Chapter 293

The room was hushed as Olivia approached the ornate wooden box with cautious steps. Her fingers trembled slightly as they hovered over the intricate carvings.

There, etched into the dark mahogany, was her name - Olivia Sinclair.

The grooves were worn smooth from repeated touch, telling a story of countless moments when someone had traced these very letters.

A shiver ran down her spine as she realized the implications. Liam Blackwood, the man who had always maintained emotional distance, had created this personal artifact.

Their marriage had been devoid of affection, yet the craftsmanship bore Liam's unmistakable signature. She'd loved him too long, too deeply, to mistake his handiwork.

Olivia clutched the box tighter, convincing herself it must have been made during their brief courtship, when hope still lingered between them. Back when she'd foolishly believed he might care.

Hot tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them away, caught between nostalgia and heartache.

Donovan Kensington observed her internal struggle but wisely remained silent, slipping out of the room with quiet footsteps.

At the threshold, he paused and turned back. "I know you've been pretending," his voice carried unexpected warmth, "but the truth is undeniable. This is your home. We are your family. No Kensington should ever feel like an outsider here." He took a measured breath. "Starting today, you have permission to make mistakes. Whatever comes, you'll have my full support. Just be true to yourself."

Olivia's pulse quickened. She met Donovan's steady gaze, seeing genuine sincerity that sparked something long dormant within her.

Once Donovan left, Winston couldn't contain his skepticism. "Mr. Kensington," he began with poorly concealed disapproval, "she's clearly rejecting the Kensingtons because of her mother's past. Why go to such lengths for her? The girl doesn't appreciate all we've done."

"Winston!" Donovan's sharp rebuke cut through the air. "The Kensingtons owe her and her mother more than we can ever repay. Have you forgotten what Seraphina nearly did? Olivia showed remarkable restraint by not pressing charges that could have ruined her. We will not make her burden heavier."

Winston flushed with shame. "My apologies, sir."

Donovan exhaled slowly, his expression softening. "My aunt saved my life. Though we rarely met, I remember her kindness clearly. Without her intervention, I wouldn't be standing here today." His voice dropped to a whisper. "We owe Olivia more than she'll ever know."

Alone in the quiet room, Olivia stared at the unopened box for what felt like hours. In the end, she couldn't bring herself to lift the lid, though she cradled it close to her chest. Whatever Liam's intentions had been, she wanted their story to end with dignity, not more heartbreak.

Meanwhile, Liam stood at the service entrance of the sprawling Kensington estate, his gaze traveling up the imposing stone facade.

Though the family rarely resided in Eldermere, their ancestral home remained a monument to their power and legacy.

His expression remained carefully neutral, betraying none of the turmoil beneath the surface. Only his eyes, dark with unspoken emotion, revealed the truth of his inner storm.