Chapter 456

Marcus glanced at Evelyn, who arched an eyebrow and gave a subtle nod. Without hesitation, Marcus stepped out, leaving Evelyn and Nathan alone in the sterile hospital room.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Evelyn forced a polite smile. "Since you've finished your meal, I'll take the tray. Get some rest." She rose gracefully, preparing to make her exit.

She missed the way Nathan's piercing gaze darkened with a fleeting look of wounded pride before his expression smoothed into its usual impassive mask.

Nathan's voice emerged rough with emotion, stopping her mid-step. "Evelyn."

She turned, meeting his stormy eyes. "Yes?"

"Why did you post that photo?" His jaw clenched, lips pressed into a thin line. The intensity in his obsidian eyes betrayed the calmness of his question.

Evelyn tossed her hair over one shoulder, her smile turning deliberately provocative. "Because he's my new lover." The lie rolled easily off her tongue, meant to sever whatever lingering connection remained between them.

Nathan paled visibly. Raw pain flashed across his features before he schooled them again. His hands fisted at his sides, knuckles whitening with the effort to maintain control.

The weight of her words crushed him. Each breath became a struggle against the invisible vise tightening around his chest. The corners of his eyes reddened, betraying the devastation he fought to conceal.

He had no right to protest. He'd been the one to push her away. The bitter taste of regret coated his tongue as he watched her prepare to leave again.

The silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating. Evelyn spoke lightly, as if discussing the weather. "We both knew this day would come. New people, new lives. You should prepare yourself, Mr. Blackwood."

With that final dismissal, she walked out without looking back. The door clicked shut behind her with finality.

Evelyn exhaled shakily, only to freeze when she spotted Preston Sinclair leaning casually against the opposite wall. His presence suggested he'd been waiting - and listening - for some time.

Guilt twisted her stomach. Their eyes met, and the air between them shifted with unspoken understanding.

Preston broke the silence first, his voice warm yet measured. "I came to say goodbye to Nathan before my early departure. When I heard voices, I thought I'd wait out here."

Evelyn bit her lip, scrambling for an explanation. "I'm so sorry about that photo. What I said in there was just...a convenient excuse." Her words tumbled out in a rush.

Preston's lips quirked in an unexpected smile. "It's quite alright. I'm happy to help." His tone held none of his usual aristocratic chill.

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "What?"

Meeting her gaze squarely, Preston radiated quiet confidence. The combination of his noble bearing and unexpected kindness created an intoxicating aura. "If playing the role of your lover helps you avoid unwanted complications, consider me at your service." His eyes twinkled with quiet amusement. "After all, you did save Oliver's life."

Relief washed over Evelyn as understanding dawned. He'd seen right through her ploy. The tension in her shoulders eased as she chuckled. "Thank you for not being angry."

"Angry?" Preston's expression turned playfully serious. "On the contrary. Should you require an acting partner again, I'd be honored to reprise my role."