Chapter 19
Callum stood frozen, stunned.
All he could think was-had there always been something between Evelyn and Vincent? The way she said his name, the
way he looked at her…
“Evelyn… don’t tell me you left me for him. For my bodyguard?”
“Enough!” Evelyn shouted, fury flashing in her eyes. “I know exactly what you’re thinking, Callum, and you’re wrong. Vincent and I are just friends. Not everything is some twisted fantasy in your head.”
“You saved me. I’m grateful. But that’s where this ends.”
She turned to leave.
But Callum grabbed her wrist. “No. You’re my wife. You’re not allowed to walk away-especially not with another man.”
Evelyn’s voice shook with anger. “I’ve had enough of you trying to control me. Ever since we got together, I’ve cut off every
male friend I had. You dragged me to events, paraded me around like a trophy, and glared at anyone who looked at me
twice. I’m a human being, Callum. Not your possession.”
She took Lily’s hand, her eyes fierce. “Keep following me, and I’ll disappear again. This time for good.”
Callum’s voice cracked. “I love you, Evelyn. Are you really going to throw me away?”
Evelyn scoffed, her smile cold. “Love? You made me sign that release to protect Estelle. You threw Lily off a plane. You
shattered my mom’s urn in front of me. Was that love too?”
She walked away without looking back, Lily cradled in her arms, Vincent by her side.
Callum stood motionless, hand slowly falling to his side.
He had lost her.
The arrogant heir who had always gotten his way…
Now left in the sand, breathless, heart twisting.
He yanked at his soaked tie, desperate. His phone was ruined from the water.
So he flagged down a passerby and borrowed theirs.
“Find out everything about Vincent Hale. Now. You have one minute.”
Back at the house, Evelyn finally exhaled, tension easing from her body.
“Vincent, thank you-for saving my sister.”
He gave a small smile and brushed Lily’s hair back gently. “It’s my job, ma’am. Protecting you always has been.”
She paused, guilt flickering across her face. “Sorry. I used you earlier-to get Callum off my back.”
Vincent shook his head. He knew Callum had fired him. He wasn’t obligated to be here.
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But the thought of not protecting Evelyn left him… unmoored.
Since bringing her to this country, he hadn’t slept well. Even Callum’s punishment hadn’t stirred him this much. But Evelyn -seeing her again made something in him snap into place.
She was the one.
“Vincent, I heard you were dismissed. You don’t need to shadow me anymore. You’re free.”
Her words cut deeper than expected.
He hesitated, then offered a weak smile. “That’s true. But I don’t really have anywhere else to go. I was wondering if… maybe I could work here? I don’t need much. Just-let me help around the place.”
Evelyn blinked. “Help? Like, with dishes and taking out the trash?”
He nodded.
The image was absurd. Callum Rivers’ top bodyguard, mopping her restaurant floors.
He saw her doubt and quickly added, “I’m done with that old life. I don’t want violence anymore. I just want something steady. I can keep you and Lily safe. It’s a win-win.”
She considered for a moment, then smiled.
“Alright then. Welcome to the team.”
From a distance, Callum watched the two of them shake hands.
His chest ached.
Jealousy burned, sharp and wild.
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Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.