Chapter 378

Evelyn Carter's lips curled into a bitter smile. "She probably wants everyone to see how shamelessly I'm seducing her fiancé."

Disgust flickered in Gregory Wilson's eyes.

"I fled to England, but I still can't escape their harassment." Evelyn's voice was as light as a sigh.

"If you truly want to end this, there's always a way."

"What way?" Evelyn gave a hollow laugh. "I even changed my phone number. What else can I do?"

"Get married."

"..."

"A legally recognized marriage is the best protection. No matter how powerful Alexander Hamilton is, he can't override the law."

Gregory's gaze burned so intensely she had nowhere to hide.

She could only stare at the tips of her shoes, avoiding the heat in his eyes.

"You still can't let go."

"I can!"

"Then why won't you answer? This is the most effective solution."

Evelyn took a deep breath. "Marriage isn't a game. I can't use someone like that."

"What if that person is willing to be used?"

"Dr. Wilson..."

In the world of adults, some things didn't need to be said outright.

From the moment he proposed marriage, she'd understood his feelings.

Ever since she saw that oil painting, every encounter with him had left her on edge.

"Evelyn, what's holding you back?"

"It's not about hesitation."

"Then what is it?"

"...What you want, I can't give."

"How do you know you can't?"

Evelyn looked up at him, struck for the first time by how forceful this gentle man could be.

Steeling herself, she said, "I don't love you."

"I know."

"How can a marriage without love last?"

"Who says marriage requires love?" Gregory chuckled. "Your marriage to Alexander had no love either. If Annabelle Taylor hadn't appeared, you'd still be together peacefully. If he could do it, why can't I?"

"It's not fair to you." Evelyn shook her head. "Alexander and I had our own arrangements, but you..."

"I love you."

Those three words hit her like a physical blow.

Neither Alexander's feigned affection nor Peter Harrison's ulterior motives had ever led to such a direct declaration.

This wasn't just a simple confession—it was a weighty, genuine heart laid bare.

The one who speaks first is destined to lose.

She didn't know how other girls would react to these words.

All she felt was her chest tightening, and she could only keep shaking her head. "No... truly, no."