Chapter 435

The confirmation from Alexander hit Evelyn like a physical blow. Even though Victoria's words had already hinted at it, hearing it directly from him still left her breathless.

The early winter wind brushed against her cheeks, its icy touch a cruel reminder of the past. It carried the same chill as Alexander's merciless gaze all those years ago.

She could never erase the memory of his brutality—the way his eyes had held nothing but contempt for her.

After a long pause, Evelyn forced a hollow smile. "If you despised Evelyn so much, why build her a tombstone? Why bring her roses?" Her voice trembled slightly. "I don’t understand."

How could he hate her enough to destroy her, yet mourn her death?

Alexander's lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze softening as it lingered on her face. "I know you won’t believe me. I didn’t even believe myself at first."

Evelyn turned away. "Believe what?"

"That her death was a lie," he murmured. "And that... I never stopped loving her."

Her heart clenched violently, as if someone had reached inside her chest and twisted. A bitter laugh escaped her lips.

How poetic.

Yet his words didn’t stir warmth in her—only disgust.

She scoffed, spinning on her heel. "You dragged me all the way here just to confess your love for a dead woman?"

Her voice dripped with mockery.

"If a man truly loves a woman, he doesn’t let her suffer," she continued coldly. "If you had cared, she wouldn’t have died like that."

Her fingers curled into fists inside her sleeves, nails digging into her palms. She forced the fury down, meeting his gaze with icy detachment.

"Alexander, you don’t love Evelyn. You love Victoria. The whole of Willowbrook knows it."

She rejected every word.

He didn’t argue, just watched her silently.

"Ah, I see," she said, nodding slowly. "After Evelyn died, you finally learned the truth. Now you feel guilty. That’s why you built her a grave. The flowers? Just another apology, right?"

It was the only explanation that made sense.

Alexander only smiled, saying nothing.

Back at the estate, Evelyn headed straight to the kitchen.

She had no intention of cooking for Alexander tonight. But for Ethan? She’d prepare a feast.

Three dishes and a hearty soup—simple, comforting.

Once, she had spent countless evenings making meals Alexander never touched.

Now, watching him eat her food with such eagerness, a sardonic smirk tugged at her lips.

Alexander, if you hadn’t been so blind, if you hadn’t believed every lie Victoria fed you… this could have been our family.

But you ruined it.

We made promises. We swore vows. And in the end, it was all just my foolish hope.

You took the brightest moment of my life and turned it into my darkest nightmare.

That day in the snow, I told you—if you didn’t kill me, I’d make you pay.

Ding!