I had my head down and spoke calmly. I didn't want to continue this conversation anymore.
“Anna Garcia, are we best friends? Can't you tell me the truth? Why don't you tell me what really happened?” he asked me with hurt and worry in his eyes as he grabbed my hand abruptly.
Ronan's hands felt so warm that his faith momentarily cheered me. However, I managed to pull my hand back and look at him nonchalantly. I didn't want to be caught in the situation of such intimacy with him because it wasn't appropriate.
“I don't know what you're talking about. I did it. If I didn't, then why would I admit it? I'm not that stupid.” I laughed bitterly. Although I was composed, I felt I might burst into tears at any second.
“No matter what you say, I will never believe it was you! I know you, and I trust you. There's no way you'll assault Aunt Josephine,” he said determinedly as I pulled my hand away. No matter how I tried to lie, he still believed in me. To be honest, I was pretty touched by his trust.
“I have something I need to do, so if you'll excuse me.” I stood up and turned to leave.
I was afraid that he would expose my lie if I continued to stay.
“I'll send you back. It's not safe for you to be alone when your tummy's so big,” he said casually behind me.
Despite the casualness in his voice, he was persistent. That was why I hesitated for a while knowing he would bring up the matter again on my way back. I allowed him to accompany me to avoid arousing his suspicions.
Throughout the entire journey in his car, I stared wordlessly at the passing view. It was obvious I didn't want to talk.
“How are things between you and Michael? I heard from the nurse that you've been going for check-ups alone,” Ronan said after a long silence.
I lowered my head in response to that question. I didn't know how to answer that. I thought about the way Michael had been treating me since the incident with Josephine, and my heart ached. Before the incident, we were so lovey-dovey that others envied us. Now, only the two of us knew how hard and forced things were between us.
Judging from my silence, Ronan frowned and looked at me as he sensed something was wrong between us. It pained him to see me like this.
“Why do you have to do that? I really don't understand. But, come to think of it, I can't help feeling it has something to do with your family. Am I right?” He tried again.
My heart lurched violently this time at Ronan's words, and I turned to look at him immediately with panic in my eyes.
How did he know it has something to do with my family? Could it be that he has already found out Steven was the culprit? Does it mean the Shaw family knows about this as well? Would Steven be sent to jail, then?
“W-Why do you say so?” I asked as I looked into his eyes while trying to keep my composure. My voice was so soft that it was barely audible.
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