Chapter 3 : What was this feeling

Saturday sunlight streamed through Evelyn’s curtains, warm and golden. She stretched, her body relaxed, yet her mind restless. Even a week later, Ashton’s words still echoed.

It’s f**king intoxicating me.

Why are you dressed like this?

She shook her head, trying to chase him from her thoughts. Why did his voice linger like a shadow she couldn’t escape?

After a long bath, she dressed casually and slipped out of her apartment. The weekend air was fresh, carrying the scent of roasted beans from the café down the street. She ordered her favorite coffee and sat by the window, watching the city wake.

For a moment, she allowed herself peace. Until she saw him.

Not Ashton—someone else.

The man from the gala, the one who had offered her a handkerchief in the rain. He noticed her too, and without hesitation, walked over.

He slid into the chair across from her with an easy smile. “Hey.”

Evelyn blinked, then smiled softly. “Hi.”

“Early morning coffee?” His tone was teasing.

“Yeah. Needed it,” she admitted with a small laugh.

“Have you had lunch?” he asked.

“Not yet.”

He leaned back comfortably. “I didn’t catch your name last time.”

“Evelyn,” she said.

His lips curved. “And I’m Lee.”

Her heart skipped. Lee Miller…? But she said nothing, only nodded.

“Thank you,” she added quietly. “For the handkerchief… and the ride home.”

“You’re welcome.” His eyes lingered on her for a second longer than necessary. Then he called a waiter.

“What would you like to eat?”

“Oh, no trouble—”

“I’ll pay,” he cut her off smoothly.

She hesitated, then smiled. “Pasta.”

“I’ll have the same,” he told the waiter.

Silence stretched between them as they waited. But Lee broke it, his voice suddenly serious.

“Why did you cry that day?”

Evelyn stiffened. She lowered her gaze. “…Because Ashton Miller thinks he’s some big boss of the world. All my hard work wasn’t enough for him. His words… hurt.”

Lee’s jaw tightened. His eyes darkened as he glared—not at her, but at something else. Something unspoken.

Unseen by Evelyn, a tiny recorder in his pocket blinked red.

The food arrived, steam rising from plates. They ate, conversation softening. Hours slipped by as they spoke of little things, until Evelyn sighed.

“I should go. I have plans with friends tonight.”

“Oh?” His eyebrow arched. “What plans?”

“We’re going to the club. Just to get the stress out of our heads.”

“Cool.” He smiled faintly. “Can I get your number before you go?”

She hesitated, then handed it over. “Thanks… for today.”

He smirked. “Anytime.”

By nightfall, neon lights bathed the city. Evelyn arrived at the club with her friends, dressed in a flattering red layered dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Music thundered, lights pulsed, bodies moved freely on the dance floor. This was freedom—the only place to forget.

Her friends tugged her onto the floor, laughter spilling from their lips. Evelyn smiled, letting the beat carry her, her worries fading with each step.

Then the crowd shifted.

The music cut for a moment. All eyes turned toward the entrance.

And he walked in.

Ashton Miller.

Sharp suit. Cold aura. Deadly perfection. Girls swarmed him instantly, their gazes hungry, their hands reaching. But his eyes didn’t stray to them. His eyes found her.

Evelyn froze. Her pulse raced as the music surged back, louder than before. Ashton sat on a leather couch, girls clustering around like moths to flame. Yet Evelyn couldn’t look away. Even sitting, he was magnetic—legs spread confidently, veins visible on his strong hands resting on his thighs.

Why does he look so perfect even when he’s doing nothing?

The thought unsettled her.

Then he rose.

The crowd parted as he stepped onto the dance floor, girls following in a tide. But his gaze was locked only on Evelyn. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe.

In one swift motion, his hand slid around her waist, pulling her close. Gasps rippled through the crowd as every eye turned to them.

Her hands pressed weakly against his chest, but he caught them, guiding them around his neck.

The DJ shifted—the music slowed, transforming into something deeper, sensual.

His lips brushed close to her ear. His hot breath tickled her skin.

“You look this stunning at this time of night?”

Her body trembled. She tried to push him away.

Then his voice lowered, dangerous. “So you don’t think I’m the boss of the world?”

Her heart lurched. His exact words—thrown back at her. Reality crashed.

He smirked darkly. “Then why are you allowing me to touch you?”

Her pulse thundered, her hands trembling against him. His breath lingered against her neck as his voice dropped to a whisper.

“I am the boss of you, Ev—” He cut himself off, his jaw clenching.

Evelyn shoved him back, her voice sharp, shaking. “What do you want from me?”