Chapter 3

Evre took the cup with both hands, her fingers trembling slightly. "Thank you."

She brought the straw to her lips and took a small sip.

The sweet, tropical flavor flooded her mouth, and almost immediately, she felt a faint itch beginning at the back of her throat.

"Do you like it?" Sebastian asked, watching her with those gentle eyes.

"I love it," Evre lied, forcing a smile. "It's really good."

Sebastian's smile widened. "I'm glad. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I just picked something."

They stood there on the steps, making small talk as other concertgoers began to arrive. Evre clutched the cup in her hands, taking tiny sips whenever Sebastian glanced her way, each swallow making the itching sensation spread further down her throat.

By the time they entered the concert hall, her tongue felt thick and her lips were starting to tingle.

The concert hall was magnificent—high vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, rows of plush velvet seats. Sebastian led her to their seats, which were perfectly positioned in the center section with an excellent view of the stage.

"These are great seats," Evre managed to say, her voice sounding slightly strained even to her own ears.

"I wanted to make sure you had a good view," Sebastian said, settling into the seat beside her.

The lights dimmed, and the orchestra began to tune their instruments. Evre tried to focus on the stage, but the itching had spread to her face now. She could feel her cheeks growing warm—not from embarrassment this time, but from the allergic reaction taking hold.

She pressed her fingers to her throat, trying to be discreet.

"Are you alright?" Sebastian leaned closer, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I'm fine," Evre whispered quickly. "Just a little warm."

The conductor stepped onto the stage to polite applause, and the concert began.

The music was beautiful—sweeping strings and soaring melodies that should have transported her. But all Evre could focus on was the growing discomfort. Her throat was tightening, her breathing becoming slightly labored.

She couldn't ruin this. Not tonight. Not when Sebastian had invited her, when he was sitting right beside her.

She would endure it. She had to.

Sebastian's lips curved into a slow, lazy smile. "Told you it wouldn't be hard."

The brown-haired boy laughed. "You're a legend, man. Seriously. I thought for sure she'd make you work for it, but she just—" He made an exaggerated swooning gesture. "—fell right into your arms!"

The group burst into laughter.

Evre stood frozen, her arm still tingling where Sebastian had shoved her away. Her mind struggled to piece together what was happening.

A bet. This had all been a bet.

"Three hours to make the little Blackwood girl fall for you," Veronica said, sauntering forward with a smirk. "And you did it with time to spare. I'm impressed, Sebastian. I really am."

Sebastian shrugged, his expression utterly relaxed. "She made it easy."

Each word landed like a physical blow.

"The mango juice was a nice touch," the brown-haired boy added. "How'd you even know she was allergic?"

"I asked around," Sebastian said casually. "Figured if she drank it anyway, it'd prove how desperate she was. And look—" He gestured toward Evre with a dismissive wave. "She drank the whole thing."

More laughter.

Evre's hand moved unconsciously to her throat. The spatial barrier she'd constructed was still there, holding the mango juice suspended, preventing the full allergic reaction. She'd been so careful. So determined not to disappoint him.

And he'd known. He'd known the entire time.

"You should've seen your face," Veronica said, stepping closer to Evre, her voice dripping with mock sympathy. "When he asked you to be his girlfriend? You looked like you were about to cry from happiness." She tilted her head. "Oh wait—you did cry."

The group erupted again.

Evre's vision blurred. She couldn't tell if it was from tears or from the allergic reaction finally beginning to break through her control.

"Honestly, Evre," Sebastian said, his tone almost bored now, "did you really think someone like me would be interested in someone like you?" He looked her up and down, his gaze clinical. "You're... fine, I guess. For a Blackwood. But let's be real—you're not exactly in my league."

The brown-haired boy snorted. "Brutal, dude."

"Just being honest," Sebastian replied with a shrug.

Evre's hands were shaking. Her entire body was shaking.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to run. She wanted to disappear into the earth and never resurface.

But she couldn't move.

"Come on, Sebastian," Veronica said, looping her arm through his. "You won the bet. Let's go celebrate." She glanced back at Evre with a pitying smile. "You can find your own way home, right?"

Sebastian didn't even look at Evre as he turned to leave.

The group followed him, their laughter echoing through the night as they disappeared into the darkness.

Evre stood alone by the river, the cool night air biting at her skin.

The spatial barrier in her throat finally collapsed.

The mango juice rushed into her stomach, and within seconds, the full force of the allergic reaction hit her. Her throat swelled, her breathing turned ragged, hives erupted across her skin.

She collapsed to her knees on the riverbank, gasping for air, tears streaming down her face.

Not from the pain.

From the humiliation. From the betrayal. From the realization that the boy she'd admired for over a year—the boy she'd thought was kind and gentle and good—had never existed at all.