. "Cassandra?" His voice softened. "Are you there? Can you speak to me?"

Evelyn pressed her palm harder against her lips. Her entire body shook with the effort of containing her grief. Tears traced silver paths down her cheeks, splashing onto the floor.

A bitter chuckle came through the line. "Since you're calling, you must still be in Aldenria. Should we switch to video? I'd give anything to see your face right now."

The ache in Evelyn's chest became unbearable. Her knees gave way, sending her crumpling to the floor in a tight ball. Terrified he might hang up, she drew a shuddering breath. "Liam," her voice cracked, "this is the last time I'll call you."

His breath hitched, but he forced lightness into his tone. "Every story needs an ending. Maybe I'll catch your next breakthrough on the news. Who knows? You might even win that Genesis Award someday."

"None of that matters," Evelyn whispered.

"They were your dreams," Liam corrected gently.

A sob escaped her. "Why must you always be so understanding? Why can't you be selfish for once? You're tearing me apart."

His forced smile was almost audible. "Selfishness would only hurt you more. Is that what you truly want?"

"Yes," she gasped, then immediately shook her head. "No. I don't know."

"Don't overthink it. Trust your gut. You don't owe me anything, Evelyn. I've loved you all along, even when you couldn't return it. I'll be fine - tougher than you think." His voice steadied.

Evelyn swiped at her tears. She remembered his promise to wait five years. Would he still hold to that?

"Liam, I—" She cut herself off. The selfishness of asking for more time struck her like a physical blow.

The thought of leaving him waiting another five years, possibly for nothing, crushed her chest. By then he'd be in his thirties - might even have children starting school.

"What is it?" Concern laced his words.

Evelyn pressed a hand to her aching heart. "Just... take care of yourself. Remember to love yourself too."

"You as well."

"I will."

Liam couldn't bring himself to ask when she was leaving or if she'd return. For now, hearing her voice was enough. It had to be.