Hidden [COMPLETED]

Chapter 8

Freen was panicking inside. They are all connected! And they all knew about Becky's relationship with Saint, a married man? Who's her husband? That explained why the detective acted a bit strangely when he spoke to her back at the station.

But if he exposes her, she might never get more answers.

"Sam, come meet my best friend. Don't worry, he's super nice!" Becky calls again.

"Um, I'm still unpacking. Give me a few minutes!" Freen responds, trying to buy time.

"Okay, take your time!" Becky replies.

Wait a minute! Why should she be the one panicking? The detective should be the one exposed for hiding Becky and Saint's relationship from her in the first place, right? He should be the one facing Freen and explaining why he kept this from her.

Right? Forget it!

Freen tells herself to calm down and confront the detective and Becky. It will happen eventually. She takes a deep breath and prepares herself, moving toward the stairs.

As she descends, she senses eyes on her. Heng looks surprised for a moment but quickly regains his composure. Freen tells herself she is ready, but sadness washes over her. If Becky discovers the truth this way, she will never forgive Freen. She isn't ready to lose Becky or Lyra. In just a few days, they have become an important part of her life. Maybe it’s her grief talking.

"Detective Heng." He extends his hand and introduces himself.

For a moment, Freen is confused by his act of pretending not to know her. Then she realizes he is just putting on a show for Becky. His judgmental gaze pierces through her.

"Sam." She shakes his hand.

"I should go. If you need anything, meet me at the station." He says while looking at Freen.

Was he hinting that she should follow him?

"Thank you!"

Then the detective leaves and drives away.

Phew! Freen sighs in relief. No drama, after all. But how long can she maintain her cover here? She needs to brace herself for a confrontation at any moment.

Freen grows quiet, lost in her thoughts. This time she feels it—anger. Everyone could have intervened, Billy, Heng, the whole town. But Saint and Becky just kept going.

Becky senses Freen's awkward silence again. "Hey," she asks, concerned. "If you're uncomfortable with me discussing my relationship with a married man, just say so. I won't bring it up. Actually, I shouldn’t talk about it at all. He's gone, and I'm just... the other woman who shouldn't matter anymore."

"I'm not judging you, Becky." Freen feels the need to clarify.

"But everyone judges. It's a normal reaction, and I get it. My friends did at first and told me to end it... but..." Becky shakes her head and sighs deeply. "I'm sorry I'm not a good person, Sam."

Freen doesn't know how to respond. Part of her wants to yell YES, WHAT YOU DID WAS WRONG AND HURTFUL! But another part wants to comfort Becky.

In the end, Freen decides to change the subject. "It's a nice day. I should go take some photos."

With that, Freen leaves the remorseful woman behind and jumps into her car, heading to the station. Whether Heng meant to tell her to follow or not, she needs answers.

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Once she reaches the station, she barges into his office.

"I know what you think. But I promise I'm not crazy."