Chapter 88

The ride-hailing app remained unresponsive, showing no available taxis in the vicinity. Rush hour had paralyzed the city's transportation network.

Not owning a vehicle suddenly felt like a glaring oversight.

Dominic had purchased a luxury car that still bore his name in the registration. At first, Evelyn hadn't bothered with such trivial details. Now the oversight seemed foolish. Still, she refused to dwell on possessions tied to him. The car wasn't worth the emotional baggage.

Checking her watch, Evelyn considered boarding the approaching bus when a heavy hand landed on her shoulder.

The grip carried unexpected force, making her wince as she spun around. She attempted to shake free, but the fingers tightened like steel clamps. The pressure redirected her movement until they stood face-to-face.

"Evelyn, still playing hard to get?"

The man before her wore an immaculate white shirt with sapphire cufflinks that caught the sunlight. His gaunt frame belied his surprising strength. "Donovan?" The name felt foreign on her tongue after all these years. "Let's take this somewhere private." His raised eyebrows made it a command, not a request.

Without protest, Evelyn followed him through winding streets until they reached a deserted alleyway.

The narrow passage ended in a brick wall, creating a soundproof cocoon away from prying eyes. Donovan walked to the dead end before turning, one hand casually tucked in his pocket while the other hung loosely at his side.

"Been a while, Evelyn." His gaze traveled over her with clinical detachment, as if inspecting damaged goods.

"You tracked me down?" The coincidence seemed impossible. After all this time, he'd known exactly where to find her. Their separation had been deliberate - neither had attempted contact.

She'd burned every bridge when she left.

Now, facing him again, emotions warred beneath her carefully constructed calm.

"Why else?" Donovan closed the distance between them. "Look at what you've become. Is this really worth it?"

Evelyn glanced down at her worn clothes, remaining silent.

"Come home." His offer carried finality.

"No." Her refusal came instantly.

"Still clinging to that fantasy? After everything he's done? Don't tell me you're still—"

"We're done!" Evelyn's head snapped up, eyes blazing. "Dominic and I are finished. Permanently."

"Then why resist?" Donovan's gaze turned glacial. "After all this time, are you still holding a grudge?"

Evelyn worried her lower lip between her teeth before responding. "I'll return."

A weighted pause.

"But not today."