Chapter 489

Rosalind released Evelyn's hand and guided her toward the entrance. "Come inside, let's get you settled."

Evelyn stepped into the living area, her eyes scanning the space. "Where's Donovan?"

"Donovan?" Rosalind gestured toward another room. "He's working out in the home gym."

Evelyn rushed forward with Liam following closely. After rapping on the door, Donovan's rich baritone responded. "Enter."

Evelyn pushed the door open to find Donovan, his muscular frame glistening with sweat.

Her breath caught. The broken man she remembered - defeated and suicidal - had vanished. Strength radiated from him now. He appeared more vibrant than even during their first meeting in that drug den. His striking features now glowed with vitality.

"Donovan, it's me, Cassandra." Evelyn's voice quivered as she moved toward him.

Though still blind, Donovan's legs had regained power through acupuncture, physical therapy, and rigorous training.

"Cassandra?" Donovan's face brightened. He set down his weights and navigated toward her.

Evelyn hurried to assist him.

Donovan reached out, ruffling Evelyn's hair. "Still as petite as ever," he teased, his touch gentle.

"I'm twenty-six, Donovan. People don't grow taller at this age," Evelyn laughed, tears sparkling in her eyes.

Liam stepped forward possessively, removing Donovan's hand. "Donovan," he said pointedly.

"Liam! You're here too?" Donovan's smile widened.

"Yes, Cassandra and I are married now," Liam declared, watching Evelyn's reaction. Her gaze remained tender, tears shimmering as she looked at Donovan.

Donovan clapped Liam's shoulder. "Congratulations, brother. You finally got your wish."

Rosalind entered, eyebrows lifting. "Cassandra, you're married?"

Evelyn nodded, cheeks flushing.

Rosalind took Evelyn's arm gently. "Let's give them space. Come chat with me."

Liam moved to assist Donovan, who waved him off. "I've got this."

Rosalind turned with a smirk. "General Blackwood, your brother doesn't need coddling. He's more capable than you think - could probably bench press you one-handed."

Evelyn giggled. "Still bickering, I see?"

Rosalind nodded emphatically.

As they settled in the living room, Donovan asked, "Rosalind, don't you ever get bored being paid just to babysit me?"

Rosalind fired back, "Hardly. Getting paid to torment you all day? Best job ever."

Evelyn suddenly understood the tension when Donovan dropped his bombshell. "My guide dog arrives next week. Then you'll be free of me."

"You really think you can manage alone?" Rosalind taunted.

"I've adapted perfectly fine. Don't need your hovering."

"Keep telling yourself that," Rosalind goaded. "You'd be lost without me."

Donovan's expression darkened. He lunged at Rosalind. Liam immediately pulled Evelyn against his chest, shielding her with his body.

Evelyn gasped at the sudden movement. Pressed against Liam's solid frame, she felt her pulse accelerate. That familiar sense of safety enveloped her - the feeling she always had when Liam protected her.