Page 79 of The Bittersweet Bond

She inhaled deeply, as if the cool night air might steady her, might quiet the restless ache inside. But she knew—Bas was still there, buried somewhere within her.

Pulling her jacket tighter around herself, she exhaled slowly. The emptiness gnawed at her, pushing her back toward the one thing she truly craved.

Tonight, she had left a part of herself behind—somewhere in the shadows between desire and disappointment.

Chapter 22

Intense Connection

Sergej

Every time, it just blows my mind! I can't get you out of my head.

Evin

It was... intense.

He probably says that to everyone. Intense?Yeah, it was, but… I’m just not sure it’s enough. Something doesn’t feel right.

Sergej

Just intense? I can't stop thinking about you, about us. When can I see you again?

Evin

I've got a lot going on—training, school...

Sergej

I know. But I want more of you. I want all ofyou.

He’s so direct, and that somehow scares me. All of me—what does that even mean?

Evin

I know, but I need some time.

Sergej

I understand you need time. But don’t make it too hard for me. I’ll wait... but not forever. This is just part of what a relationship means to me.

Chapter 23

SOS At TheCaf

Evin

Evin had called for anSOS meeting.She barely waited for her friends to respond before dropping the message into their group chat:

Café Del Mar, 15 minutes. Non-negotiable.

When she arrived, the brisk autumn air had cooled her flushed skin from her hurried trek over.

The café, their trusted haunt, looked as though it had been waiting just for them—nestled in a quiet corner with warmly lit wooden tables, a lingering aroma of cinnamon and espresso filling the air. Golden afternoon light filtered in through expansive windows, dancing around the steam that rose gracefully from freshly brewed coffee.

Inside, the space was an effortless blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Parisian nostalgia. Rustic tables with time-worn edges rested on dark, creaking floorboards as if whispering tales of countless conversations. Driedsprigs of lavender, eucalyptus, and baby’s breath sat in tiny glass vases scattered atop every table.

The chairs, charmingly mismatched—some with deep green velvet cushions and others plain, their wooden surfaces chipped around the edges—added to the café’s unpredictability.

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