"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern.
"This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere."
Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied.
"I'm just doing my job...
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***Marcus's***
Marcus swirled the amber liquid in his glass, the dim lighting of their usual haunt reflecting in the slow whirlpool.
Across the table, Alex's eyes were shadowed, a troubled look that Marcus hadn't seen for a long while. Liam, always the light-hearted one, tried to crack a joke, but the laughter died quickly.
Something was in the air.
Alex finally broke the silence. "Marcus, there's something you need to know. About Emily."
Marcus raised an eyebrow, the ice clinking against his glass as he set it down.
"What's going on?"
"She's not who we thought she was," Alex said, his voice almost a growl. "And you knew, didn't you?"
Marcus remained calm, his maturity shining through.
"She told me yes. But it's not my place to tell her story."
"So you keep secrets from your friends now?" Alex's anger flared, a mean comment escaping his lips.
"It's not like that, and you know it," Marcus replied evenly.
"Amy's identity, her works, it's hers to share."
Alex leaned in, his face reddening.
"But you think it's okay to keep secrets from me? From Liam? Are you and Amy that close now?"
The accusation hung in the air, and Marcus's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What are you implying, Alex?"
"I'm not implying anything," Alex snapped, but his eyes darted away for just a moment.
"I just thought we were all honest with each other."
"That's rich, coming from you," Marcus said, the suspicion creeping into his voice.
"What's really going on here, Alex? Is there something between you and Amy?"
Alex's face paled, and he shook his head vehemently.
"No, of course not! I just—I just feel betrayed."
"Betrayed?" Marcus echoed, leaning back in his chair. "Or jealous?"
"I'm not jealous!" Alex exploded, his voice rising. "I just don't like being kept in the dark!"
Liam finally intervened, his voice soothing.
"Calm down, both of you. We're all friends here. Let's not let secrets tear us apart."
Marcus and Alex glared at each other for another moment before both relented, the tension easing slightly.
"What about Isabella and her children, Alex?" Liam asked, eyeing Alex curiously.
