Page 116 of The Bittersweet Bond

The baggy, light-wash jeans sat lower on her hips than they used to, emphasizing the curve of her waist in a way she hadn’t noticed before. Even her Converse looked a little oversized, as if her whole frame had been reshaped.

She should feel bad about it.

She knew she should.

Her weight loss wasn’t something to celebrate. It wasn’t the result of discipline, of training, of control—it had been ripped from her, stolen by something she would do anything to undo.

But right now?

Right now, she felt beautiful.

It was a cruel kind of irony.

Evin turned slightly, running a hand down her body, feeling the way her ribs sat just a little more pronounced beneath her fingertips. Clothes fell differently on her body now—sleek, effortless.

A bitter smile played on her lips.

Wasn’t this what she had wanted?

She swallowed hard, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

As she reached for her phone on the dresser, she caught sight of herself in the mirror—and noticed the faint smirk playing on her lips.

Maybe it wasn’t just the outfit.

Maybe it had a little to do with Bas.

He had texted her, asking if she wanted to come out with the group. What he didn’t know was that she would’ve been there either way. Nothing in the world could’ve kept her home tonight.

Not after what she had told Milka.

The thought of sitting alone in bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting for sleep to come—no fucking way. This was the last weekend before real life demanded her back, before she had to get her shit together again.

Tonight, she was letting go.

Her ballet training would start again in a few days.Finally.

__________

Rico dropped them off in front of The Pearl, the steady pulse of bass reverberating through the building’s stone walls. Even from outside, Evin could feel the music, a low vibration thrumming beneath her skin. The muffled beats hanging in the air felt like a promise.

"Hold up a second," Milka said, grabbing Evin’s arm before they went inside.

With a wicked grin, she pulled two flasks from her bag.

Evin laughed, throwing her head back. "Oh my God, I love you! After that shopping spree, I’m too broke to spend a fortune on drinks inside."

Milka popped the cap on hers and winked. "Bottoms up, bitch!"

Evin rolled her eyes but clinked her flask against Milka’s anyway. They threwback the burning liquid in sync, the heat sliding down her throat and pooling in her stomach.

Fuck.She hadn’t eaten much today. She already knew—it wouldn’t take much to get her drunk tonight.

Inside, The Pearl throbbed with vitality. The flashing lights, the mix of voices and laughter, and the palpable energy in the air were intoxicating, even without a drop of alcohol.

Evin and Milka weaved through the crowded venue, sidestepping clusters of dancers and moving past the club's vibrant pulse. Milka guided her to a table where Chris and Bellamy were already seated, drinks in hand, exuding an air of ownership over the world.

She settled into a chair, glancing at the group with a teasing grin.

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