Guilt

"If he truly cared for you, Ms. Sterling, you wouldn't be seeing me now," Matthew Garcia said, stirring his coffee methodically. The soft clinking of the spoon against the cup punctuated his words.

 

"Everything you see is just a facade. If you dig deeper, you'll find that those around you are deceiving and using you. People are inherently selfish. Once you're no longer useful to someone, they'll gradually disappear from your life. Think back on your experiences. If you still hold the same view, come and see me again."

 

Ava nodded absentmindedly, her mind in turmoil. As she walked away, Matthew watched her go, his hands clammy with cold sweat. His face betrayed his inner conflict, but he said nothing and eventually left.

 

Upon arriving home, he found Iris waiting for him in the living room. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a white dress that made her look soft and innocent. She approached him with a smile.