Chapter 6

Liam's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Who exactly are you trying to humiliate by sleeping on the floor?"

Evelyn found herself drowning in his intoxicating masculine scent. Her lungs constricted as if she'd forgotten how to breathe.

Her thoughts scattered like leaves in a storm. "I-I just thought... it wouldn't be proper... since you're in love with someone else."

A dark eyebrow arched as Liam's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Don't flatter yourself. Even if you stripped naked and danced before me, I wouldn't spare you a glance, let alone touch you."

Each word struck her heart like shards of glass, piercing her deepest insecurities.

She opened her mouth to retaliate but choked on unshed tears, terrified her true feelings might spill out. Biting her lip until it hurt, she blinked back the moisture gathering in her eyes.

For a fleeting moment, Liam seemed captivated by her glistening eyes.

Then just as quickly, he rolled onto the bed and snapped, "Lights out. Now."

The smart home system plunged the room into darkness instantly.

Evelyn stared into the void, disappointment settling heavily in her chest. She adjusted her position stiffly, putting as much distance between them as possible.

The king-sized bed might as well have been an ocean - the space between them felt vast and unbridgeable.

Sleep eluded her for hours.

Exhaustion finally claimed her just before dawn.

The shrill ringtone shattered her restless slumber.

Blinking against the morning light, she saw Liam already dressed in an immaculate black suit.

Love truly was blind - he seemed to radiate his own sunlight wherever he went.

"Morning, Victoria," Liam answered softly. Then his voice sharpened with concern. "You're sick? I'll be right there."

Hearing that name sent a bolt of jealousy straight through Evelyn's heart.

As she rubbed sleep from her eyes, Liam ended the call and turned. "I have to go."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "You promised fidelity. That's the foundation of any marriage."

His hesitation lasted only a heartbeat. "Our families go way back. Victoria's practically family. This doesn't violate our vows."

Since when did "family" call each other at dawn with trivial complaints?

Evelyn's vision blurred as her chest constricted painfully.

"Liam Blackwood," she called out as he turned to leave, "can't you stay?"

He froze mid-step.

No one had used his full name in years.

Staring at his rigid back, she whispered, "You're married now. Think about how this looks. Just send a doctor."

Several heartbeats passed in silence.

Then the door clicked shut behind him.

Evelyn collapsed onto the mattress, squeezing her eyes shut against the burning tears. Her fists clenched the sheets so tightly her knuckles turned white.

His promises were worthless - just empty words to keep her from filing for divorce. The painful truth was clear: Liam still belonged to Victoria Dawson.

She'd end this farce of a marriage today.

Outside the dormitory, Liam's subordinate snapped to attention. "General Blackwood."

The title gave him pause as he remembered his vow to Evelyn.

After a brief hesitation, he ordered, "Send a physician to Ms. Dawson's residence."