Page 66 of The Bittersweet Bond

Milka, already reaching for a slice, added, “And I’m Milka. Nice to meet you, Sergej. You strike me as someone who doesn’t mind fate doing the work.”

Sergej grinned, taking his time before answering. “Sometimes you meet the most interesting people when you’re not even looking.”

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After they had settled into their seats, Milka and Evin ordered their own pizzas, letting the warmth of the restaurant and the smell of fresh herbs ease them into conversation. It was casual, easy—until Evin realized something. When the bill arrived, Sergej barely glanced at it before sliding some cash across the table, his movements effortless, as if it had never been a question.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Evin said, looking at him with mild surprise.

He shrugged. “I know.”

Milka, unfazed, grinned. “Well, in that case, I won’t argue.” She leaned back in her chair, stretching slightly. Then, suddenly, she stood up, a wide smile forming on her face.

“You know, I think I should probably head out. I’ve got an early appointment tomorrow.” She grabbed her coat quickly, not giving Evin or Sergej a chance to respond. “But you two go ahead, I’ll manage on my own.”

“Really?” Evin asked, half-surprised, slightly amused.

Sergej watched Milka leave before turning his full attention back to Evin. “Looks like she left us alone on purpose,” he said dryly, his gaze never wavering from hers.

Evin smirked, leaning back slightly. “So? What’s your plan now?”

Sergej let out a low laugh, his voice calm and slightly provocative. “I could walk you home. If you want.”

Evin raised an eyebrow, her thoughts racing. He was making this too easy.

But why not?She was curious, after all. Crossing her arms, she gave him a brief, appraising look.

“I’m a big girl. I can find my way home just fine,” she replied anyway.

Sergej didn’t miss a beat. “I know. But you and I both know I’m not talking about having to.”

Evin raised an eyebrow, faintly amused. “And why should I let you come with me?”

He leaned forward slightly, that ever-present grin still tugging at his lips. “Because you’ve already decided I’ll make the walk more interesting.”

“The dark, brooding guy in black said that?” Evin laughed. She stood up, grabbed her jacket, and gave him a quick, challenging glance. “Well, are you coming?”

Evin pulled her jacket tighter around herself as they left the pizzeria. The night air was cool, but the silence between them felt comfortable, like an unspoken understanding that no words were necessary.

Sergej walked beside her, his gaze fixed ahead, exuding the same calm energy that she found so hard to read.

“So... no more dramatic paintings for today?” she asked with a lopsided smile, breaking the silence.

Sergej shook his head slightly, amusement glinting in his eyes. “Depends. You don’t seem completely opposed to dramatic things yourself.”

Evin shrugged, giving him a sidelong glance. “Sometimes. But you don’t seem to care much for them…”

“Not really.” He stopped walking and looked her directly in the eyes. “I find reality more interesting.”

Evin felt a faint tension in the air—not uncomfortable, but more like a challenge waiting for her to accept it.

“Oh? And what exactly?”

Sergej gave her a crooked smile, as if he had expected the question. “People. How they really are, without any masks.”

Evin smirked, raising an eyebrow. “And? Do I meet your expectations without my mask?” she teased, her laugh carrying a hint of nervousness.

His response came without hesitation. “Yes. And you know it.”

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