Chapter 485

Liam was numb. He leaned forward, elbows digging into his knees, face buried in trembling hands. Each breath came ragged as he fought to steady the tempest raging inside him.

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When he finally lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes locked onto Evelyn.

"Do you even see me, Cassandra Wright?" The words tasted like acid on his tongue. "I'm just a tool to you. Pulled out when convenient, tossed aside when not."

His fingers curled into fists. "And now this marriage proposal. Do you truly believe Liam Blackwood exists solely to become your husband?"

The accusation struck Evelyn like a physical blow. A sharp pain radiated through her abdomen as the baby kicked violently in response to her distress.

"I... I didn't mean..." Her voice cracked as she stood, wrapping her scarf tightly around her neck. "This was a mistake. Forgive me for disturbing you."

The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Liam alone in the suffocating silence. His hollow gaze fixed on the space she'd occupied moments before. He'd never wanted a marriage certificate - only her heart.

The moment the latch engaged, Liam's body sagged against the couch. He tilted his head back, pressing his palms against closed eyelids until colors exploded behind them.

Then he moved.

Coat. Keys. Another coat. The motions blurred together as he burst into the frozen night.

Aldenria's streets lay deserted beneath the amber glow of streetlamps. The bitter cold stole his breath, but Liam barely noticed. His boots crunched against frost as he scanned the empty sidewalks.

Evelyn walked like a ghost between pools of light, one hand cradling her stomach. Each step carried the weight of her regret. If only she'd gone to Liam immediately upon returning to Aldenria. If only she hadn't let fear dictate her choices.

A man like Liam had galaxies of options. Why would he chain himself to her? Her fingers trembled against her coat as she gazed up at the starless sky.

Tears froze on her cheeks as she whispered apologies to the child who would never know its father.

Footsteps.

Evelyn turned just as warmth enveloped her shoulders. Liam's familiar cedar scent surrounded her as he draped his heavy overcoat around her.

"You shouldn't be out here," he murmured, his breath forming clouds in the air.

Evelyn ducked her head, hiding her tear-streaked face. "I'm nearly at the dorm. You didn't need to—"

"Let me walk you." His tone brooked no argument.

The coat swallowed her whole, its residual heat seeping into her bones. They moved in silence, their footsteps synchronized along the deserted path.

At the dormitory entrance, Evelyn shrugged off the coat with murmured thanks. Liam accepted it wordlessly, his stormy gaze never leaving her face.

"Goodnight," she whispered, offering a fragile smile as she turned toward the door.

The moment her fingers touched the knob, Liam's hand shot out. The door swung back open to reveal his intense expression.

"There's a flight to Valtoria at dawn." His voice held the steadiness of a man who'd made his decision. "Come with me. We'll register the marriage."

Evelyn's breath caught. "That's... so sudden."

Liam stepped closer, his eyes burning with determination. "Yes or no, Cassandra?"

Her fingers found the curve of her stomach. "Yes."