Did She Ever Love Me? Episode 9

Evan stood near the large window overlooking the mansion’s garden, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes trained on the two figures walking up the stone pathway. His expression remained unreadable, but the flicker of something dark passed through his gaze.

Kian, Elisyan’s son, was running ahead, laughing, holding onto the hand of a man Evan recognized immediately.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Liam Carter.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(A name from the past. A face he hadn’t seen in years)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

"A childhood friend of Elisyan, Her ex-lover,"

Evan’s jaw tightened as he watched them interact. Liam was too familiar, too comfortable around him.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Evan!! (a soft voice called from behind him…)

Before he could react, a delicate touch landed on his shoulder. It was light, unintentional even, but it sent something sharp through his system.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(His body moved before his mind caught up)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(In an instant, he turned, grabbing Elisyan by the wrist and pinning her against the cold marble wall)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(A gasp left her lips, her wide eyes locking onto his). Evan—

His grip on her tightened, his body pressing closer, caging her in. His usual cold expression wavered, frustration darkening his features.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Who is he to you? (he asked, his voice low, controlled, but there was something dangerous beneath it)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Elisyan blinked up at him, a small smirk tugging at her lips despite the suddenness of his actions)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Jealous, Mr. Knight?

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(His eyes narrowed) Answer me.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She tilted her head, feigning innocence) Liam? He’s just an old friend. A *very* dear friend.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(His grip on her wrist tightened slightly) You expect me to believe that?

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Elisyan’s smirk didn’t falter. Instead, she leaned in, just enough that their breaths mingled)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

What does it matter to you? (she whispered)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Unless… it *does* matter?

Evan clenched his jaw, his dark eyes searching hers, looking for something—anything to ground him.

She was playing with him. Testing him.

And damn it, she was winning.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(With a frustrated exhale, he released her wrist, stepping back just enough to put space between them)

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

Stay away from him.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Elisyan arched a brow)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Last I checked, you don’t make the rules about whom I see.

Evan exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before turning away. His pulse was racing, his control slipping in ways he hadn’t anticipated.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Elisyan watched him with amusement, crossing her arms)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

You know, for someone who claims not to care, you sure do react *strongly*.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

(he didn’t respond)

Instead, he turned his back to her and walked away, leaving her standing there, watching after him with an unreadable look in her eyes.

Outside, Liam lifted kian in the air, making the child laugh.

Evan clenched his fists.

Evan/Ethan[ASSISTANT]

This is going to be a problem.