Chapter 12: Liam’s Suspicions – He Begins to Suspect Evelyn Is Hiding Something

Have you ever felt like the person you trusted most was keeping something from you? That's where Liam found himself—drawn to Evelyn yet increasingly convinced she wasn't telling him the whole truth.

Pieces Don't Add Up

Over the past few days, Liam had noticed subtle changes in Evelyn's behavior. She seemed distracted, jumpy, and overly cautious whenever he asked about her past. At first, he chalked it up to her natural reserve, but now, doubts began to creep in.

The journal entries mentioning someone named Evelyn Harper only fueled his suspicion. Could this be a coincidence? Or was there more to her story than she let on?

Digging Deeper

Unable to shake the feeling that something wasn't right, Liam decided to investigate further. During their lunch break, he excused himself under the pretense of running errands and headed straight to the local archives.

There, he dug through old newspaper clippings and public records, piecing together fragments of Evelyn's life before Seabrook. The art gallery she'd helped design, the sudden closure of her business, and the tragic car accident that claimed her best friend's life—all these details painted a picture of someone trying desperately to move on.

But one article stood out—a report on a fire that destroyed Evelyn's apartment shortly after Claire's death. The cause was listed as accidental, but witness statements hinted at foul play.

Arson? Coincidence? Or part of a larger conspiracy?

Plot Twist: A Missing Record

As Liam sifted through documents, he came across something unusual—a gap in Evelyn's employment history. According to official records, she worked at an interior design firm for several years, but when he called the company to verify, they claimed no employee by that name ever existed.

His stomach churned. Was Evelyn lying about her identity? And if so, why?

Before he could pursue the lead further, the archivist approached him. "Need help with anything?" she asked innocently.

He quickly shoved the files back into his bag, forcing a smile. "Nope, got everything I need."

Confronting His Feelings

That evening, Liam returned to Blackthorn Manor, his mind racing. Should he confront Evelyn with what he'd found? Or wait until he had all the pieces of the puzzle?

As he worked on blueprints in the study, he caught glimpses of her through the doorway—laughing softly as she organized tools, her expression carefree despite the tension between them.

She trusts me, he thought. How can I betray that trust by digging into her secrets?

But another voice whispered louder: What if she's hiding something dangerous? What if uncovering the truth is the only way to protect her—and yourself?

A Moment of Connection

Later that night, they sat together on the mansion's porch, watching the stars twinkle above. For once, the air between them felt lighter, almost peaceful.

"You know," Liam said suddenly, breaking the silence, "you're really good at hiding things."

Evelyn froze mid-sip of her coffee. "What do you mean?"

He smiled gently, not accusingly. "Just… you seem like someone who keeps a lot inside. Like there's more to you than meets the eye."

Her heart skipped a beat. Was he hinting at something? Or was this just his way of being observant?

"I guess everyone has secrets," she replied carefully, avoiding his gaze.

"True," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But some secrets are worth sharing."

She wanted to tell him everything—the lies, the guilt, the fear. But the words stuck in her throat, heavy with the weight of years past.

Suspenseful Questions

What does Liam plan to do with the information he uncovered? Will he confront Evelyn—or keep digging further? And how will their growing relationship survive if the truth comes out?

You wouldn't ignore these questions, would you? Neither can Liam. As his investigation deepens, he begins to realize that love and deception walk a fine line—and crossing it might cost him everything.