Chapter "Love In Confusion"

Hamlyn was taken aback, his tone laced with anxiety. "What? This has to be some kind of joke, right?”

Hamlyn's disbelief was palpable as he exclaimed, "Are you serious? You can't be serious, right?"

Fredy Hamond and Henry exchanged solemn glances, their disappointment evident. Hamond's head shook slowly in denial.

Hamlyn inquired, "How did Sheryl react?" Henry responded, "Interestingly, Sheryl opted for a half-day leave from school today."

"Only a half-day?" Hamlyn exclaimed, his disappointment evident as he momentarily shut his eyes in sadness. But then, with a renewed determination, he reopened them and declared, "I refuse to believe this.”

Fredy asserted, "Absolutely, we're in complete disbelief too. But that jerk seems to be well-informed about Sheryl – her family, everything."

Hamlyn inquired, "Did he confront you directly about this?" Henry clarified, "No, it's just hearsay; the whole class is buzzing about it." Hamlyn seemed a bit worried