Page 52 of The Bittersweet Bond

A sudden knock shattered the silence, making both of them flinch.

The door opened slightly, and Jonas’s head peeked in.

"Just wanted to let you know—condoms are in the right nightstand," he said with a cheeky grin. "Safety first."

Chapter 14

Breaking Point

Evin

Evin chuckled softly, but Bas said nothing. Before the door could click shut, Bas called out, "Wait up, I’m coming!" He let go of her hand and stood up, running a hand through his hair like he needed to get himself together. With a strange urgency, he grabbed his T-shirt and pulled it over his head, then adjusted the hem as if trying to shake off the tension clinging to his skin.

Evin watched him in confusion. Something had shifted.

"What are you doing?" she whispered barely.

But he didn’t look at her, didn’t say a word. Just smoothed his hair, straightened his shoulders—like he was preparing to face something. Or escape it.

"Bas?" She sat up, watched him grab his things, moving as if he was desperate to get out. What had changed?

"I…" Bas stumbled over his words, avoiding her gaze as he pulled his shirt over his head. "I should go."

Evin couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Just minutes ago, he had been so close, laughing with her, touching her, trusting her. And now? Now he was retreating, like he always did. The walls she thought she’d managed to tear down were suddenly back, impenetrable.

She wanted to ask why, to demand what had happened, but the fear of being rejected further held her back. By the time she found the words, Bas was already halfway to the door.

He didn’t look back.

No explanation.

Nothing.

Just silence.

As the door clicked shut, Evin sank back onto the bed. Her thoughts spiraled.

She couldn’t understand. A moment ago, he had held her like she was the only thing that mattered in his world.

And now? Now he was gone, as if none of it had happened.

As if it didn’t mean anything. Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away.

She wouldn’t cry.

Not here.

Not now.

And definitely not over him.

Not when she didn’t even know what she had done wrong.

Hastily, she pulled on her clothes and left the room. Her body felt heavy, like all the warmth she’d felt earlier had vanished with him.

Outside, the garden was still, bathed in the soft glow of scattered lights.

Most of the guests had already left. Bas stood with his back to her, a fresh beer in his hand, surrounded by his friendsand Cat.

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