Evelina's POV

  The final bell rang, signaling the end of another school day. I gathered my books, adjusted the strap of my bag over my shoulder, and made my way toward the cssroom door.

  My day wasn’t over yet—I still had work to attend to, and I didn’t know how long it would take.

  But just as I was about to leave, someone stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

  “Evelina, wait.”

  I blinked and turned to face the boy standing in front of me. He looked slightly nervous but also determined.

  “Yes?” I asked politely, tilting my head slightly in curiosity.

  He hesitated for a moment, then scratched the back of his head. “Are you free ter?”

  Oh?

  'Brave'.

  Even after witnessing Alexei’s dispy the other day—his cold, intimidating aura that practically screamed "don’t even think about it"—this boy still had the guts to ask me out?

  'I had to admit, that took some courage'.

  Unfortunately for him…

  “I’m afraid I’m not free today,” I replied smoothly, offering a small apologetic smile.

  The boy nodded, looking a little disappointed but not too discouraged. “Alright, no problem.”

  With that, he turned and walked away.

  I was about to continue on my way when I heard his muttered words under his breath.

  “What a bummer. Could’ve gotten with a good-looking girl… lucky my girlfriend’s in another school.”

  …

  Excuse me?

  I froze mid-step, my fingers tightening slightly around the strap of my bag.

  Did I just hear that correctly?

  Did this absolute gutter rat really just—

  So he already has a girlfriend, yet he still had the nerve to ask me out? And to make it worse, he was talking as if I was just some missed opportunity for his collection?

  The audacity. The sheer gall of this boy.

  I resisted the urge to turn around and politely tell him exactly what I thought of his morals—or ck thereof.

  Instead, I took a slow, deep breath and chose to ignore it.

  'Not worth my time'.

  As I stepped into the hallway, more whispers reached my ears.

  “She’s seriously pretty…”

  “Yeah, and have you seen her figure?”

  “She’s got curves in all the right pces. If she wasn’t so untouchable, I’d totally—”

  I stopped walking and turned my head, gaze immediately locking onto the boy who had just spoken.

  His eyes widened.

  My eyebrow arched, silent but clearly questioning.

  He immediately looked away, pretending like he had never said anything at all.

  With a sigh, I dismissed the irritation building in my chest. There was no use wasting my energy on things like this.

  As I reached the school gates, I spotted my bodyguard standing by the bck car, waiting patiently. The moment he saw me, he straightened.

  “Добрый день, барышня.” (Good afternoon, Miss.)

  “Добрый день.” (Good afternoon.) I greeted him back as he opened the car door for me.

  I slid into the seat and leaned back, letting my eyes close for a brief second. There was still work to do, and I had no idea when I’d be finished.

  =================================

  By the time I finally finished work, I stretched my arms above my head, feeling the stiffness in my shoulders.

  I checked my phone.

  4 PM.

  Not too bad.

  I grabbed my phone and called my driver.

  “I’m ready.”

  “Understood, Miss. I’ll be there shortly.”

  I made my way out of the building, offering quick goodbyes to the staff members I passed.

  As I stepped onto the sidewalk, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air.

  My gaze nded on a small café across the street.

  A small break wouldn’t hurt.

  Pushing open the gss door, I stepped inside, the soft chime of the bell signaling my entrance.

  And then—I froze.

  Standing at the counter were two familiar figures.

  Seonhui Park.

  Daniel’s mother.

  And right beside her… Daniel.

  Or rather, Daniel in his other body.

  They seemed to be debating what to order, their voices hushed.

  For a moment, I hesitated. Should I approach them?

  '…Might as well.'

  I stepped in line behind them, waiting quietly until Seonhui turned slightly and caught sight of me.

  Her face immediately brightened.

  “Oh! Evelina, dear, what a surprise!”

  I smiled warmly in return. “It’s good to see you, Mrs. Park.”

  She looked delighted. “Are you here for coffee too?”

  “I am. Have you already ordered?”

  “Not yet,” she admitted, then leaned in slightly and whispered, “I’ll just be getting water. The menu is too expensive.”

  My heart clenched.

  I quickly masked my expression and instead offered her my most dazzling smile.

  “Nonsense,” I said smoothly. “You and Daniel can order whatever you like. I’ll take care of the bill.”

  “Oh, no, dear, you really don’t have to—”

  “I insist.” I interrupted gently, my tone leaving no room for argument.

  Despite her protests, I turned to the cashier and ordered three iced americanos.

  As the barista prepared our drinks, I heard Seonhui trying once again. “Let me pay at least—”

  I turned her down instantly.

  “Mrs. Park,” I said, amused. “Please sit down. I’ll bring the drinks over.”

  I lightly guided her to a seat before she could argue further. She sighed but eventually gave in.

  A few minutes ter, the drinks were ready. I picked up the tray and made my way over to them, setting the cups down.

  “Here you go,” I said.

  “Thank you, dear,” Seonhui said gratefully.

  Daniel simply nodded, his gaze unreadable as he accepted his drink.

  At that moment, the café door opened, and my bodyguard stepped inside.

  Seeing him, I knew my time here was up.

  “It looks like I have to go,” I said, giving them both a small smile. “My driver is waiting.”

  Seonhui nodded in understanding. “Be safe, dear.”

  Daniel gave a small nod as well. “See you.”

  I turned, making my way toward the exit.

  'Today had been eventful, to say the least'.