Chapter 401

The sea breeze whispered as starlight scattered across the shore.

Ethan Sullivan stood on the beach, his obsidian eyes locked onto Evelyn Laurent. His gaze held nothing but her reflection.

His heartbeat roared in his ears.

Never had he felt such nervousness. Beads of sweat formed on his palms.

Julian Langley retreated half a step, then frowned at his own hesitation. He remained silent in the shadows.

Night deepened.

The live stream had ended long ago, leaving the island in perfect stillness.

No moonlight graced the sky—only countless stars shimmering on the undulating sea.

Evelyn froze.

She never expected such a confession from Ethan.

He said the one he'd always loved was her.

From the very beginning.

Chaotic thoughts swirled through her mind.

They'd been bound by an engagement, yet resisted each other. She refused to be shackled. He waited for that little girl from his past.

Fate played its cruel joke.

That little girl turned out to be herself.

And so, the engagement dissolved.

Memories flooded her heart.

Evelyn's brow furrowed slightly as she sank into contemplation.

Ethan's heart climbed into his throat.

Had he been too impulsive?

No carefully planned setting. No romantic gestures.

Just raw honesty when she asked.

But he could no longer hide his feelings.

He loved her.

From the moment he brought her back to Oceancrest, she'd captivated him.

Her radiant defiance. Her untamed spirit.

Unlike any woman he'd ever known.

A long silence passed.

Evelyn finally lifted her gaze.

Her clear eyes met Ethan's directly.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he held his breath.

This moment felt like judgment.

"I've never known much warmth in my life."

"You were the first to protect me."

Her voice remained steady. "But Ethan, I don't understand love."

Truthfully, she didn't.

Affection itself was a luxury. Love? An entirely foreign realm.

Ethan's body stiffened.

His lips pressed into a thin line, heart aching.

Not from potential rejection.

But for all the pain she'd endured.