God of Temptation

Chapter 47

~Ariella~

"So?" Evan raises an eyebrow as we stroll down the sidewalk.

"So, what?" I reply, feigning ignorance.

"Aww, don't act all cutesy. What's your deal with that handsome as fuck guy?" Hearing Evan refer to Remi as handsome sends sparks of jealousy coursing through me. It's as if a sharp pang of envy twists in my gut, knowing Evan admires Remi's looks. I resist the urge to snap back, to tell him there's no way he's allowed to call Remi handsome in this life. But then I remember the words I just spoke to Remi moments ago; being angry at Evan would only make me a hypocrite.

Evan chuckles, drawing my attention back to him. "You don't want me to call him handsome? Okay, I won't."

"I didn't even say anything, Evan. You're jumping to conclusions," I fib. I desperately try to divert my thoughts away from Remi, but he always manages to infiltrate my mind.

"You don't have to. I know that looks all too well. That's how my father looks at anyone who stares at my mother for too long." Evan's tone is nonchalant, but I catch the hidden adoration in his eyes.

Evan has mentioned his parents twice since we met, and every time he speaks, I can see the love, care, and respect he has for them.

"Well, we used to be a thing," I admit, feeling the remnants of our time together wash over me like a wave of nostalgia.

"What kind of thing? The thing or the thing thing?" Evan asks, a playful glint in his eyes.

I chuckle. "What's the difference between 'thing' and 'thing thing'?"

Evan smiles, and I can't help but smile back. "Well, 'thing thing' is more serious than just 'thing.'"

"Oh, I see. I guess we were only a 'thing,' then." I reply, a tinge of wistfulness in my voice. I wish we had been more than just a casual fling. Maybe then it wouldn't have been so easy for him to cheat on me.

"Well, I would agree to disagree. Considering the betrayed look, he gave you, I'd say you guys were definitely a 'thing thing thing,'" Evan remarks.

I playfully smack his arm. "Oh, shut up, Evan." He feigns hurt, but his eyes twinkle with amusement. There is a pause and I continue, "He cheated on me."

"He cheated on you?" He asks again, like he can't believe it. I nod, feeling a pang of hurt and anger resurface.

"That's bad." He says, grimly.

"Uh-huh?"

"Well, yes cheating is for losers. He's too charming to be a loser," Evan says, his expression turning serious as he shares his opinion.

"Keep saying things like that and I'll think you have a thing for him," I tease, trying to lighten the mood.

Evan chuckles, his expression turning serious as he continues, "What do you want to do, Ariella?"

"Huh?" I'm taken aback by his question, feeling a wave of confusion wash over me.

"Well, it's obvious you don't want to date right now. Are you cool with being friends?" His consideration warms my heart, and I can't help but feel grateful for his understanding.

"You know, you're a great person, Evan," I say, my respect for him growing with each passing moment.

"Well, I've heard that many times, nothing new," he replies, puffing out his chest playfully to lighten the mood.

"Are you free today?" I ask, not quite ready to go back home yet.

"Yeah, I am. I was actually going to ask you if you wanted to go to the arcade down the street," Evan suggests.

Without hesitation, I agree to his invitation, and soon we're off to the arcade. Other than the encounter with Remi at the cafe, the entire day goes by smoothly and when I reach home, I relaxed and happy. As soon as I hit the bed, my eyes flutter closed from exhaustion. 

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I know this chapter is very short. Trust me I'll try to make the next one longer.
Happy Reading 🫶