28. Chapter 23 #2
Ben raised his hands in mock surrender. “You know what I mean. It’s just..
. simpler when you’re seeing someone without diving into deep feelings or heavy expectations.
” Evin nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe I never really learned how to just... take things easy.” The words felt foreign even as she said them.
Maybe it was ballet, maybe it was how she grew up—everything had always been about control.
About getting things right or not at all.
Ben looked at her, his expression turning more serious, though a gentle smile played on his lips. “Sometimes, you just have to listen to yourself—not to what anyone else expects from you. Whether it’s this guy or someone else.”
“You sound like you’ve got it all figured out,” Evin said with a teasing grin. But deep down, she wished she could believe it was that easy.
“Sometimes,” Ben replied with a chuckle. “But mostly, I’m just stumbl ing through life like everyone else.” Evin couldn’t help but laugh, her worries momentarily softened by his easy laughter.
_________
Sebastian
B as sat in the shadow of his Bronco, his gaze locked on the ballet school.
The building stood motionless against the dimming light of day, its vast windows gently mirroring the world outside.
From his vantage point, he could glimpse movement within—shadows stirring, graceful figures sweeping across the wooden floors.
He didn’t have to look twice to find her.
She moved with effortless precision—every motion controlled yet fluid. Despite having no right to feel this way, he couldn’t help but swell with quiet pride as he watched her. But beneath that admiration lurked something else—something sharp-edged and restless, something he wasn’t ready to name.
He let out a slow, measured breath.
He knew he shouldn’t be here.
Yet here he was.
Ben’s voice still pressed against his mind, a dull ache that refused to fade.
“It’s about Evin,” Ben had said, stepping in front of him before he could walk away.
Bas had tensed instantly—a reflex whenever Ben approached. “And you think I need to hear this?” he’d replied coolly, his tone dismissive, guarded.
Ben hadn’t flinched. “I think she’s in trouble, Bas. Her new boyfriend—Sergej—he’s pressuring her. She’s pretending everything’s fine, but it’s not.”
A heavy silence had settled between them. Bas’s heartbeat had picked up against his will. He had seen Evin with Sergej—laughing, moving like nothing was wrong. She had looked fine. Hadn’t she?
Forcing a faint smirk, he had shaken his head. “Why are you telling me this? Why not someone else?”
Ben had stepped closer, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “Cut the crap. I’ve got a bad feeling about this guy.”
Even as Bas had turned away, Ben’s words had stuck in his mind like a splinter.
“Because you wouldn’t be able to handle it if something happened to her,” Ben had pressed. “That’s why I’m here.”
The words had hit harder than Bas had expected. He had stayed silent, his fists clenching at his sides. Frustration churned in his chest.
“She doesn’t want me in her life anymore, bro,” he had finally admitted, the words tasting bitter on his tongue. “So what am I supposed to do? Chase after her?”
Ben had studied him for a long moment before replying, “And you’re just letting go of her because of that?”
Bas’s jaw had tightened as irritation flickered beneath his skin. He had been about to end the conversation when Ben had smirked slightly.
“Well, if that’s the case, I guess I can finally make my move.”
Something inside Bas had snapped. His breath had left him in a sharp exhale, his muscles tensing in silent fury.
“Alright, I get it,” he had muttered, voice edged with frustration. “Lately, everyone thinks they have a say in my life.”
Ben had just shrugged. “Just because you think you don’t need anyone doesn’t mean you don’t.”
That conversation had looped in Bas’s mind ever since. He hadn’t planned on coming here. He had told himself to leave it alone.
And yet, here he was.
His hands had gripped the steering wheel, taking him straight to her before he could even think twice.
Now, sitting beneath the growing gloom, watching the ballet studio, he faced an undeniable truth.
Ben was right.
He couldn’t bear it if something happened to her.
He ran a hand through his hair, fingers gripping at the strands before letting out a sharp breath. “You screwed it up, man,” he muttered under his breath.
But it wasn’t just about that. It wasn’t just about what he had lost with Evin.
It was about reclaiming a part of himself he had thought was gone.
And she was part of that.
“Fuck.” The expletive barely escaped, his grip tightening around the door handle. A decision began to take shape in his mind—if she no longer wanted him, she could tell him to his face. One last time.
His breathing deepened as the shadows of self-doubt began to fade.
If he truly tried, the worst that could happen was another rejection.
But at least he’d have the truth. At least he wouldn’t let pride hold him back.
A faint, almost self-deprecating smile tugged at his lips.
He was sure now.
He was going to fight for her.
And if Sergej was the problem?
He’d handle that too.
One way or another.