Chapter 8: An Unexpected Encounter
Present – Evelyn Runs Into Adrian
Evelyn adjusted the straps of her shopping bags, stepping out of a specialty grocery store in the upscale district.
She had just finished a long shift at the culinary school's restaurant and was buying extra ingredients for practice at home.
She turned a corner—and collided with someone.
The bags slipped from her hands, apples and herbs tumbling to the pavement.
"I'm so sorr—" She looked up and froze.
Adrian Sterling.
It had been months since she last saw him, and yet—standing before her in a tailored suit, gray eyes unreadable—he was exactly the same.
A flicker of something crossed his face. Shock? Confusion?
"…Evelyn?"
Her heart pounded, but she didn't let it show.
Without a word, she bent down to gather her fallen groceries, acting as if she had just bumped into a random stranger.
Adrian's voice was sharp. "Wait."
She ignored him and turned away.
But his hand shot out, wrapping around her wrist.
"Since when do you ignore me?" His voice was low, edged with irritation.
Evelyn stiffened but forced herself to remain calm.
"Since when do you care?" she replied smoothly, meeting his gaze.
His grip tightened slightly. "What the hell is going on with you?"
Evelyn exhaled. This was it.
The moment her words from months ago would finally sink in.
"I told you, Adrian." Her voice was calm, steady, unwavering.
"I will not interfere in your life anymore. And I meant it."
For a second, his expression flickered.
She had meant it.
She had truly let him go.
And for some reason, that seemed to bother him.
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Flashback: The Last Conversation
Setting: Sterling Enterprises – Adrian's Office
The air inside Sterling Enterprises' headquarters was crisp with efficiency. Employees moved swiftly, the click of heels and muted phone calls blending into the hum of corporate life.
Evelyn Ravenshire walked through the glass doors of the executive floor, her reflection mirrored in the polished surfaces.
She had thought long and hard before coming here.
This would be the last time she sought Adrian out. The last time she would speak to him directly.
And then, she would be gone from his life forever.
Taking a deep breath, she stepped toward his secretary's desk.
The woman glanced up, recognition flashing in her eyes. "Miss Ravenshire?"
"I need to speak with Adrian," Evelyn said smoothly.
The secretary hesitated. "Mr. Sterling is in between meetings. I'm not sure if—"
"Let her in."
Evelyn turned her head just in time to see Adrian standing in his office doorway, his tall frame relaxed but his expression unreadable.
His sharp gray eyes flickered with something—surprise, curiosity… or maybe just irritation.
Evelyn kept her posture composed. "I won't take much of your time."
Adrian studied her for a moment, then turned slightly. "Come in."
Inside Adrian's Office
The room was sleek, professional. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, casting soft afternoon light over the dark wood furnishings.
Evelyn stood near one of the guest chairs, but she didn't sit.
Adrian walked behind his desk, adjusting his watch before leaning against the edge. His gaze settled on her.
"So," he said, voice cool. "What brings you here?"
Evelyn exhaled softly. He really doesn't expect it.
"I came to apologize," she said.
A flicker of something—mild surprise—crossed Adrian's face before it disappeared.
"For what, exactly?" His tone remained distant.
Evelyn straightened her shoulders. "For everything," she said. "For being a nuisance. For forcing myself into your life. For not respecting your wishes."
Adrian's fingers stilled over the papers on his desk.
Evelyn continued, her voice even. "I realize now how foolish I was."
She met his gaze head-on, her expression devoid of the usual desperation, the longing that once filled her eyes whenever she looked at him.
Adrian didn't move, but something shifted in the air.
Evelyn swallowed, but she kept her voice firm. This was her last chance to sever everything.
"I won't interfere in your life anymore," she said. "You don't have to worry about seeing me at events, or hearing rumors about me chasing you."
She hesitated, then added softly, "You're free to love and marry whoever you want. I won't get in your way."
Adrian's jaw tightened, but his expression remained unreadable.
A heavy silence settled between them.
Evelyn expected him to look relieved.
Instead, his grip on the desk tightened slightly, and his brows furrowed—just for a second.
She watched as something flickered in his gaze—something like discomfort.
Finally, Adrian exhaled. "That's unnecessary," he said, his voice slightly clipped.
Evelyn tilted her head slightly. "Unnecessary?"
His gaze sharpened. "You don't have to say something so dramatic, Evelyn. If this is one of your ploys to get my attention—"
"It's not," she cut in, her voice firm but calm. "I mean it, Adrian."
Adrian's lips pressed into a thin line.
He studied her for a long moment, as if trying to find traces of the old Evelyn in her expression.
But she held his gaze steadily, emotionless, unmoving.
There was nothing left of the girl who once adored him.
Adrian's fingers curled slightly over the desk's edge, but his voice remained flat. "Fine."
Fine.
The word should have felt like closure.
Then why did it sound… off?
Evelyn gave a small nod. "Goodbye, Adrian."
She turned, walking toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor.
Adrian watched her reach for the handle, his body tense with something unexplainable.
Before he could stop himself, the words left his lips—sharp, irritated.
"Evelyn."
She paused but didn't turn around.
His grip on the desk tightened further, his knuckles pale. His voice dropped slightly.
"You don't tell me what to do."
For the first time, Evelyn's lips curved into a faint, amused smile.
She didn't respond.
She simply opened the door and walked away.
And this time, she didn't look back.
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