Page 151 of The Bittersweet Bond

Finally, he nodded—though reluctantly.

“But if he comes near you again, Evin...”

His voice dropped to a low growl.

“I don't know what happened between the two of you, and it's none of my business,but—I won’t just stand here and watch.”

Evin held his gaze. A faint smile tugged at her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“I know.”

Chapter 43

Enemies & Allies: The Sides Are Chosen

Evin

The afternoon sun cast warm golden hues inside the café. It was one of those places that was always packed with students, especially after school. The air buzzed with conversations and laughter.

Evin, Bas, Milka, and Bellamy sat in the corner at one of the larger tables, their plates and cups nearly empty.

“How exactly is the event going to go down on Friday?” Bellamy asked casually, absentmindedly mashing the remains of his hot brownie with his spoon. “Will everything be ready in time?”

Milka rested her chin on her hand and sighed dramatically. “It would be a lot easier if the damn fairy lights didn’t keep breaking. Or if someone else besides me would climb the ladder for once.”

“I did say I’d do it,” Bas replied with a lopsided grin. “But you were afraid I’d bring down half the stage.”

“Because you would,” Milka shot back dryly, raising an eyebrow. “You have the fine motor skills of a bulldozer.”

Evin chuckled softly, her hands wrapped around her warm cup. “Maybe we should send Bell up instead. He’s always so calm and collected.”

Bellamy raised a hand as if to defend himself. “I look calm because I don’t climb ladders.” He waved his greasy spoon in the air. “Too many potential hazards.”

Milka rolled her eyes. “Says the guy who plays football.”

Laughter erupted around the table, and for a moment, the world felt light and uncomplicated. It was one of those rare moments where stress and tension faded into the background.

Evin took a sip of her hot chocolate and glanced at Bas. His deep, hearty laugh and carefree demeanor were things rarely seen in public, and she savored every second of it.

Then the door of the café swung open, letting in a gust of cool air. Conversations momentarily died down as all four of them instinctively looked toward the entrance.

Cat walked in with two of her friends. As always, she looked flawless—her jacket matched her jeans perfectly, and the designer handbag on her arm swung in rhythm with her confident steps.

Her gaze swept across the room before settling on their table.

Cat smiled—just barely, almost too casually—before making her way toward a table nearby. On the way, she paused briefly by their group.

“Oh, hello,” she said, her voice soft but laced with an undertone that was hard to place. “You guys? Now this is an interesting group.”

Bell looked up, his expression calm but piercing. “After you had us working like slaves for hours, we’re finally enjoying the afternoon.”

“Of course,” Cat replied, her small smile more directed at him than anyone else. Then, shifting her gaze, she added, “Evin, you look good. The stress of the event suits you.”

Evin blinked, caught off guard, but said nothing.

Cat continued smoothly. “Bas. Thanks for keeping things running. Sergej has really done a great job. I knew he’d be the perfect choice.”

The name froze the air.

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