Rouen

Shadow of Doubt

A warm breeze played with my hair as I walked toward the building where Ruan worked. I had my grade book in my bag with perfect grades, and I couldn't wait to show it to him.

Ruan's office was in an old but elegant building. I had gotten used to the place, but today something was different.

Through the half-open door I heard the voice of Viola's secretary:

• He doesn't love her. He just feels sorry for the bitch because his father told him to marry her.

My fingers tightened on the strap of my bag. Did Father tell me to? Ruan never spoke of coercion...

The door opened wider. Viola, seeing me, abruptly cut off the conversation, but satisfaction flashed in her eyes.

“Oh… You’re already here,” she said sweetly.

I heard footsteps behind me.

— Do you like listening to other people’s conversations?

I turned around.

Ruan stood two steps away, his gaze dark and unreadable.