Chapter 54
Evelyn wasn’t in the mood to return to the hotel. Instead, she decided to head home. Tristan remained silent for a long while before finally asking, “Ms. Sinclair, does Sebastian still not know you’re the heiress of the Whitmore family?”
“Yeah,” Evelyn replied softly, her expression tinged with melancholy.
Tristan understood now. No wonder she had requested a stand-in when Sebastian visited her the first time.
“Tristan, I didn’t mean to keep it from you—”
“I understand,” Tristan interrupted.
Evelyn raised her brows in surprise.
“Who wants to relive painful memories? Of course, you’d rather lock them away, untouched. I was just worried about you. If Mr. Whitmore ever found out, he’d be devastated,” Tristan continued, his grip tightening on the steering wheel, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Evelyn was the beloved center of her family’s universe. Yet, she had suffered at the hands of that despicable man, Sebastian. If Reginald ever discovered the truth, he’d likely be so enraged he’d wield a sword in fury.
“Keeping it a secret was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Besides, after a failed marriage, I only want to focus on myself. I have no intention of marrying again,” Evelyn murmured, closing her eyes.
Sebastian’s cruel words still echoed in her mind. With a bitter smile, she whispered, “It’s pointless.”
Tristan said firmly, “I won’t marry unless you do.”
Evelyn quickly protested, “No, no, no. You should. You’re my secretary, not taking vows of celibacy. I don’t want rumors suggesting people work for me out of some misguided devotion. That would ruin my reputation.”
Tristan managed a sheepish smile, though his heart ached. He knew he wasn’t worthy, but he’d always protect the woman in his heart.
“Ms. Sinclair, why did you choose to marry Sebastian?” Tristan asked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity and a hint of sorrow. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry—”
Evelyn’s expression darkened as emotions swirled within her. “It’s alright, Tristan. I don’t mind sharing,” she said.
“When I was eleven, I joined a school mountain-climbing trip. My mother had left me a precious heirloom—a sapphire pendant—which I lost on the mountain. Despite the teacher’s warnings, I sneaked back into the dark, determined to find it.”
“Not only did I get lost, but a typhoon struck. I was trapped deep in the mountains with no signal. It was terrifying. I nearly died.”
“Sebastian was a summer ranger in the national park. When he heard about my situation, he immediately led a rescue team. He braved the storm to search for me.”
“Eventually, he found me—half-frozen, hidden behind a rock…” Evelyn’s voice was soft, almost hypnotic as she recounted the memory.
She continued, “I opened my eyes and saw him in his mountaineering gear. His handsome face was drenched, his striking eyes shining brighter than the stars. I can’t even describe how breathtaking he looked…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll carry you down!” Their first meeting had been magical, etching itself into Evelyn’s heart forever.
“On the way back, he carried me the entire time. He kept me awake with the worst jokes. His humor was terrible.” Evelyn smiled faintly at the memory.
“Little one, what’s your name? Not telling? Then I’ll call you Tiny. Tiny hands, tiny feet, tiny nose—”
“I am not tiny! I’m more developed than other girls!”
“You only need to tell me that, sweetheart. Don’t go telling other boys.”
“I’d hate for some scoundrel to take advantage of you, my silly girl.”
Evelyn’s breath hitched, her pulse quickening. Sebastian had only been seventeen then—not as tall or strong as he was now—yet he’d made her feel safe. Later, they nearly fell off a cliff, but he shielded her in his arms, risking his life to protect her.
After that, Sebastian vanished for three years. The next time she saw him was on TV, attending a charity gala with the Blackwoods. From then on, Evelyn had pursued him relentlessly.
When she heard he was going to war, she joined Doctors Without Borders without hesitation. She had loved fiercely, fought silently beside him—but now, her heart had turned to stone. Love no longer stirred within her.
Evelyn smiled bitterly. Thirteen years of devotion had ended, fading like a fleeting dream. As Tristan listened quietly, regret washed over him, heavy and suffocating.
“But Tristan, even if I wanted to hate him… I can’t,” Evelyn admitted.
“I loved him willingly. I don’t regret the past, nor do I feel indebted to the time we shared.”
Meanwhile, as Sebastian returned to Blackwood Manor, his mind was in turmoil. The weight on his chest felt like—
