Chapter 490

Rosalind sprang from the sofa the instant Donovan came charging toward her.

"Is chasing me all you're capable of, you pathetic excuse for a man?" She taunted, dancing just beyond his reach. "Face it - you'll never catch me. Why bother embarrassing yourself?"

"Rosalind, when I get my hands on you, you're out of this house," Donovan growled, moving with surprising precision despite his blindness. Though he navigated the furniture flawlessly, Rosalind remained frustratingly elusive.

"Big words from someone who can't even lay a finger on me," she sang, twirling just out of range. "Prove it first, then we'll talk about evictions."

"I'll string you up from the oak tree until you're nothing but jerky." "Promises, promises," Rosalind laughed, blowing him a kiss. "Try harder, loser."

Liam and Evelyn exchanged amused glances. He laced his fingers through hers. "Let's give them some space."

Evelyn watched the bizarre chase unfold - a sightless predator pursuing his nimble prey through the manor's halls. It resembled nothing so much as a grounded hawk trying to catch a sparrow.

"Don't worry about them," Liam murmured, leading her outside.

Hand in hand, they wandered the leaf-strewn paths of the estate's sprawling gardens. The crisp autumn air carried the scent of earth and decaying foliage.

"Donovan's recovery is remarkable, thanks to Rosalind. So why does he still treat her so horribly?" Evelyn sighed, kicking a golden leaf.

"Horribly?" Liam raised an eyebrow.

"Threatening to evict her? Hang her up to dry? It's downright medieval."

Liam chuckled, tucking a stray lock behind her ear. "Use your head, love. If Donovan truly wanted to catch her, it would take less than thirty seconds. She wouldn't even have time to squeak."

"But he's blind! How could he possibly-"

"Blind, not helpless," Liam interrupted. "His hearing is sharper than ever. Within six feet, he could take her down effortlessly. Remember who my brother was."

Evelyn frowned. "Then why the charade? They bicker like children daily. It's exhausting to witness."

A dangerous glint entered Liam's eyes. "Are you... jealous?"

Evelyn stopped dead, forcing Liam to halt mid-stride. "Excuse me?"

"What else am I supposed to think?" His voice turned gravelly. "Do you... have feelings for Donovan?"

"Of course I love him," Evelyn answered without hesitation. "I've loved him since childhood. Just as I've loved you."

Liam's jaw tightened. He dragged a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. "I don't want to hear this. Let's go back."

Evelyn planted her feet. She studied the storm brewing behind Liam's eyes, realization dawning. "You idiot," she breathed. "I love him like a brother. Why does everything circle back to your ridiculous jealousy?"

Liam stalked ahead, then whirled back, grasping her wrist. "I said I don't want to discuss this."

"Then stop acting like a petulant child!" Evelyn wrenched free, cheeks flushing. "What's really bothering you?"

Liam braced his hands on his hips, head bowed. When he finally met her gaze, raw vulnerability shone through. "Because I know how this ends. You'll say we can marry, have children, share a life... but your heart won't be in it. Not really."

Evelyn's chest constricted. "Liam, how could you think-"

"Wasn't that exactly how you were after the accident?" He kicked at the fallen leaves. "You agreed to grandmother's arrangement because I was safe. Dependable. Not because you wanted me."

The wind carried his words between them like the rustling leaves - fragile, transient, but cutting deep.