Chapter 163

Nathan Blackwood clenched his jaw, a low groan escaping his lips despite his efforts to suppress it.

Yet, his grip on Evelyn Carter remained firm, refusing to let go.

Evelyn's breath hitched, her pulse racing. "Nathan! Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. Get in the car." His voice was strained, teeth gritted against the pain as he stubbornly held onto her wrist.

The rain poured relentlessly. Evelyn hesitated, but with no other choice, she followed him into the vehicle.

Inside the dimly lit car, the scent of damp fabric and Nathan's cologne filled the air.

He shrugged off his soaked suit jacket, tossing it onto the passenger seat. His dark hair clung to his forehead, half-obscuring his piercing gaze. Even drenched, he exuded an undeniable magnetism.

Evelyn's chest tightened. The memory of him shielding her from danger replayed in her mind, leaving an ache she couldn't ignore.

For three years of marriage, he had never held her like that.

And yet, in that moment, she had felt safe. Was this the same security Victoria Sterling basked in every day?

The thought made her scoff.

No matter how comforting his embrace was, it wasn’t hers to keep.

"Did Sebastian buy this villa for you?" Nathan’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and cold.

"You already know the answer."

Evelyn crossed her arms, staring out at the rain-streaked window. "A small-town girl like me could never afford a place like this. Of course, Mr. Kingsley was generous enough to gift it."

"If you had nowhere to stay, why refuse the property I offered?" Frustration edged his tone, his back throbbing but ignored.

"Why should I accept it?"

A bitter laugh escaped her. "Sebastian’s gifts come with no strings—just kindness. But yours? Did you think our marriage was some transaction? You’re quite skilled at humiliation, Nathan. I never took a cent from you during our marriage, and I won’t start now."

"Evelyn, I never meant to humiliate you. You’re twisting my words."

His jaw tightened, emotions flickering in his darkened gaze.

When he’d offered her the money, it had been practicality, not pity. He knew she had little saved, and Crestview was unforgiving without wealth.

But what else could he give her? He had nothing left but material things.

"Enough." She exhaled sharply. "If this is all you came to say, I’m done listening."

Her hand reached for the door handle.

Nathan moved faster, seizing her wrist and yanking her back.

"Ow!"

Evelyn gasped as she collided with his chest, pain flaring through her nose.

Damn it, is his chest made of steel?

"Sorry."

The word was rough, unfamiliar on his tongue.

Evelyn froze, her pulse stuttering. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, meeting his conflicted eyes. Her nose stung from the impact.

"What did you just say?"

Nathan swallowed hard, discomfort flashing across his face. Apologies weren’t in his nature.

"I’m apologizing for Victoria. What she said to you at the gala was unacceptable."

Her heart plummeted.

A cold laugh escaped her. "So you waited in the rain just to play the dutiful fiancé? How touching. Well, I don’t accept it. Consider your trip wasted."