A Fragile Hope and Unwanted Compromise    

[BONUS Chapter for reaching 1000PS! Thank you all!]

 

=== 🤍 ===

 

[EVE]

 

"W-what . . . what happened?" I stammered, my voice unsteady with a mix of confusion and panic. My eyes darted around the unfamiliar space, my heart pounding in my chest. At least my clothes were still intact—that was a small relief.

 

Cole leaned back slightly, his lips curving into a faint smile. His amusement was subtle but unmistakable. Yet, his expression betrayed nothing else, remaining as poker face as ever.

 

"I've done nothing to you if that's what you're thinking," he said, his voice calm yet tinged with dry humor. "Except . . . stare at you."

 

I raised an eyebrow, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, that's not creepy at all."