Did She Ever Love Me? Episode 8

The mansion was quiet, the soft hum of the night filling the air. Elisyan walked down the dimly lit hallway, her silk robe draped over her shoulders. Sleep had evaded her, and the weight of the past few days pressed on her mind.

Evan Knight was a mystery she couldn't ignore. His presence was unsettling, yet strangely familiar. His sharp words, his unwavering stare—everything about him felt like a puzzle she was meant to solve.

As she reached the staircase, she noticed a figure standing at the railing, gazing down at the grand hall below.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Trouble sleeping, Mr. Knight? (she mused, stepping closer)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(He didn’t turn to face her) I prefer to keep watch at night, Fewer distractions.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(smirked) Dedicated, aren’t you?

Still, no response. The way he stood, rigid and composed, only fueled her curiosity.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

What are you thinking about? (she asked, leaning slightly against the railing beside him)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Your security. (he replied coolly)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Weak spots. Blind spots, I’ll be making adjustments.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She tilted her head) You really don’t rest, do you?

He finally turned to look at her, and for a split second, she felt the air shift between them. His eyes held an intensity that sent an unexpected shiver down her spine.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Rest is a luxury (he said)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She chuckled) How tragic. Even warriors need to let their guard down sometimes.

As she spoke, she took a step forward—but the rug beneath her slipped, throwing her off balance. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she felt herself falling—

But before she could hit the ground, strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Her breath hitched)

Evan held her firmly, their faces mere inches apart. His grip was steady, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of her robe. The world around them seemed to pause, the only sound the faint rhythm of their breaths.

Elisyan stared up at him, her heart pounding. His expression remained unreadable, but something flickered in his dark eyes—something raw, something unspoken.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Careful (he murmured, his voice lower than before)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

It wouldn't do for you to get hurt under my watch.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She exhaled slowly, an amused smirk playing at her lips) And here I thought you didn't care what happened to me.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(His jaw tightened) I care about my job.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Of course!! (she whispered, but neither of them moved)

The moment stretched, heavy with an unspoken tension that neither acknowledged but both felt.

Then, as if realizing their proximity, Evan swiftly straightened, releasing her.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Elisyan steadied herself, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear) I should be more careful, huh?

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Yes (His voice was back to its usual cold, clipped tone)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Try not to make my job harder.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She smirked, stepping past him but not before whispering)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

You're intriguing, Mr. Knight. I wonder what else you're hiding.

He said nothing, watching as she disappeared down the hall. But as she walked away, she could still feel the ghost of his touch lingering on her skin.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

[And for the first time in years, something stirred inside her—a dangerous curiosity she wasn’t sure she was ready to face]