CHAPTER 42

Adela's Point of View

"Adela, who's Van?" he queried, innocently stirring my heartbeat into a rapid rhythm.

What do I even say?

Should I spill the truth? No, I can't; he'd surely resent me!

"Ah, just a friend," I offered a strained smile as I replied.

"A friend from this place?" he prodded, and I hurriedly shook my head.

"Nah, not even close here, ha ha ha," I responded, my laughter verging on nervousness.

"Ah, a hometown pal then?" he remarked, and I nodded, feigning agreement.

"Yes, that's right. She's been wanting to video call lately since we've been chatting," I explained, causing a slight seriousness to flicker across his face.

"Van's a girl," I added, fabricating another layer to the falsehood, my lip finding its way between my teeth.

Damn it, this feels terrible. I'm plagued by guilt. My first relationship, and it's off to such a rocky start!

He fixed his gaze on me, arching an eyebrow.