Page 157 of The Bittersweet Bond

When Silence Holds The Highest Price

Evin

Evin and Milka stepped out of the sleek black car that had smoothly delivered them to the very edge of the bustling community center. The vibrant atmosphere of the event was unmistakable, even from the outside. Strings of warm, golden fairy lights adorned the entrance, their gentle luminance casting a soft, inviting glow over the small clusters of guests who gathered outside, engaged in animated conversations. Inside, the delicate clinking of glasses, the muffled strains of upbeat music, and the hum of lively discussions melded into a vibrant symphony that filled the air with energy and excitement.

“Wow, they really went all out,” Milka remarked, her voice brimming with genuine appreciation. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. “Look at the decorations. So fancy.” The elegant floral arrangements, meticulously crafted and strategically placed, added a touch of sophistication to the scene.

Evin nodded, acknowledging Milka's enthusiasm, but her gaze wasn’t captivated by the sparkling lights or the opulent decor. She was searching intently for something else—someone else. Her eyes scanned the crowd, seeking a familiar face amid the sea of strangers, her anticipation palpable.

Her shoulders were tense, and her steps faltered for a second.

“Stay calm,” Milka murmured, looping her arm through Evin’s elbow. “I’m right here.”

Evin forced a smile. “Thanks.”

Together, they stepped into the festively decorated hall, where a refined yet relaxed atmosphere immediately embraced them. Shades of red, complemented by soft whites, dominated the space—a perfect Valentine’s Day theme, complete with heart-shaped balloons and flickering tealights on the tables.

To the left, food stands displayed culinary specialties from local restaurants, while to the right, a stage was set up—soon to become the center of attention. Students and parents weaved between the booths, laughing and chatting as a gentle piano melody floated from the speakers.

Evin spotted Bas almost instantly.

He stood near the stage, engaged in conversation with a teacher, but his gaze drifted toward her as if he had been waiting. Their eyes met, and a subtle smile flickered across his lips.

Within seconds, he was by their side.

“There you are,” he said, his gaze shifting between the two girls. “I was starting to think you bailed on me.”

“As if we could,” Milka quipped with a smirk. “I know you’d be lost without this beauty next to me.” She gestured toward Evin.

Evin managed a small smile, but her eyes kept scanning the room.

She could feel Bas watching her.

“You okay?” he asked softly, leaning in slightly. His warmth cut through the festive noise, grounding her—at least a little.

A gentle kiss brushed just below her earlobe.

“Yeah,” Evin replied without looking at him. Her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her purse. “I’m fine.”

But she felt Sergej.

She hadn’t seen him yet, but she knew he was here. Somewhere in the crowd, among the familiar faces and cheerful voices, he was watching.

__________

The large event tent was bathed in warm, golden light, cast by elegantly draped string lights and ornate chandeliers. Crisp white table linens, crystal vases filled with fresh flowers, and a delicate scent drifting through the air gave the space an almost surreal charm.

It felt like a night on an upscale ranch—a perfect fusion of rustic elements and high-class sophistication. Wooden chairs and repurposed whiskey barrels in the corners balanced the elegance of shimmering tableware and luxurious fabrics.

At the front of the tent, a grand stage stood prepared for the charity auction. A heavy wooden gavel rested on the podium, while the featured auction items—handcrafted artwork, exclusive experience packages, and high-end donations—stood proudly on their respective pedestals.

Guests moved effortlessly through the space, some engaged in animated conversations, others flipping through auction catalogs, already deciding on their bids.

The teenagers, however, had their own rhythm.

Evin, Milka, Bas, and their friends gathered around a standing table off to the side—close enough to observe everything, but far enough to feel undisturbed.

“This auction is going to take forever,” Milka muttered, skimming the event program that lay on the table. “How do we make it interesting?”

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