Serena walked into the room, a fake smile plastered on her face.

“I’m back. I got your prescriptions and also something to eat,” she said, setting them down.

Simon groaned as he sat up, wincing at his bandaged arm.

“Come, sit. Want to talk about it, Rena?” His voice carried genuine concern.

“Talk about what?” Serena tried to brush off the conversation, forcing a happy expression.

“Come on, Rena. I’m not a stranger. We’ve been good friends for four years now,” he urged softly.

Serena shook her head, her eyes fixed on the floor.

“I know you’re hiding something,” Simon said, gently cupping her cheeks in his hands. “Look at...