Page 144 of The Bittersweet Bond

Just then, the front door swung open, and Milka emerged. Holding a thermos in one hand, she grinned at them and jogged briskly down the driveway. Her hoodie and leggings matched her laid-back energy—effortlessly cool, as always. Bas gave her a curt nod as she slid into the backseat.

“Morning, boys. No need to panic, I brought coffee. You’ll survive,” she announced, buckling up.

“I didn’t ask for coffee. I asked for punctuality,” Bas shot back, making Milka stick her tongue out at him in response. Bellamy smirked but remained silent.

Then Evin appeared, and Bas instinctively held his breath. She stepped outside with her usual effortless confidence, a large bag in hand, seemingly unaware of the effect she had on her surroundings. The navy cropped sweater with red lettering fit her perfectly, and the short wrap denim skirt revealed just enough without being too much. Draped over her shoulders, her oversized leather jacket made her look like she had walked straight out of a high-fashion campaign. Even the fluffy boots and white socks somehow worked.

She looked… different. Not just beautiful—she always was—but in a way that almost threw him off. Her entire look seemed effortless, yet every tiny detail felt deliberate. Bas pushed the thought aside, but part of him was damn grateful he was sitting down because he wasn’t sure how else he would’ve reacted.

“Sorry, I had to stop Milka from bringing the wrong napkins,” she said, tossing her bag into the trunk. Her laugh was light, but there was something about it that made him pause.

Milka only grinned. “Yeah, sure. Just say you took your time perfecting your grand entrance.”

“If you say so,” Evin teased with a smirk, sliding into the backseat beside Milka.

As the girls began chatting quietly, Bas glanced at them through the rearview mirror. Their voices were hushed, little more than a whisper, but he noticed the serious expression on Milka’s face as she leaned toward Evin. Whatever they were talking about, it was important.

Evin looked different lately. Not just stunning and not polished. There was a heaviness in her smile lately, like she was holding herself together with too much effort. The fire was still there, but something about her felt off.

Hedidn’t intend to eavesdrop, but the subtle crease in Evin’s brow stuck with him.

Bellamy, having noticed Bas' glance, turned his attention to him. “Something on your mind?”

Bas just shook his head. “Not now,” he murmured, and Bellamy gave him a knowing nod.

The road curved gently through the rolling hills as Bas guided the SUV with ease. Stately oak trees and neatly kept pastures lined the route, with only the occasional bleat of sheep breaking the quiet. The golden morning sunlight cast a soft glow over the landscape, and fresh air flowed in through the slightly open window.

Bellamy continued scrolling through his phone, elbows propped lazily on the armrest. For him, the passenger seat was more of a throne—one he only vacated in absolute necessity. Bas focused on the winding road ahead as the turns grew tighter.

Soon, the villa came into view. Nestled among the lush greenery, the estate was an elegant blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. A stone pathway led to a spacious courtyard, adorned with white tents, benches, and floral arrangements. Servers in crisp uniforms weaved between event planners, carrying trays, while the scent of freshly cut grass lingered in the air.

Pulling into the shade of an ancient oak tree, Bas parked the SUV, shut off the engine, and stepped out. For a moment, he stood still, taking in the scene before him, breathing in the cool, refreshing air.

Bellamy slid out effortlessly, grabbing one of the lighter boxes. Milka and Evin followed shortly after, their voices low as they stood close together. Milka held her thermos, her gaze flicking toward the tables already set up. Evin pulled her leather jacket tighter around her waist, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Without a word, Bas grabbed a box and cast a quick glance at the two girls. He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but Milka’s slightly furrowed brow caught his attention—just like Evin’s fleeting, distant expression. Whatever it was, it unsettled him more than he cared to admit.

“You gonna help, or just stand there staring?” Bellamy’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Grinning, he stood beside Bas, balancing his own box effortlessly.

“Try doing something useful first,” Bas replied coldly, hoisting the heavier of the two boxes onto his shoulder. “The girls will tell us we’re doing it all wrong anyway.”

Bellamy just smirked and continued toward the villa. Bas followed more slowly, his thoughts still lingering on Evin. She always seemed like she had everything under control, but it was the small moments—the way she adjusted her jacket, that brief absent look—that made him question the façade. That mix of strength and quiet vulnerability held him in place, whether he wanted it to or not.

Inside the villa, the energy was buzzing. Staff carried vases filled with flowers and carefully placed table cards, while others adjusted the lighting. Sunlight streamed through the grand windows, bathing everything in a warm glow. Bas set his box down on one of the decoration tables and took a moment to glance around.

At the other end of the room, Evin and Milka were deep in discussion with one of the organizers. Milka gestured wildly, while Evin listened with a crooked smile.

Bas slid a box of decorations onto the table he was setting up with Ben, while the rest of the room buzzed with voices and hurried movements. The event was slowly taking shape, but Bas found his attention drifting repeatedly to Evin, who stood on the other side of the room. She was talking to a helper who was trying to explain something to her, but Evin was only half listening, her eyes scanning the chaos around her.

He could have ignored it, could have focused on the task at hand. But when Evin suddenly turned and strode toward their table, something in Bas’ chest tightened. Ben was the first to notice. Of course, he was.

"Hey, need help?" Ben asked, setting aside the clips he had been sorting. His tone was casual, nonchalant—but Bas noticed every detail. How Ben leaned slightly toward her, how his smile was meant just for her.

"Yeah, actually," Evin said, briefly glancing at Bas before fully focusing on Ben. She held up a small roll of ribbon and grinned. "I thought you were the decor expert."

"Says who?" Ben’s smile widened. "I’m just the guy who carries things and tries to stay out of the way."

"Then make yourself useful," Evin quipped, pressing the roll into his hand while casting a quick look over the table. Her hair fell slightly into her face, and she pushed it back with an effortless motion. Bas knew she didn’t do it on purpose. But it still annoyed him.

---