Chapter 467

The Blackwood Estate.

Dominic stood on the grand balcony, cigarette smoke curling around him as his gaze fixed on the cherry blossoms below.

The tree was in full bloom. Pink petals danced in the breeze, creating a delicate carpet on the ground.

Evelyn adored flowers. That's why he'd transformed the estate's gardens into a floral paradise - his gift to her.

A surprise that had gone terribly wrong...

Dominic's eyes narrowed as he watched the falling petals. He crushed his cigarette into the ashtray with more force than necessary.

The master bedroom door opened silently.

Two nurses attending to Evelyn immediately stood. "Mr. Blackwood," they greeted in unison.

Dominic's expression softened as he took in Evelyn's pale face. "How is she?"

"Dr. Grant administered medication an hour ago," one nurse replied. "Her fever has broken, but she remains exhausted."

A dismissive wave sent the nurses away.

Alone now, Dominic sat beside the bed, his fingers tracing Evelyn's cheekbone.

Afternoon sunlight painted gold across her features.

Even in sleep, her brow remained furrowed. The sight twisted something in his chest.

Her public rejection still burned like a fresh wound.

Logically, he knew it wasn't her choice. Emotionally? That knowledge provided little comfort.

She was supposed to become Mrs. Blackwood. They'd both dreamed of that day.

Something had changed.

Dominic's jaw tightened. He craved another cigarette.

But Evelyn hated the smell, especially during her pregnancy. He'd mostly quit, reserving smoking for extreme stress.

He would uncover the truth.

Evelyn looked fragile as porcelain beneath the blankets.

Unable to resist, he captured her lips in a gentle kiss. "Why the sudden change?" he murmured against her mouth. "You will be mine, Evelyn. There's no escape."

The kiss deepened, growing more insistent.

Evelyn stirred awake.

Sunlight haloed Dominic's face, making her breath catch.

Memory flooded back - the ceremony, her cruel rejection, his devastated expression.

Guilt jolted her fully awake.

"I'm sorry," she choked out, unable to meet his eyes. "So sorry..."

Dominic cradled her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I could never stay angry with you."

Evelyn kept her gaze lowered.

"Evelyn Sinclair," Dominic murmured, voice tender yet firm. "Promise you'll stay with me forever."

Her lashes fluttered in surprise.

After humiliating him publicly, how could he still want her?

Evelyn shut her eyes against his intense stare. "I...can't," she whispered.

Dominic didn't react with anger. Instead, he pulled her close. "Tell me why."

She was his everything.

Before Evelyn, his world had been monochrome. Now? He'd never let her go.

Evelyn curled into him like a wounded creature.

Overwhelmed, she clung to him instinctively.

His steady heartbeat thrummed against her ear. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Tears threatened as his words pierced her heart.

She'd hurt him terribly.

It felt like plunging a knife into her own chest, then turning it on him. The guilt was crushing, but necessary.

Evelyn knew Dominic was in pain. So was she.

Agony seeped into every fiber of her being, stealing sleep.

Outside, spring flourished.

New leaves unfurled beneath the golden sun.

Evelyn gripped his arm weakly. "Please...don't push me."

She couldn't mention the CD. Couldn't risk him finding out.

The woman's threat echoed in her mind - if Dominic discovered the truth, she'd leak it everywhere. To the Integrity Committee. To every major news outlet. The scandal would be uncontrollable.

Dominic held her tighter. "Rest now. I'm not going anywhere."

His expression hardened when Evelyn couldn't see.

Sebastian was already tracing Evelyn's recent movements.

Answers would come tomorrow.

The Prescott Residence.

Cassandra gasped upon entering Lillian's walk-in closet.

The space dwarfed her entire apartment.

Rows of designer garments, shelves of luxury handbags, and cases of glittering jewelry left her dizzy.

"You've done well, Cassandra."

Lillian noted the greed flashing in Cassandra's eyes but maintained her gentle demeanor.

"Evelyn rejected Dominic's proposal publicly. The Blackwoods won't tolerate such humiliation, no matter how much he loves her." Lillian smiled. "As reward, take anything you like."

Cassandra trembled with barely restrained excitement. "Truly, Lillian?"

As an illegitimate Weish daughter, she'd never owned such luxuries.

Now Lillian offered them freely - most items still tagged.

"Of course." Lillian's smile turned sharp. "But first, there's one more small favor..."