The citywide search tightened, and it actually forced Oliver to come out of hiding. But he wasn't searching for Viola-he was searching for Zoey.

She had gone to Hell Monarch Estate to deliver a set of clothing for Courtney today. While she was out, she decided to pick up a few things for the ladies of Skye Embroidery. Afterward, she was making her way back to the workshop through the west alley when Oliver appeared.

Her first instinct was surprise.

Hadn't he told Viola not to tell Zoey about his presence? Why would he risk coming here personally to see her?

"My dear, it is I," came a voice from beneath a wide-brimmed hat.

His face was obscured, but the voice-there was no mistaking it.

For a moment, Zoey was too stunned to speak, but then a surge of fury gripped her. She clenched her teeth, trying to swallow the anger that threatened to consume her. With a swift glance, she confirmed that the alley was deserted.

Her heart sank as she regretted her earlier complacency. She had assumed that since Oliver had gone to Viola, he wouldn't come looking for her. The fewer who knew of his return, the safer he would be. However, it seemed that the citywide search had driven him to desperation.

"What did you say?" Zoey asked. She bit down on her teeth, her voice trembling despite herself. But to Oliver, it sounded more like excitement.

The hat was lifted slightly, revealing a face that had become gaunt and darkened over time. His once- proud brows were now shaved off, making him appear comical.

"Zoey, it is me," he said, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. He glanced around cautiously, only relaxing once he was sure no one was nearby. "I've returned to the capital for you. Now that I know you are safe, I can rest easy."

Zoey stiffened as she watched him. His feigned concern was revolting.

"The whole city is looking for you. How dare you return?"

"I just needed to make sure all of you were safe. I'll leave soon," Oliver said, stepping closer and lowering his voice. "From now on, I'll probably be on the run, hiding wherever I can. Zoey, I know I've wronged you in the past, but I've realized my mistakes now. After all these years as husband and wife, I know you won't abandon me.

Zoey's eyes reddened, a mixture of frustration, bitterness, and anger swirling within her. Yet, through Oliver's eyes, she appeared moved, as though overwhelmed with emotion.

He took a step closer, urgency in his voice as he spoke, "You need to quickly gather 3,000 silver coins for me. I must leave the capital at once. Once I am settled, I will come back to take all of you with me."

He reached for her hand, but Zoey instinctively stepped back. His grasp fell short, and for a moment, a flicker of panic flashed across his face.

He quickly said, "My dear, I know I was wrong. Truly, I know. Please forgive me just this once."

Zoey met his gaze, her tears barely contained. "Do you truly understand the depths of your wrongs?"

"I swear, I will be devoted to only you from now on. I will never take another concubine, and I will never again hurt your heart," Oliver declared, raising his hand as though to swear an oath.

"I will trust you one more time," Zoey replied, her voice soft yet firm. "But if you disappoint me, I will never help you again."

Oliver's face lit up with relief. "My dear, I promise. Once I am safe, I will return for you and the children."

Zoey wiped away the moisture from the corner of her eyes. "I don't have 3,000 silver coins on hand. Give me time to borrow it. Where are you staying? How can I send the money to you once I have it?"

He hesitated, his eyes darting away.

"I am staying at..." he faltered.

He didn't want to reveal his

whereabouts, but the urgency of his situation left him no choice. Unlike when he had sought Viola's help, he couldn't afford to wait this time-he had to leave the capital as soon as possible.

Zoey's expression hardened. "You won't tell me? Fine then, Oliver. Are you still living with that little vixen? You're planning to take the money and run off with her, aren't you? Well, that's your business, not mine. Do what you will."

With that, she turned on her heel, ready to walk away.

In a panic, Oliver grabbed her arm. He no longer cared about anything else and said, "I'm staying at Glowmere Sanctuary for now. When you've gathered the money, go there and ask for a priest named Reuben."noveldrama

As he spoke, he removed his hat. The top of his head was shaved, leaving only a crown of hair, as priests often did.

Zoey's eyes widened in shock. He had been posing as a priest!

No wonder he had been able to hide in the capital for so long. The Capital Guard rarely interfered with places of worship.

She had never considered the

possibility that Oliver would take the drastic step of shaving his head to. disguise himself as a priest. If he had the audacity and wit to pull off such a ruse, then why hadn't he

used that same resolve and

intelligence on the Southern Frontier battlefield?