Chapter 363

A bus pulled up just as Evelyn reached the stop. She blinked, shook off her thoughts, and quickened her pace to board.

The window seat was empty. She claimed it without hesitation.

Benjamin sprinted after her, nearly missing the doors. His first time on public transport showed when he froze at the entrance.

"Scan your pass or pay, kid," the driver barked.

Flushing, Benjamin fumbled with his phone. The QR code took three attempts before the payment went through.

He slumped into the seat beside Evelyn, scowling.

She ignored him, humming as buildings blurred past the glass.

Benjamin studied her profile. "You're Nathaniel's wife now," he blurted. "Why ride this junk?"

Evelyn stretched lazily. "What's wrong with it? Seats are comfy. AC works."

He glanced around. The bus was half-empty, floors surprisingly clean.

"Private cars exist for a reason," he huffed. "Door-to-door service. No waiting. No weird smells."

Evelyn turned slowly. "I prefer not having chauffeurs track my every move. This suits me fine." Her eyes narrowed. "Our worlds don't overlap, Benjamin. Next stop's your cue to exit."

"Try and stop me," he challenged, crossing his arms.

"Suit yourself." She resumed window-gazing.

Silence lasted precisely two minutes.

"Listen," Benjamin leaned in. "If you admit we're from different planets, you must see it with Nathaniel too."

Evelyn nodded. "Crystal clear."

"Then quit while you're ahead!" His voice rose. "Amelia and him? Perfect match. Status. Education. Background. Even their damn childhood vacations aligned!"

A smirk tugged Evelyn's lips. "Ah. This is about your sister."

"Damn right! They're endgame. You? Some country girl who thinks bus rides are fun." His nose wrinkled. "He'll get bored eventually."

Evelyn pictured Nathaniel's sharp jawline, the way his eyes softened just for her. "Funny. He never complained about how I commute." She tilted her head. "Unlike certain trust-fund babies, he doesn't equate wealth with worth."

Benjamin stiffened. "That's not—"

"Save it." She waved him off. "Your elitism's showing."

He glowered. "Answer me this—do you even like him?"

Evelyn's breath hitched. Heat flooded her cheeks. "Who said anything about feelings?"

The bus lurched around a corner. Neither noticed their shoulders brushing.