A Mate's Secret and an Enemy's Promise

VANESSA

I stared at Olivia's retreating back, her words still echoing in my mind. She and Leo? Together? My head spun with questions and suspicions.

"Wait!" I called out, hurrying after her. "There's more, isn't there?"

She froze mid-step but didn't turn around. Her shoulders tensed visibly.

"What do you mean?" Her voice was guarded.

I caught up to her, positioning myself so I could see her face. "Leo's been acting strange for weeks. The way he looks at me when he thinks I'm not watching—like he's carrying some burden. The secret calls, the sudden meetings." I paused, studying her expression. "It's about you two, isn't it?"

Something flickered across Olivia's face—pain, maybe guilt. She closed her eyes briefly.

"It's more complicated than that," she finally said.

"Then explain it to me," I pressed. "What aren't you telling me about you and Leo?"