FORBIDDEN TIES {My brother's best friend}

Chapter 18

**~~EVA~~**

Eva smiled as she scrolled through her phone, engrossed in a series of Instagram reels. This was her favorite way to unwind, especially here in the nearby park. The area was surrounded by lush greenery, and a serene lake shimmered nearby. She often sat on a familiar bench, letting the fresh air fill her lungs and feeling her worries melt away.

Today was no different. After a hectic day at college, she had escaped to her sanctuary-a bench in the botanical garden. The vibrant flowers and towering trees provided a peaceful backdrop, far removed from the campus's constant noise.

A chuckle escaped her lips as she watched a particularly funny reel. Suddenly, her phone was yanked from her hand. Startled, she spun around to see who had taken it, only to find herself face-to-face with Ezra.

Her initial frown deepened when she recognized him, and she rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Give me my phone back," she demanded, standing up from the comfortable bench.

Ezra grinned mischievously, holding her phone out of reach. "What are you watching?" he teased, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Eva stretched on her tiptoes, trying to snatch her phone back, but Ezra easily kept it away from her reach, holding it high above her head. "Instagram reels," he said, glancing at the screen.

"What do you want, Ezra?" she sighed deeply, her voice tinged with frustration after multiple failed attempts to retrieve her phone.

He smirked, leaning closer. "Hmm... I love it when you say my name, especially when you moan it," he said, his voice low and suggestive.

Eva recoiled, her face twisting in disgust. "There's nothing more Disgusting than you, Ezra," she shot back.

"Oh wow, I'm hurt," he said mockingly, placing a hand over his heart.

"Just give me my phone and let's end this nonsense," she insisted, reaching out again. But instead of handing it over, Ezra used the moment to pull her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"What the hell... Ezra, let go of me!" she exclaimed, pushing against his chest.

He held her firmly, his expression softening slightly. "I know you still have feelings for me, Eva. Stop pretending. Let's go back to how things were. I like you, you like me. Let's start over, Let's date," he said, getting straight to the point.

"Oh my God, am I supposed to be overjoyed to be your girlfriend again? Is that what you want, Ezra? After everything you did to me?" Eva's voice trembled as she pounded his chest with her fists, her anger and pain spilling out.

Ezra winced but tried to maintain his composure. "I didn't mean it," he muttered, but Eva's eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"Didn't mean it?" she echoed, her voice rising. "You used me, Ezra. You dumped me, and I was too stupid to see it at first. Then you used me again and did the exact same thing. Let me tell you something: people might believe in second chances, but I've never seen anyone get a third. You're a disease, Ezra. And if you have any decency left, you won't go around ruining other girls' mental health like you did mine." Her voice cracked, and tears streamed down her flushed cheeks.

Ezra's grip loosened, and he stepped back, his expression faltering. He knew he had a pattern of using girls, but hearing Eva's words cut deeper than he expected. He had never seen her so hurt, and the reality of his actions hit him hard.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, his eyes dropping to the ground. "I was a fool."

"You're still a fool," Eva shot back, her voice sharp.