Chapter. 01

{Third person's pov}

The door shut harder than she intended. Not a slam, but enough.

Natasha stood there for a second, chest rising, fingers still curled around the handle. The apartment was quiet, dimly lit, the city glowing through the glass walls. Everything about this place felt expensive, Just like him.

Evan didn’t look up from the couch. He was seated comfortably, one arm resting along the back, a glass of whiskey in his hand, like he had all the time in the world.

Like nothing had happened, Her jaw tightened.

“How can you do that?” she demanded, stepping forward.

“How do you just… decide something like this?” He took a slow sip before answering. “Good evening, Natasha.”

She let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “Don’t.”

Finally, his eyes lifted to hers. “You extended my contract,” she said, each word sharper now. “Without even telling me.”

Evan set the glass down on the table beside him, unhurried, deliberate. Then he leaned back, watching her like she was something to be figured out rather than argued with.

“It wasn’t necessary to discuss it,” he said.

Her breath hitched, half disbelief, half anger.

“Not necessary?” she repeated. “It’s my career.”

“And I manage it.” He replied, sharply.

“That doesn’t mean you own it.” The silence that followed was thin.

Evan stood, He didn’t rush. He never did. Every movement was measured, controlled, like even time bent around him.

Natasha held her ground as he walked toward her, even when he stopped too close, close enough that she could smell the faint trace of his cologne, feel the shift in the air.

“I built that career,” he said quietly. Her eyes flashed. “No. I did.”

For a second, just a second, something in his expression hardened. Then it was gone.

“You were one casting away from being replaced,” he continued, voice even. “Don’t rewrite history.”

Her hands curled into fists at her sides. “That doesn’t give you the right to trap me into another contract.”

“Trap?” he echoed, almost amused.

“Yes, trap,” she snapped. “I was done, Evan. I told you that. I wanted out.”

“And go where?” he asked. It wasn’t a question. It was a challenge.

She hesitated,“I’m not going anywhere,” she said quickly, almost cutting over him. “I’m with you. That’s the point. I don’t need a contract tying me down if I’m already here.”

Something shifted then. Evan stepped closer, closing what little distance remained between them. His hand lifted, brushing lightly against her arm, not forceful, not rough, but enough to still her.

“Exactly,” he said softly. Her brows pulled together. “What?”

“You’re here,” he repeated. “With me.”

The way he said it made something in her chest tighten.

“So why does it matter?” he continued. “The contract just makes it official.” Her stomach dropped slightly.

“That’s not the same thing,” she said, quieter now, but no less firm. “A relationship isn’t a contract.”

His lips curved faintly, not quite a smile.

“Everything is a contract, Natasha.” She shook her head, pulling her arm back from his touch. “No. Not this.”

Evan watched her for a moment. Really watched her.

Like he was weighing something. “You’re overreacting,” he said finally.

Her laugh came out sharp. “Am I? You signed my life away for another year without even asking me.”

“I secured your position.” He replied and sat on the couch again.

“I didn’t ask you to.” She replied sharply. “You didn’t have to.” The words landed heavier than they should have.

Her chest tightened, something unsettled creeping in beneath the anger. “That’s not how this works,” she said, quieter now.

“You don’t get to make decisions for me like that.”

Evan didn’t answer immediately. He reached past her instead, picking up his glass again, taking another slow sip like the conversation hadn’t just shifted.

When he spoke again, his voice was calm. Too calm.

“It’s already done.”

Natasha stared at him, something cold settling under her skin. “You can’t just decide things for me,” she said.

Evan met her gaze over the rim of his glass.

“I already did.” Silence stretched between them.

Heavy. Natasha stared at him, and then sighed.

She tried to walk away but he suddenly held her wrist and pulled her towards him, making her fall on his lap. "You know it right?"

He asked and caressed her hair, And then his hands slid down to cup her cheeks. "How much I love you baby?"

"But love isn't control Evan!" His eyes darkened, "It is." he said shortly and his hands traced the curve of her waist. "You looked gorgeous in the magazine."

"Is it already out?" she asked and he nodded, "You look so damn hot in that babe." Evan said and she rolled her eyes.

"I am tired, let me go." She said and tried to get up but he chuckled, "Nah, Let me hug my baby for a while." He said and started caressing her body.

She didn't react much, Just sat there silently, She was disappointed and hurt by his decision already.

He tightens his arm around her waist, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her neck. His breath was warm against her skin, and his thumb strokes slow circles on her hip. "You'll get over this anger eventually. You always do, baby. Just let me hold you."

"Evan we have been in relationship since last two years and you still want to control me with some contracts?" She asked.

He tilts his head, pressing his lips to her jawline with a low hum. His fingers dig slightly into her waist, possessive and steady. "Contracts just make sure you stay with me. Isn't that what we both want? I only do this because I love you."

"I know you love me Evan, But atleast you should discuss things with me, especially when it's about me." Natasha replied and tried to stop him from kissing her jawline.

He catches her hand mid-movement, lacing his fingers through hers and holding her still. His dark eyes soften slightly, but there's still that unyielding edge to his gaze. "I did it for your own good. You'll understand that one day, baby."