Mutual benefit

Jasper stood nervously in front of Sebastian, clutching his mobile phone tightly in his hand. As he waited for Sebastian to speak, he couldn't help but feel guilty for keeping secrets from him.

"What are you doing here?" Sebastian's sharp voice cut through the air. "I found Britney alone in her room when I arrived. I thought you went to talk to the doctor, but you weren't there. And here you are, talking on the phone."

Jasper let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed that Sebastian didn't know anything about the accident or Ella. At least, not yet. "Britney was asleep," he replied slowly, trying to keep his voice steady. "I didn't want to disturb her. So, I came out to get some fresh air."

His explanation, though plausible, carried an underlying tension as he navigated the delicate balance of maintaining secrecy.