Chapter 486

The pale light of dawn hadn't yet touched the horizon when Evelyn stirred awake at 5:30 AM. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she forced herself out of bed despite the lingering exhaustion.

A cold splash of water brought her fully alert as she prepared for the day ahead.

The door creaked open to reveal Liam standing sentinel in the hallway. His tailored black suit accentuated his broad shoulders, the silver tie clip catching what little light existed in the dim corridor.

"Morning, sunshine," Liam murmured, his voice still rough with sleep.

Evelyn suddenly became acutely aware of her simple trench coat. "Should I change into something more formal, General Blackwood?"

"Don't be ridiculous," he dismissed, reaching for her hand.

His grip remained unyielding throughout their journey - from the apartment elevator to the government vehicle, through the marble halls of Royal Heights where their military status granted them expedited service. Evelyn blinked blearily at the freshly printed marriage certificate in her hands, the reality not quite sinking in.

Golden morning light spilled across the steps as they exited the building. Liam extended his palm expectantly. "Let me keep that for you."

"Why? We both have copies," Evelyn protested, clutching the document tighter. The thought of having to ask permission to see her own marriage certificate rankled.

Liam didn't argue, simply tucking it away before guiding her toward the waiting car with a firm hand at her back.

"General Blackwood, where exactly are we going?" The question slipped out before she could stop it.

Liam froze mid-step. "Is this some kind of joke to you?" His voice carried an edge she rarely heard.

"Of course not," Evelyn replied automatically.

"Then why," he asked through gritted teeth, "are you still calling me by my rank?"

Evelyn hesitated, then stepped closer until their shoes touched. Taking both his hands in hers, she looked up through her lashes. "Can we... keep this between us for now? Especially from Victoria. I don't want her knowing we're married."

Liam's expression darkened. "Victoria may have feelings for me, but she's not some villain from your novels. She'd never harm you or the baby."

"It's not about her being evil," Evelyn countered. "She's obsessed with you, Liam. People do desperate things when they're in love. I've seen it."

"Evelyn—"

"Can't you trust a woman's intuition just this once?"

His jaw worked silently before he declared, "I won't hide this. We'll have a proper wedding."

Evelyn waved the certificate between them. "We're legally bound already. What are you afraid of? That I'll disappear again?"

"You've done it before," he shot back.

The words hit like a physical blow. A sharp pain lanced through her abdomen, forcing a gasp past her lips as she doubled over.

Liam was at her side instantly, one arm supporting her waist while the other pressed gently against her swollen stomach. "What's wrong? Is it the baby?"

All she could manage was a tight nod.

Without warning, strong arms lifted her off her feet. Evelyn instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck as he strode purposefully toward the car. "Liam! Put me down!"

"Hospital. Now." The panic in his voice belied his controlled movements.

"No, really, I'm fine," she insisted, amused despite herself. "It's just Braxton Hicks. Perfectly normal at this stage."

Liam halted abruptly at the car door, his breathing ragged. The morning chill couldn't explain the sheen of sweat on his forehead or the wild look in his eyes.

Evelyn reached up, brushing away the moisture with her thumb. The gesture seemed to startle him. "See? Completely fine," she soothed.

Carefully, Liam set her back on her feet, his hands lingering at her waist. "I'll keep our secret," he conceded. "But for God's sake, stop calling me General Blackwood." His thumb traced idle circles through the fabric of her coat. "I'm your husband now."