Adrian was still standing in that narrow living room, his shoulders squared, his face laced with disdain. Deviana tried to steady her breathing, but her chest felt unbearably tight.

The man stared at her for a long moment, then let out a low laugh—a laugh that sounded more like mockery than amusement.

“Hah… do you really think I’m that foolish, Deviana?” His voice was deep, dripping with sarcasm. “The nonsense you just spewed… it’s nothing but a cheap attempt to shield yourself.”

Deviana froze, her fingers curling tightly into fists at her sides.

“I’m not lying,” she shot back quickly, her tone trembling but firm. “I really do have someone.”...