Page 199 of The Bittersweet Bond

Bellamy let out a sharp breath, shaking his head. “I don’t need a babysitter, Nele. Least of all you.” He crossed his arms and stepped closer. “Stay out of my business. You’re only making things worse.”

“Worse?” Nele’s voice rose, edged with frustration. “You know what’s worse? Watching you make the same mistakes over and over again. You only ever see what you want to see.”

“And you seeeverything wrong,” Bellamy shot back, his voice now just as sharp. The tension between them was suffocating, and for a moment, they seemed to forget everyone else was there.

Milka stepped in between them, hands raised in exasperation. “Can you two not do this…here?” Her tone was edged with irritation.

Nele exhaled sharply and took a step back. She hesitated, glancing at Bellamy once more before turning on her heel. “You’ll see that I was right. Just like always.” Her voice was cold, final. That parting glare at Cat—full of hurt and fury—wasn’t for show.

Then she walked away, but not before throwing one last, cutting look in Cat’s direction.

Evin stood still, her thoughts racing as she caught Milka’s gaze. “That was…” she started, but Milka just raised a hand.

“Don’t ask. I need a drink.”

Milka knew Cat’s games, and she also knew Bellamy wasn’t playing.

Bas’ voice cut through, calm but certain. “Come on. Let's get outta here.”

She felt the warmth of his fingers through the thin fabric of her sleeve, and something in his tone left no room for argument.

“Where?” she asked quietly, but he didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he guided her through the crowd, his pace steady, unwavering.

The air outside was cooler, fresher. Evin inhaled deeply as the suffocating atmosphere of the house faded behind them. Bas was still holding her hand, his grip firm but unintrusive. She let him lead, her mind still spinning from the chaos they’d just left behind.

“What was that?” she finally asked, unable to keep her curiosity at bay.

Bas turned slightly, his expression unreadable, but there was a faint smirk on his lips. “That was Bellamy and his wonderful family.”

“His sister?” Evin shook her head in disbelief. “That’s… unexpected.”

“I know. They couldn’t be more different,” Bas admitted, but then he stopped walking and looked at her directly.

Evin smiled. “I’m just relieved, for once, that this wasn’t about us.”

Bas let out an amused laugh. “That’s true.” His gaze held hers, and for a moment, neitherof them said anything. The silence wasn’t awkward—it was thick with things left unsaid.

“I have something for you.” He glanced to the side, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head slightly, as if silently scolding himself for this moment.

Her heart skipped a beat as he met her gaze again.

She wanted to ask what it was, but before she could form the words, he was already pulling her along. They walked for a few more minutes until they reached a quiet, hidden spot on the beach. It was peaceful here—the distant murmur of the party still audible, but softened by the waves. Small fairy lights were strung between the trees, casting a warm, golden glow.

Evin came to a stop, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the scene before her. A blanket was spread out on the sand, surrounded by candles flickering inside glass jars. A small basket sat in the center, and a Bluetooth speaker played a quiet melody, blending with the sound of the ocean.

“Bas…” Her voice was barely a whisper as she turned to him.

He shrugged lightly, as if playing it off, but there was something nervous in his expression. “I wanted to show you something special. Away from all the chaos.”

She couldn’t speak. The words stuck in her throat as she took in every detail—the candles, the blanket, the little touches that made it all feel so personal.

“Sit,” he said, motioning to the blanket. That signature, lopsided smile appeared on his lips—the one that always made her forget herself. Slowly, she lowered herself onto the blanket, feeling its warmth beneath her hands. Bas sat beside her, not too close, but close enough for her to feel his presence.

“This is… beautiful,” she finally said, her voice quiet, almost reverent.

“I wanted you to know something.”

“What?” She looked at him, her heartbeat quickening as she saw the seriousness in his gaze.

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