Chapter 220

Evelyn shrugged casually. "Not at all. I could even tell you about my past relationships."

Nathaniel's eyes narrowed. "What kind of past? You claimed you've never dated anyone."

She nodded calmly. "That's true, but it doesn't mean I haven't had crushes. Lots of them."

His expression darkened instantly. A bitter smile twisted his lips. "Is that so? Do enlighten me."

Too busy recalling names to notice his reaction, Evelyn began listing famous actors and musicians she'd admired over the years.

To Nathaniel, who barely followed pop culture, these names sounded like real people from Evelyn's personal history.

Her voice turned dreamy. "When I was eighteen, there was this singer I adored so much I imagined marrying him! His name was-"

"Enough!" Nathaniel's sharp command startled both Evelyn and the nearby bear.

She blinked at him. "Why are you shouting? You asked me to talk about them."

His jaw clenched. Without another word, he grabbed the startled bear and stalked into the cave, tossing the animal into a corner.

Evelyn followed, confused by his sudden mood swing.

The cave's interior was pitch black. Their phones had no signal but provided enough light to see by.

Nathaniel sat near the entrance, one leg stretched out, the other bent with his arm resting on his knee. He lit a cigarette with practiced ease, the flame briefly illuminating his stormy expression.

He smoked in sullen silence.

Evelyn couldn't understand his anger after their earlier conversation. She'd never met someone so temperamental.

Deciding to match his silence, she leaned against the cave wall and waited for rescue. Eventually, exhaustion pulled her into sleep.

She woke at dusk, chilled despite wearing Nathaniel's coat. He sat beside her, eyes closed as if asleep.

Thirst drove Evelyn to slip out quietly. The gorge was damp but lacked visible water sources.

Then she spotted it - a water tree. Her steps quickened with recognition.

Using a sharp stone, she made a small cut in the bark. Clear sap flowed immediately. She drank deeply, the liquid cool and refreshing.

As she turned to leave, hesitation struck. Should she bring some back for Nathaniel?

Moody as he was, he'd risked his life coming down the cliff for her. And they'd shared good times before today.

Her decision made, she prepared to collect some sap for him.