William's expression turned cold the moment her question settled in, sharp and unreadable.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he leaned back and started the car.
The engine hummed to life.
"We're late," he said, his voice calm again.
His hand tightened slightly around the steering wheel.
"Let's go."
Thalia stared at him, speechless.
"So… it's one of those, right?" she said after a moment, her voice tight. "I have a hundred percent belief… you're not in love with me."
She bit her lip in frustration. "Tell me… do you have some kind of grudge against me?"
A pause. "I mean—" she stopped, letting out a heavy sigh.
"I've never met you before… but it feels like…" Her eyes searched his face. "Instead of me hiding something, you're the one hiding a much bigger secret."
A brief silence. "Am I wrong?" she asked quietly. "Have we ever met before?"
"No."
William's answer was short.
Final.
As if he had no intention of letting the conversation go any further.
