Episode 19
[Elisyan’s Office – Late Night]
The room is dimly lit, a single lamp casting a warm glow over the papers scattered across the desk.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(Elisyan leans back in her chair, rubbing her temples. Her mind isn’t on work it’s on Evan)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
Something about him…
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
"His presence. His mannerisms. The way he looks at me, like he’s searching for something,"
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(Her fingers tap lightly against the desk as she exhales, shaking her head)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
It’s impossible. Ethan is dead.
A soft knock interrupts her thoughts. She doesn’t need to guess who it is.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
Come in, Evan.
The door opens. Evan steps in, his face as unreadable as ever, his movements precise. Controlled.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
You’re still awake.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
So are you.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
(He doesn’t deny it. Instead, he steps closer, stopping just short of her desk)
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
You met with Rafael today.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(Elisyan leans back, a slow smirk forming)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
I did.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
You wore the bracelet.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
You noticed.
For a fraction of a second, something flickers in Evan’s eyes, but it’s gone just as quickly. He crosses his arms, his posture rigid.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
Don’t play games, Elisyan.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
But it’s so much fun watching you react.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(She stands, stepping around the desk, stopping just a breath away from him)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
You’ve been watching me closely, Evan. Almost… personally.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
I’m your bodyguard. It’s my job.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(softly) Is that all it is?
Silence. Heavy. Thick with something neither of them wants to name.
Then, just as Elisyan opens her mouth to speak again, Evan reaches out.
His fingers ghost over her wrist the same one bearing Rafael’s bracelet.
He doesn’t rip it off. He doesn’t tighten his grip.
But she can feel the heat of his touch, the tension coiled within him.
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
(low voice) You shouldn’t trust him.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
And I should trust you?
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
(His jaw tightens. He doesn’t answer immediately)
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
I don’t lie to you.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(That makes her laugh—soft, sharp, knowing)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
No? Then why do I feel like you’re hiding something?
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
(Evan’s fingers twitch, but he lets go. Steps back)
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
Get some rest, Elisyan.
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
Avoiding the question? How unlike you, Evan.
He says nothing, just turns and walks toward the door. But just before he steps out...
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
Evan..
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
(He stops. Doesn’t turn)
Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]
(soft, calculating) Who are you, really?
A pause. A heartbeat of silence. Then..
Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]
Does it matter?
And with that, he walks out, leaving Elisyan standing in the dim light, her suspicion burning brighter than ever.
![Elysian Chris [FEMALE LEAD]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/7242086/avatar/33076231/1712154224304.jpeg-s200webp?sign=0dd849abc09a8c6c1d564537a09b9258&t=6812b980)
![Evan/Ethan [ASSISTANT]](https://up-pic.mangatoon.mobi/contribute/fiction/7242086/avatar/33076231/1743846032883.jpeg-s200webp?sign=8cee21ee15a343373d6b239aea747cbe&t=6812b980)
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