Chapter 45.1: 23

Kyle might have intended to warn me with his statement, but in truth, it brought forth only reassurance. Doman’s sweetness was a lie. He was not a kind person.

‘I don’t need fake affection.’

Unfortunately, the real Riddel Spencer would have no reason to doubt Doman. She would never possess my suspicion, so I couldn’t reveal to Kyle how I honestly felt. I had no choice but to allow another wave of silence to descend over us, suspended like a thin, fragile thread mere moments from snapping. When Kyle began to whisper once more, the thread gave at last, unraveling beneath the low, gentle rumble of his voice.

...