Chapter 430

Liam couldn't understand why Evelyn was crying. Maybe she didn't want to leave Aldenria. Or perhaps guilt was consuming her.

All he knew was that hearing her voice soothed the storm inside him.

Though they'd never officially been together, the agony in his chest was unbearable. It felt like his heart was being ripped from his body. He wished for death to end the torment. So many words remained unspoken between them.

"I need to handle something, so I'll hang up now," Liam said, his voice carefully controlled.

He had to end the call before his emotions betrayed him. If he didn't hang up soon, he might impulsively book a flight to drag her back to Aldenria.

The moment the call disconnected, Liam threw his phone onto the desk. He collapsed into his chair, drained of all strength. His head fell back against the headrest as he shut his eyes tight.

To endure the pain, he clenched his fists until they trembled. Veins protruded from his skin as silent tears escaped his closed eyelids.

These days, even dreaming of Evelyn brought fresh anguish. When it came to matters of the heart, he was anything but strong. Tears flowed uncontrollably now, tracing the sharp angles of his face before disappearing into his hairline.

A sharp knock at the office door startled him. Liam quickly turned his chair away from the entrance. He wiped his face with quick, practiced motions before composing himself.

Ryan Sullivan entered, his expression tense. "General Blackwood, intelligence reports indicate the traitor and Julian Whitmore have entered Aldenria by boat. They've vanished without a trace."

"You mean Adrian Castillo?" Liam's voice remained steady.

"Yes, the traitor Adrian," Ryan spat. "That bastard would sell his own mother for money. I'll put a bullet between his eyes if I catch him."

Realizing Evelyn must be their target, Liam immediately dialed Rosalind Baskins' number.

Rosalind answered promptly. "General Blackwood? Is everything alright?"

Evelyn couldn't stop her tears. "Liam, why must you always be so selfless? Why can't you be selfish just once? You're tearing me apart."

Liam forced a bitter smile. "Being selfish would only hurt you more. Do you truly want that?"

"I do," Evelyn whispered. Then immediately shook her head. "No... I don't know."

"Don't overthink it. Trust your instincts. You're not responsible for my happiness. I'm stronger than you think. I've loved you all along, even if you never felt the same. So don't worry about me." His voice grew calmer with each word.

Evelyn wiped her tears, remembering his promise to wait five years for her. Would he still keep that vow?

"Liam, I—" She stopped abruptly, realizing how cruel it would be to ask him to wait another five years.

The thought of Liam waiting in vain crushed her. Five years later, he'd be in his thirties—possibly with children starting school.

"What's wrong?" Liam asked.

Evelyn clutched her chest, whispering, "Liam, please take care of yourself. Remember to love yourself too."

"You too."

"I will."

Liam couldn't bring himself to ask when she was leaving or if she'd ever return to Aldenria. For now, hearing her voice was enough to bring him fleeting peace.