Friends and ghosts.

Chapter 76 – Evelyne POV

"So you want to be friends?" she asks.

The question is so casual.

So clean.

I feel it like a slap.

No.

No.

That word is not on the tip of my tongue—it's buried, buried deep beneath propriety, fear, and every lesson I've ever been taught about what a woman like me is allowed to want.

I don't want to be her friend.

I don't want cordial tea and garden pleasantries.

I want to understand why I can't stop thinking about her.

Why her touch still lingers on my skin like a memory.

Why her voice burrowed into my ribs like it's always lived there.

But I smile.

Because I have no choice but to smile.

"Of course," I say lightly, too lightly. My lips stretch into what I hope is something pleasant and not tragically strained.

Silence settles between us again. Not awkward. Just… expectant.

Then she nods once, eyes on the path ahead.