Page 149 of The Bittersweet Bond

With one last look at the mirror, she turned, opened the door, and stepped out.

The world was waiting.

And she would face it.

Step by step.

__________

With her arms crossed, Milka stood at the entrance of the tent, her expression a mix of alarm and determination. “What did he want?” she asked, her voicecalm but pressing. “I heard Bas talking to Bellamy.”

Evin nodded silently, her fingers tightening around the edges of her jacket pockets.

“I don’t know,” she whispered, her throat feeling dry. “He didn’t say anything. Nothing... specific. But he was there, Milka. Just there.”

Milka exhaled audibly, shook her head, and took a step closer. “And what did you do?”

“I...” Evin hesitated, searching for the words. “I told him to stay away from me.”

A flicker of pride flashed in Milka’s eyes, though her expression remained firm. “Good. But that’s not enough. If he was here, Ev, he’ll come back. And you can’t pretend this is nothing.”

Evin avoided her gaze, staring at the ground. “I don’t want this, Milka. I don’t want him to take up this much space. Not today. Not ever again.”

“Then let’s do something about it.” Milka’s voice was calm but demanding. “Make sure he never shows up near you again. Keep him out of your world.”

Evin lifted her head, meeting her friend’s gaze. There was a mix of determination and pain in Milka’s eyes.

“How am I supposed to do that? What if he keeps coming back no matter what I do?”

Milka placed a hand on Evin’s arm—gentle, yet firm. “Then I’ll make sure he doesn’t. You’re not alone, Evin. You have me. And Bas. Even if you haven’t told him yet.”

Evin closed her eyes, fighting against the sting of tears. “I know. Ugh, he just disgusts me so much. How did he even find out about the event? Or that I’d be here?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Milka murmured. “But in the end, that doesn’t even matter! You are not defined by what happened. You are Evin Hayes! And you will not let him tear you down.”

Evin slowly nodded, a strong smile playing at her lips. Exactly what I needed to hear.

“Thank you.”

Milka pulled her hand back and smiled in return. “Alright, now go to Bas. And make sure he knows he doesn’t have to worry. I’ll hold down the fort.”

__________

Sebastian

Bas stood in front of her, the cool night air prickling against his skin, but the heat of rage in his chest made him blind to it.

“Why didn’t you tell me right away what he wanted?” His voice was quiet but sharp as a scalpel.

Evin lifted her head, her arms still wrapped around herself protectively.

“Because it wouldn’t have changed anything, Bas. I told him to leave me alone. And he did.”

Her voice was steady, but he could hear the faint trace of uncertainty.

“That’s not the point.”

Bas took a step closer, his hands clenched into fists. “He had no damn right to even speak to you. And then he talks to you like...” His words trailed off, and he shook his head.

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