Evie stood in the same place where all her misery had begun, scanning her surroundings with caution like a wary dog, rubbing her arms against the cold. She couldn't decide if coming to see Derek was an act of bravery or sheer foolishness. After all, he was the architect of her downfall, the one who threatened her when things didn't go his way. She was incredulous that it had taken a video release for her to see how blind she'd been to the truth: Derek didn't love her. True love didn't involve making someone suffer, forcing them to cry and hurt.
No, it had always been one-sided manipulation—clear as day to anyone else, but she had been oblivious until now. The experience had been a harsh awakening. After exhausting her tears, she found herself ready to unleash her anger at him.
Yet, standing in this desolate place felt unwise. Maybe she should have ignored his threat and stayed at Ezra's. But a persistent warning echoed in her mind, urging her to confront Derek. After everything he'd put her through just last week, she was certain he had no goodness left in him. Who knew what tricks he was plotting now?
Lost in her thoughts, she was jolted back to reality by the sound of someone whistling. She looked up to see Derek approaching with his hands in his pockets, a smug smile plastered on his face, and her anger surged anew.
He dared to act as if nothing had happened, as if he hadn't tried to hurt her again and again.
"I knew you'd come," he said, closing the distance between them, his fingers playfully twirling a lock of her hair. "And you look pretty as usual," he added with a grin.
Evie shot him a withering glare, her eyes icy as she slapped his hand away and created distance between them. "Why did you ask me to come? What more do you want from me?" she demanded, trying to sound composed, though her voice trembled with barely contained frustration.
Derek simply smirked. "Easy now, darling. What's the rush?" He attempted to step closer again.
"Don't you dare!" Evie spat, her disgust palpable. This was the man she once cared for, and yet they were now enemies—thanks to him.
After a moment of silence, Derek sighed, fixing his gaze on her. "You used to have bright eyes that sparkled when you looked at me," he said, trailing off. "But now, they're cold, like ice."
Evie clenched her jaw, refusing to let his words affect her. "I didn't come here to listen to your ridiculous rhymes or meaningless poetry. What important matter did you call me here to discuss? What are you planning, and why involve me? After all I've done is love you, and yet you seek to drag me down. What did I ever do to deserve this?" Her voice rose with each question.
He just stared at her, seemingly unfazed.
Her anger escalated. Was he really enjoying her frustration? This was classic narcissism, and it wasn't the first time he'd pulled this stunt.
Taking a deep breath to regain her composure, she said firmly, "If you have nothing of substance to say, I'm leaving. And let me make this clear: we're done. Don't ever text or call me again. If you do, I will involve the police and sue you for harassment." With that, she turned to walk away, but she hadn't expected him to grab her arm and shove her against the wall, leaving her momentarily stunned.
His eyes darkened as he glared at her. "So what? You think you're all high and mighty now?" he scoffed. "You're pretending to be this confident woman, but I know the truth. You're still that insecure girl who used to beg for my attention."
Evie's mouth fell open in shock at his outburst. She balled her fists at her sides. "You really believe Ezra will stay with you for life? You're just a passing fling, and when he's done with you, you'll be begging me to take you back," he continued.
Her brows furrowed at his audacity. "First of all, I'm not the same Evie you used to manipulate. That version of me is gone. I'm Evie, and you don't know who I am now. Secondly, what happens between Ezra and me is none of your business. You wanted to break up; you made that choice. So why are we even having this conversation?" she demanded fiercely.
Derek's jaw tightened. "I want you to leave Ezra," he declared.
Evie's eyes narrowed, disbelief flashing across her face. "Why would I ever do that?" Her tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like glass.
"Because I said so," he snapped.
"I'm not leaving Ezra," she said, her voice cold and unwavering. "If you think I'll run back to you, you're delusional. I don't care what you say or threaten—*I'm not leaving him*." Her eyes locked onto his, fierce and unshaken. "This meeting is a waste of time. I'm done."
She turned to leave—but he lunged, seizing her by the throat.
Evie gasped, her breath snagging as his grip tightened. "You'll do what I tell you," he growled through clenched teeth.
She fought, clawing at his hands, kicking, desperate to break free—but he was too strong. Her vision blurred, chest heaving in panic as air refused to come. His twisted glare made her blood run cold.
Her hands began to falter, strength fading—until a *crack* shattered the moment.
Derek flew backward, crashing hard. And went unconscious.
Evie collapsed to her knees, clutching her throat, lungs gasping violently. Her eyes widened, the horror settling in—she had just come terrifyingly close to death.
"Are you alright?" Someone helped her stand upright. When she looked up, it was Ezra. Her tears surged, and she couldn't hold back anymore.
She shook her head and stepped into his embrace, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He stiffened at first, but Evie wouldn't let go, her tears soaking his shirt.
After a moment, Ezra cleared his throat and gently pulled her back by her arms. "Does it still hurt?" he asked, his gaze shifting to her neck.
She nodded, her voice trembling. "I thought I would die."
"I should have him locked up," Ezra said, his tone low and fierce as he cast a glare at Derek.
Evie shook her head. "No. Just leave him be; he won't reach out again." Her eyes, however, betrayed her uncertainty.
Ezra fell silent, confusion crossing his face. Why would she let him go when she could have him arrested? "C-can we please go home?" she asked, her voice cracking, her tear-filled eyes searching his. He suddenly felt a surge of anger at what had happened to her, frustration boiling within him even though it wasn't his place to feel this way.