Did She Ever Love Me? Episode 17

Evan paced inside his room, his fists clenching and unclenching as the events of the night replayed in his mind.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

Why does it bother me so much?

The way Rafael had touched Elisyan, the way she had smirked at him, entertained his words.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

She’s just another suspect. Nothing more.

A knock at the door snaps him from his thoughts. He pulls it open to find Leo Vin standing there, arms crossed.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

What?

Leo vin [Assistant]

A package just arrived. Addressed to Elisyan.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

From who?

Leo vin [Assistant]

Rafael Morozov.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(Evan’s muscles stiffen)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

Where is it?

Leo vin [Assistant]

With her. She asked not to be disturbed, but… I figured you’d want to know.

Without another word, Evan brushed past Leo, his strides long and purposeful as he made his way toward Elisyan’s study.

The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, he saw her sitting on the couch, holding a small velvet box in her hands.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Her lips curled into an amused smirk as she lifted the lid, revealing an elegant diamond bracelet inside. A note rested atop it)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Wear this, and I’ll know you’re thinking of me.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(Evan’s gaze darkens. He steps into the room)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

Are you enjoying your gift?

Elisyan doesn’t flinch. Instead, she lifts the bracelet, letting the diamonds catch the light.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

It’s quite exquisite, don’t you think? Rafael has good taste.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(Evan strides forward. He doesn’t snatch the box, he’s too controlled for that. Instead, he takes her wrist, his fingers firm yet careful)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

And you think it’s wise to entertain him?

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(Her heartbeat betrays her calm expression, but she only arches a brow)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Why do you care?

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

I don’t.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(His voice is quiet, almost a whisper, but there’s something dangerously low in his tone)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

But if you make him believe he has a chance, you’re inviting trouble.

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

(She tilts her head, a smirk playing at her lips)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

Let him think whatever he wants. A woman like me knows how to play the game.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(Evan takes another step forward, his breath ghosting over her skin)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

This isn’t a game, Elisyan.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(His fingers trail from her wrist to her palm before he slowly lets go, his touch lingering just a second too long)

Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]

And what about you, Evan? What game are you playing?

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(His eyes flicker with something unreadable before he steps back)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

One I intend to win.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(The air crackles with unspoken tension. Neither moves first)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

(Then, as if deciding he’s lingered too long, Evan turns away)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

Do what you want. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

He walks out, leaving the unopened box on the table. But even as he leaves… the war inside him rages on.

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

"Because no matter how much I deny it… I do care," (thinking)

Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]

"And that… is dangerous,"