Chapter 54

Liam shifted his position, turning onto his side to face Evelyn directly. The dim lighting cast shadows across his sharp features.

His voice held a rich timbre that reminded Evelyn of late-night jazz radio hosts. Even the rhythm of his breathing seemed hypnotic.

"I married you against my will just to please Grandma," he confessed. "That was unfair and dishonorable."

Evelyn marveled at his self-awareness. Powerful men like Liam rarely acknowledged their mistakes, let alone apologized for them.

She mirrored his position, propping her head on one hand. "You must have women throwing themselves at you constantly," she murmured.

Liam's lips quirked. "No one's ever been brave enough to confess." His gaze intensified. "What about you? Any unrequited loves?"

"There is someone," Evelyn admitted, her pulse quickening. She longed to say it was him.

But fear sealed her lips. Liam's commanding presence intimidated most people - who would dare declare their feelings to such a man?

His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Does he return your affections?"

"No." Evelyn's voice grew quiet. "His heart belongs elsewhere. We could never be together."

"So that's why you agreed to marry me?" Liam deduced.

Evelyn gave a weak laugh. "What kind of reasoning is that?"

"Marriage isn't a game, Evelyn." Liam's tone softened. "Perhaps we should try making this work."

Her breath caught. Blood roared in her ears as her heart threatened to pound through her chest.

Had she imagined those words?

"W-what did you say?" Her voice trembled.

"Grandma wants us to stay married," Liam explained calmly. "We could attempt a real relationship. If it fails, we'll part ways amicably."

"You'd...accept my past?" The words tumbled out unevenly.

"Everyone has history they'd rather forget. You've grown beyond yours." His gaze remained steady. "You're not objectionable now."

Evelyn swallowed hard. "And Victoria?"

Silence stretched between them. Sweat dampened her palms as Liam's expression became unreadable.

After an eternity, he spoke slowly. "If my feelings for Victoria remain unchanged, I'll tell you."

Evelyn knew the truth - Liam only proposed this arrangement to honor Margaret's wishes. His heart still belonged to Victoria.

Yet hope blossomed in her chest. She turned away to hide the tears welling in her eyes.

Liam might never love her, but he was offering a chance. That was more than she'd dared hope for.

She knew the danger - every moment with him would deepen her affection. But like a moth drawn to flame, she couldn't resist.

Even if this ended in heartbreak, at least she'd have tried.

"Are you alright?" Liam's voice was gentle.

Evelyn couldn't trust herself to speak. "I need to sleep now," she managed. "Please...don't say anything more."

"Very well."

The room settled into heavy silence. Strangely, the storm outside no longer frightened her.

Evelyn didn't recall falling asleep. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows when she awoke to find Liam gone.

She hugged her knees to her chest, replaying last night's conversation. Had she actually agreed to his proposal?

How could she have forgotten something so important?

The question tormented her until her phone chimed with Liam's message:

"Your silence constitutes agreement. My schedule remains demanding, but I'll make time for us."

Evelyn's heart soared. She clutched her phone and rolled across the bed, grinning like a fool.

After several joyful revolutions, she reread the message.

Though devoid of romantic declarations, the words tasted sweeter than any confection.