Chapter 491

Evelyn Sinclair never imagined she would witness the day Alexander Blackwood would kneel before her.

To say she wasn't shocked would be a lie, but beyond the shock, what truly overwhelmed her was the sheer absurdity of the situation.

The man currently on his knees was nobility personified, his name synonymous with power across all of Willowbrook. People either revered him or schemed to gain his favor.

Yet here he was - the mighty Alexander Blackwood - kneeling before the woman he'd once discarded like yesterday's news.

Evelyn's frosty gaze traveled down to study Alexander's chiseled features, his furrowed brow radiating waves of remorse.

"Who would have guessed the heir of the Blackwood dynasty would kneel before his cast-off wife?" Her lips curled in bitter amusement. "Doesn't this strike you as tragically comical, Mr. Blackwood?"

Alexander absorbed her mockery without flinching. "I'd move heaven and earth for your happiness."

A hollow laugh escaped her. "Then make me happy by vanishing from my life."

His eyes darkened as her glacial stare pierced his chest, each word like shards of ice embedding in his heart.

His only anchor was the warmth of her hand as he clung to it desperately.

"Evelyn—"

"That name died the moment I became Evelyn Sinclair," she cut him off sharply, attempting to pull away. His grip only tightened.

"Let go, Alexander. I want no more ties between us. Can't you comprehend how much I despise you?"

Her venomous tone sent chills through his body.

Despise.

Hate.

Alexander swallowed hard, forcing down the lump of anguish in his throat.

When he finally raised his wounded gaze, her beautiful features were twisted in undisguised fury.

"Lillian," he whispered her true name. "You're right - I was blind, a fool. I should never have let that viper harm my wife and child. I don't deserve forgiveness, but you must know—"

"It's too late for explanations. I won't listen, and I certainly won't believe you." Evelyn savored the desperation in his eyes before wrenching her arm free with violent force. "I don't love you anymore, Alexander. Save your hollow affections for someone who cares!"

She turned on her heel, the click of her heels echoing her finality.

Alexander remained kneeling, his shattered heart icing over with each retreating step.

The sound of the door opening jolted him from his stupor. "Lillian!"

He lunged forward, catching her at the threshold, his arms locking around her like steel bands.

"Release me!" She struggled futilely against his superior strength.

His distinctive sandalwood scent enveloped her, triggering an unwelcome flutter in her chest.

"What more do you want from me?" she hissed.

"Don't leave," he begged hoarsely against her ear. "Don't disappear from my world again. I won't survive losing you a second time."

"Save your sweet nothings for your prison-bound mistress!"

"No." His embrace tightened possessively.

"I know you won't believe me, but these words are yours alone. I mean this, Lillian. I've loved you from the beginning. Only you."

The declaration that should have been the world's most romantic phrase now sounded like a cruel joke to Evelyn's ears.

She laughed mirthlessly. "You remind me of an old saying, Alexander."

His arms slackened slightly in confusion.