Chapter 452

Evelyn's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Nothing urgent. I just wanted to spend more time with you while I'm still in Aldenria, while you're still within reach."

Liam's question carried genuine curiosity. "To develop feelings for me?"

A delicate smile played on Evelyn's lips as she nodded in confirmation.

"And even after developing those feelings, you still plan to leave?" Liam pressed further.

Evelyn answered simply, "Yes."

Liam's expression darkened as he walked past her, murmuring under his breath, "You're only making things harder for yourself."

Following him into the living area, Evelyn persisted, "Why would you say that?"

As Liam settled into an armchair, he picked up a tangerine from the coffee table and began peeling it. "If you're determined to leave, why create complications where none exist?"

Evelyn hesitated to pursue that line of conversation. Leaning closer, she asked softly, "Liam, what did Victoria come to discuss with you earlier?"

Liam handed her the peeled fruit.

Evelyn blinked in surprise, a slow smile spreading across her face as she examined the tangerine in her palm.

Liam explained calmly, "Just delivering some documents and discussing work matters."

"What kind of work?" Evelyn asked between bites, savoring the fruit's sweetness and vibrant citrus aroma.

Liam frowned at her, maintaining his silence.

"Is it classified?" Evelyn pressed, sensing his reluctance.

Liam's demeanor turned serious. "Everything about my work should remain confidential from you."

Evelyn froze, her expression clouding. The rejection stung, leaving her feeling helpless.

She nibbled on the tangerine slowly, its tangy flavor contrasting with the heaviness in her chest.

Victoria's words echoed in her mind. Victoria could be Liam's lifelong companion - colleague, friend, or even soulmate.

Meanwhile, Evelyn's undefined position made even simple questions about Liam's work feel like intrusions into state secrets.

Noticing Evelyn's sudden melancholy, Liam's gaze intensified, his own heart sinking.

They sat together in comfortable silence, the moment stretching between them like suspended time.

Evelyn emerged from her thoughts to find Liam staring at her lips.

BONUS

She touched the corner of her mouth instinctively, finding nothing there, then glanced down at the tangerine in her hand.

Understanding his intention, she offered him the fruit. "Would you like some, Liam?"

Liam shook his head, his voice unexpectedly tender. "No, thank you."

"It's incredibly sweet, you should try it."

"You have it," Liam declined again, reaching for his phone instead.

Before he could unlock it, Evelyn surprised them both by kneeling on the sofa, cradling his face in her hands, and pressing her lips to his.

Liam froze at her boldness.

His phone slipped from his fingers and clattered to the floor.

Though inexperienced, Evelyn's kiss was daring, parting his lips and sharing the tangerine's lingering sweetness. The soft yet tantalizing contact ignited his senses.

Liam tried to push her away, but his body betrayed him. His hands hovered at her shoulders, torn between rejection and possession.

Closing his eyes, Liam's hand moved from Evelyn's shoulder to cradle the back of her head, deepening the kiss as their tongues intertwined.

It felt like an eternity since their first kiss, the longing nearly consuming him.

Evelyn had only meant to share the fruit's flavor, but she hadn't anticipated Liam's passionate response, pulling her into an embrace that left them both breathless.