Marianne was rendered completely speechless by his sudden questions. She carefully released herself from his grip, preparing to speak when Alexander interrupted her again.

"Please don't lie to me. It's frustrating enough not remembering anything about myself," he muttered. She nodded slowly, stepping a few paces away from him.

"We... we attended the same high school and went to the same university. You could say we were sort of friends, but that’s all in the past now," she replied, carefully choosing her words to avoid letting her emotions seep through.

"Nothing more than that?" he pressed. She glanced up, noticing a fleeting glint in his eyes that vanished as quickly...