Page 164 of The Bittersweet Bond

The words hit like a blade. Why hadn’t she told anyone? The thought clawed at her, just like it had for months. It had been easier to stay silent. Easier to shove the truth into a dark corner of her mind and pretend she was fine. But wasit really easier?

"Not yet," she said coldly.

Her words struck him like a slap, and he took half a step toward her.

"Evin, listen to me," he said, raising his hands as if to calm her. His voice grew more urgent. "You don’t want this going public, do you? Not for you, not for me. I know you hate me, but—" He cut himself off, searching for the right words. "We both know how quickly stories like this spin out of control. Think about your family, your reputation."

Family. Reputation. The knot in Evin’s chest tightened. He knew exactly which buttons to press. Her thoughts spiraled, fueled by anger, but that quiet voice of fear crept in the background.

"You’re talking about my reputation?" Evin scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Just admit you're scared. You're only trying to save yourself."

"Of course, I am!" His voice suddenly rose, and a bitter laugh escaped him. "What do you think? That I'm standing here because I enjoy being the villain in your little story?"

His words stunned her for a moment, but she refused to waver. "You chose this role, Sergej. You took my choices away."

"Evin…" He stepped closer again, his hand reaching for her arm—gentler this time, but still insistent. "I made mistakes. Terrible mistakes. But you have to understand—"

"I don’t have to do anything!" She ripped her arm free, her voice trembling with fury. The heat of her emotions surged through her, making the world tilt for a second. "This ends today. I will never let you make me feel afraid again."

His eyes narrowed, as if he wanted to argue, but the door burst open with a loud bang.

Milka stood in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the scene.

"Evin!" Her voice was sharp with worry. Sergej let go of her and stepped back, but it was too late.

Why now? Why do I feel this again? I swore he’d never make me feel this way again. But those words… his voice, his gaze… It’s like I’m being pulled back in time. Why did I stay silent? Did I make this too easy for him?

Milka. Milka is here. I’m not alone. But… everything is blurring. Everything is getting heavy… Why can’t I breathe?

The cold grip of panic and the heat of rage merged into an overwhelming storm. The sounds around her faded, like she was underwater. Her knees weakened, the ground seemed to rise to meet her. Her heart pounded, her throat burned, and then—nothing.

Milka’s voice was calling her, but it was only a whisper, growing softer with every pulse of her racing heartbeat.

Then darkness swallowed her whole.

__________

Sebastian

"Bas!"

The voice cut through the noise of the auction.

The room was filled with the murmur of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the deep, rhythmic voice of the auctioneer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our next highlight—"

But Sebastian heard none of it as he turned to see Milka rushing toward him.

Her face was pale as a ghost, her eyes filled with panic. Before he could react, she grabbed his arm, her nails digging into the fabric of his suit.

"Evin passed out."

The words made everything around him disappear.

The grand chandeliers, the softly glowing fairy lights, the murmuring guests—it all faded as his heartbeat roared in his ears.

"What?" His voice was a sharp growl that made Milka flinch.

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