What do you do when your heart yearns for something your mind can't embrace? How do you tame the feelings that keep surfacing for someone special, knowing you're committed to another?
Ana Rose embarks on a new journey as a secret agent. Although she...
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Xavier's POV
I can feel her gaze burning into me, even in the dim light of this cramped space. I feel restless and eager to escape from this place, but deep down, I know that's not an option right now.
"Stop pretending like you can't see what's really happening! Ana is using you—in the worst way possible," Lisa insists, her voice heavy with conviction.
"Please, just stop," I reply, my words barely escaping my lips. They tremble with uncertainty, each of her words hitting me like a sharp blow. I can't help but question everything—Is she playing with my mind now, or does she genuinely tell the truth about Ana?
I want to believe in Ana, to trust her completely. I refuse to imagine she would do this to me... or would she?
"You actually enjoy being lied to? Being used?" Her voice rises, each word sharper than the last. But I can't let this go on; I swiftly cover her mouth with my hand, leaning in, my eyes blazing with anger.
"One more word, and I'll quit this assignment right now—no matter the consequences," I hiss, my voice cold and unyielding. "And listen closely, Lisa: you need to tell Ana the truth about everything you told me. I don't want to be the one to expose the kind of friend you really are. You have two days."
I pull my hand away, catching her gaze filled with surprise. I haven't intended to come off as rude or overly assertive, yet her relentless jabs left me with no choice but to respond, her words fueling a strange mixture of frustration within me.
"An ultimatum? Is this a joke?" Lisa laughs, but there's a brittle edge to her voice.
"Take it however you like." I reply, my voice calmer as I add, "But you owe it to the people around you to be as honest with them as you were with me—if you ever truly were." I let the weight of my words settle in, hoping she understands.
"You're so stupid, Xavier!" she retorts, her frustration simmering just below the surface.
"Ah, another insult? Thank you..."
"I was just trying to make you see the truth! It's obvious you enjoy being her little plaything," she fires back, her voice sharp.
"Two days, Lisa," I reply, maintaining my calm in the tension of the moment.
Before she can launch into a heated response, I spot Ana crawling toward us. Thank God!
"I'm back, guys! Is everything alright?" she says cheerfully, her bright presence instantly calming my anxiety.
"Yes, girl! What did you see over there?" Lisa exclaims, her anger instantly melting away into a beaming smile. I can't believe how deceptive this girl is...
"There are a ton of folders scattered across the table, and one of them caught my eye—there's a snake drawing on the cover!" Ana says, her voice laced with uncertainty.
