Finally, Michael spoke, but the look in his eyes was interrogative as he stared at me.
Hearing the name “Justin Xenakis,” my heart inexorably clenched. Nonetheless, I had already scraped through the most unbearable period, so I could conceal my anguish well.
“I don’t have a relationship with him. We’re strangers.”
In the past, he was the most important person to me, the man I was going to entrust the rest of my life to. However, we’re now merely strangers.
“Do you think I’d believe that, Anna Garcia?”
His gaze turned cold as he looked at me, and his voice was stained with a hint of anger.
At his words, my heart skipped a beat. How did he know my name? I don’t think I’ve ever told him that!
“How did you know my name? Did I tell you?” I asked softly, looking up at his riveting eyes.
“Do you think it’s difficult for me to investigate someone? Also, the woman with Justin Xenakis earlier mentioned your name.”
He retorted in a deep and sensual voice. With a frown on his face, he eyed me as though I was an idiot.
“I… I’ve got to go. It’s a pure coincidence that we met again today. Also, thank you for your help just now.”
Having said that, I whirled around to leave. Alas, Michael pinned me against the wall again. Propping both hands on the wall, he leaned toward me and enveloped me in his embrace.
At that very moment, I could clearly sense how fast my heart was beating. After all, his handsome countenance was merely an inch away from me. It would be bizarre if I didn’t feel anything at all in the face of such a handsome man.
Nonetheless, I felt that it was only because I was unaccustomed to having contact with a man other than Justin. During the past seven years I had been with him, I had kept a distance from the opposite sex. Thus, I was presently inept at dealing with men.
“Ah, you wanted to leave just like that?” he said in a deep and alluring voice as he slowly closed the gap between us.
Every single syllable out of his mouth was tugging at my heartstrings, and my heart couldn’t help hammering.
“W-What do you want from me?”
As he drew increasingly close, I didn’t even dare to breathe.
“Well? Are you playing hard to get?”
His gaze abruptly turned cold, and the interrogative tone in his voice grew all the more distinct.
I was initially a tad flustered, but the fury within me instantly surged upon hearing his question. What the hell does he mean by that? I’m not playing hard to get!
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. I’m sorry, but I’ve got something to do, so I’ve got to leave.”
I forcefully pushed Michael’s arm away before I stalked off.
Gah! He’s definitely not right in the head. When did I play hard to get? What on earth was he talking about?
I thought he wouldn’t allow me to leave so easily, but surprisingly, he didn’t stop me anymore.
Never had I felt so desolate as I trudged along the street by myself. The scene that had transpired at the mall earlier remained lingering in my mind. I didn’t know how I could forget Justin completely and no longer feel any pain from his betrayal.
When I returned to Natalie’s house, she started hounding me with questions about Michael as soon as I stepped across the threshold.
“Quick, tell me everything! What’s your relationship with the man we bumped into at the mall today? Was he the one you spent the night with the other day?”
She was an incredibly smart person, so she actually guessed the gist of it without me saying anything.
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