“What hickey?” He feigned confusion, glancing into the mirror.
For the briefest second, I caught the flicker of panic in his eyes before he masked it with nonchalance.
“Oh, that? Must’ve been an insect bite. Got it at the hospital.” He even had the audacity to chuckle. “Didn’t realize it was that bad.”
I let out a slow exhale, my fingers trembling slightly. “Do you really think I’m that stupid?”
Raphael sighed, gripping the wheel. “Nadine, you’re overthinking again.”
"Overthinking?" My voice was sharper now, laced with frustration and hurt. "You always say that. Every time. But can you explain your closeness with Colette at the event earlier?"
Raphael exhaled, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Nadine, that was just acting to show to our parents."
I scoffed, my fingers tightening into fists on my lap. "Acting? But you promised to introduce our relationship more deeply to the public, didn't you?
“Instead, you made it seem like you and Colette were closer than ever. Your friends teased me because of that—don’t you know?" My voice wavered despite my efforts to stay strong.