Chapter 329

Evelyn's lips parted in shock at Nathaniel's declaration.

Why was he saying such absurd things again?

What did he mean by supporting her even if the world ended? Why would he express such sentiments to her now?

She blinked rapidly. "Mr. Whitmore, had I known you felt this way earlier, I wouldn't have suffered through three miserable years!"

"It's never too late to know the truth." Nathaniel's gaze burned with intensity, his meaning crystal clear.

As Evelyn studied his striking features - those sharp cheekbones and mesmerizing eyes - her pulse quickened uncontrollably. Every detail of his face seemed crafted to her exact preferences.

"You don't need to answer immediately," Nathaniel said calmly. "Take all the time you need."

Evelyn quickly composed herself, clearing her throat. "Mr. Whitmore, your feelings now don't change anything. It's too late."

Nathaniel's expression darkened instantly. His jaw tightened. "Must you always speak like this?"

Despite his clear intentions and promises, Evelyn remained stubbornly resistant.

A storm of emotions swirled in Evelyn's eyes. "Three years ago, those words would have made me so happy I couldn't sleep!"

Nathaniel looked surprised. "And now?"

"Now they make me so angry I can't sleep."

Nathaniel recoiled slightly.

Evelyn lifted her chin. "Mr. Whitmore, my feelings have faded. There's no reason to continue this marriage."

"After Eleanor's surgery, she'll recover completely. There's no need—"

Her words struck Nathaniel's heart like a sudden drumbeat disrupting his rhythm. He stared intensely at Evelyn, searching her eyes for any trace of their former adoration - and found none.

The emptiness in his chest surprised him. Once, he would have celebrated her indifference. Now, it left him hollow.

The operating room doors swung open abruptly.

Dr. Laurent emerged, face grim, holding documents. "The patient's condition is more complex than anticipated. We need emergency authorization."

A chill ran down Evelyn's spine. She instinctively turned to Nathaniel, whose face had gone deathly pale.

Evelyn snatched the forms and thrust them at him. "Sign quickly. We must trust the doctors."

There was no turning back now.

Nathaniel's hand trembled as he signed. The pen nearly slipped from his fingers. Evelyn placed a steadying hand on his arm. "Eleanor will be fine. She promised us."

Nathaniel remained frozen, staring at the operating room doors. Evelyn stood silently beside him as hours stretched into evening.

When Dr. Laurent finally reappeared, Evelyn's heart leaped to her throat. "How is she?"

"The surgery succeeded, but she's being transferred to ICU. No visitors during critical recovery."

Relief flooded Evelyn's veins. Without thinking, she threw her arms around Nathaniel. "Did you hear? Eleanor's going to be fine!"

Her spontaneous embrace caught them both by surprise. For the first time in years, they stood connected - not by obligation, but by shared relief.