Conflicted Hearts      

"Do you have to be so harsh on him?" Meilyn questioned Richard, her voice tinged with concern.

"Harsh? I'm just being realistic. This neighborhood is worth at least a million now, and from what you've told me, he doesn't come from a wealthy family.

"Wait . . . don't tell me you still have feelings for him. That's why you're defending him," Richard said, his tone sharp with disbelief.

"I explained our situation to you. Xin and I are childhood friends, and he had just come out of a coma, so . . ." Meilyn started, her voice trailing off, trying to justify her actions.

"So I have to be nice to him? Why should I adjust for him? It's not my fault he slipped and fell into a coma," Richard retorted, his frustration evident.

Meilyn's mood plummeted further. Her lips pursed, and she looked like she was on the verge of tears.