Chapter 491

Evelyn gasped as the memories rushed back. She suddenly understood how wrong Liam had been about everything from the start. "You're willing to settle for a marriage without love, but what about my heart?" Liam's voice trembled with restrained emotion.

She stamped her foot in frustration. "Liam, I didn't marry you just because of Grandma's wishes!"

"Then why?" His eyes searched hers desperately.

"I've been secretly in love with you for three years!" The confession burst from Evelyn's lips before she could stop it. Liam froze, his expression one of complete shock.

Heat flooded Evelyn's cheeks. She lowered her lashes shyly. "It's true... I've loved you for so long."

Liam seized her shoulders, his hands shaking. Tears glistened in his eyes as he searched her face. "Say that again. You... love me?"

Evelyn nodded, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

"Three years?" His voice cracked with disbelief. "Since back when you were still Cassandra?"

Another nod. Evelyn's pulse raced wildly. Only now did she realize how mortifying this confession truly was. The awkwardness threatened to swallow her whole.

A tear escaped Liam's eye as he smiled softly. "But you told me you didn't love me. How am I supposed to know what's true?"

Evelyn lifted her chin defiantly. "Why would I carry your child if I didn't love you? If all I wanted were good genes, wouldn't a sperm bank have given me better options?"

"You little minx," Liam murmured before crushing her against his chest as if he'd never let go.

Evelyn melted into the embrace, her hands sliding around his waist. She could feel the strong beat of his heart, the warmth of his breath against her hair.

"Liam, I'm sorry," she whispered, guilt twisting in her chest at the pain she'd caused him these past months. "I never meant to hurt you. I was afraid... if I confessed my feelings and couldn't return to you, it would only hurt worse."

His voice was thick with emotion when he spoke near her ear. "Then why keep pushing me away after you came back?"

A pang of jealousy shot through Evelyn. "Why did you have to get so close to Victoria? I would've kept my pregnancy secret until the birth if it hadn't been discovered."

Liam buried his face in her shoulder with a shuddering breath. "You wicked, wicked girl."

Despite everything, Evelyn found his accusation oddly endearing. The sadness began lifting from her heart.

She stroked his back soothingly. "Liam, are you trying to be cute with me?"

"Absolutely not," he said firmly, then softened. "But I'll try if it makes you happy."

"Good. Now say 'darling' in a cute voice for me," she teased.

Liam abruptly released her and straightened, his expression turning serious. Taking her hand, he started leading her forward. "Let's go home."

Evelyn peeked up at him with a playful grin as they walked. "Oh come on. Just try it. Say 'darling' all cute for me."

His brow furrowed in mock sternness. "Watch where you're walking."

"Liam..." She drew out his name in a sweet, coaxing tone.

The stern facade cracked instantly. He pressed his lips together to suppress a smile, but the warmth in his eyes gave him away completely.