The cost of Shadows

Marion intervened quickly. 

 "Richard, thank you for coming. Please, come in." He said.

Richard stepped inside, and the atmosphere in the room shifted. The conversation turned to small talk, but I could sense the underlying tension. Every word, every gesture, seemed to be a test to uncover what I might be hiding.

At one point, Richard leaned in just a bit too close. "You know," he said quietly, "there are rumors swirling about you. They say you're not who you claim to be." 

His eyes bore into mine, and I felt as if he was trying to see through the walls I had built around my past.

I met his gaze evenly. "I assure you, I'm exactly who I say I am," I replied firmly, though my voice wavered slightly.

Richard laughed softly, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "We shall see, won't we?" he murmured.