Chapter 121

Nathan's furious glare sent shivers down Julian's spine.

The intensity in those dark eyes surpassed even when Victoria had left for Silvercrest three years ago.

Julian had meant it as half a joke - teasing his childhood friend was second nature to him.

He'd only intended to poke fun at Nathan, never expecting such an explosive reaction.

Clearly, Evelyn still held power over his emotions.

The bartender paled at the confrontation. Few in Crestview would dare lay hands on Julian Montgomery.

"Nathan, are you in love with Evelyn?"

The question hit Nathan like a bucket of ice water. His drunken haze cleared momentarily, sweat beading on his forehead.

"Haven't you noticed? You've been acting completely irrational since the divorce." Julian studied him closely. "We've been friends since diapers. Why won't you be honest with me?"

"I don't love her." Nathan ground out each word through clenched teeth.

"Right. And I'm the Queen of England." Julian rolled his eyes.

"Julian!"

Ignoring Nathan's warning tone, Julian continued, "Listen, if you want Evelyn back, I'll support you. But if this is just some possessive ex-husband nonsense, then step aside. I know what I want - and I intend to pursue her."

Nathan staggered back as if physically struck, releasing Julian's collar.

Straightening his suit, Julian pulled the sapphire necklace from his pocket with a sigh. "She refused it."

Nathan's breath caught.

"Evelyn isn't materialistic. She returned this the moment she left you." Julian's bitter laugh held no humor. "What the hell did you do to her, Nate? She looks at you like you're the devil incarnate. You two are like oil and water."

Nathan's jaw tightened until it ached.

Memories flooded him - three years of ignoring her handmade gifts, the shredded suit, the untouched presents gathering dust in their closet.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had asked Theodore to leave after work, heading alone to the western district cathedral.

The golden dome glittered magnificently against the sunset.

Sebastian stood beneath the massive cross in his crisp clergy robes, delivering his sermon with the Bible in hand.

Evelyn sat quietly in the back, letting her eldest brother's soothing voice wash over her like a healing balm.

As the congregation dispersed, Sebastian approached with a gentle smile, ruffling her hair. "You should have told me you were coming."

"I didn't want to interrupt your work." She smiled up at him.

Sebastian took the seat beside her. "What's troubling you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

Evelyn sighed, shoulders slumping. "I did something awful today, Ash. I used Julian just to get under Nathan's skin. I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop myself!"

Her voice cracked. "Seeing Nathan with Victoria...watching him compete with Julian to buy her jewelry...it shattered me. I just wanted him to feel something - anything - even if it's hatred."

Sebastian pulled his trembling sister into a comforting embrace.

"Do you still have feelings for Nathan?"

"I'm not over him," Evelyn admitted against his shoulder, tears dampening his robes. "I loved him for so long. My entire youth revolved around him. Those memories won't fade."

She looked up with wet lashes. "I'm terrified, Sebastian. What if I can never love again? Nathan carved out my heart. How could anyone else compare?"

"That fear is natural after such a long love." Sebastian smoothed her hair. "But Evelyn, as long as your heart beats, it can love again."

He tilted her chin up. "Don't be afraid. The Kingsleys will always be your safety net. Be true to yourself, and chase what your heart desires. Life's too short for regrets."