Chapter 76 – Evelyne POV
"So you want to be friends?" she asks.
The question is so casual.
So clean.
I feel it like a slap.
No.
No.
That word is not on the tip of my tongue—it's buried, buried deep beneath propriety, fear, and every lesson I've ever been taught about what a woman like me is allowed to want.
I don't want to be her friend.
I don't want cordial tea and garden pleasantries.
I want to understand why I can't stop thinking about her.
Why her touch still lingers on my skin like a memory.
Why her voice burrowed into my ribs like it's always lived there.
But I smile.
Because I have no choice but to smile.
"Of course," I say lightly, too lightly. My lips stretch into what I hope is something pleasant and not tragically strained.
Silence settles between us again. Not awkward. Just… expectant.
Then she nods once, eyes on the path ahead.
"I don't see why not," she says. "Seeing as to how we'll be in each other's lives for the rest of our lives."
