Page 96 of Symphony for Lies

Her case was years old. Maybe she had finally been trying to move on, and I had just ripped open old wounds.

I bit my lip, guilt settling in my chest.Maybe I shouldn’t have contacted her.

I wasn’t sure how long I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling. But at some point, my phone vibrated. A new message.

Bella Carter.

She wanted to talk and asked me if I was free for a video call on Monday.

Hope flickered in my chest as I quickly agreed, thanking her profusely.

I spent the rest of the evening preparing some questions for our meeting.

The next day arrived in a blink, and I found myself already back at work. I was like a machine, not really feeling anything. Just functioning somehow.

Rita tapped her pen against her notepad, her eyes gleaming with pure curiosity.“Amelia, will you tell me who that attractive man was?” The blue light from the computer screen reflected on her glasses as she watched me like a hawk.

“He’s just a friend,” I answered, keeping my voice neutral, typing up patient records for a dog that had swallowed a sock.

Robert had called in sick, so I was stuck covering the front desk with Rita while also helping Linda with patient files.

Honestly, the last thing I wanted was to be interrogated about Zane.I was eager to finish my shift, go home, and talk to Bella Carter.

But instead, I was stuck with Rita staring at me like I was keeping a state secret.

She scooted her chair closer, leaning over my shoulder.Just a friend?” she repeated, tone dripping with disbelief.

I gave a short nod, keeping my focus on the screen. Since Zane warned me not to believe rumors, I was careful with my words. I didn’t want to say anything that could be used against me later.

Rita let out a dramatic sigh. “Amelia, we’ve known each other for so long. You can be honest with me. You’re clearly seeing him.”

“He’s just an acquaintance, nothing more.”

But then I noticed her eyes weren’t on me. They were focused on something behind my back.

“Oh, really? Just an acquaintance?” a deep, all too familiar voice asked.

My fingers froze over the keyboard.

Slowly, I turned.

Zane was leaning casually against the counter, arms crossed over his chest. His expression was relaxed, but his eyes told another story.

My heart skipped a beat.

How much had he heard?

Rita patted my shoulder. “Oh, look! The acquaintance!” she teased. “I’m Rita, and you are?”

“Zane,” he greeted smoothly. Then, with a hint of mockery, he added, “Just Amelia’s acquaintance.”

I swallowed.

“So what can I do for you?” Rita asked, thoroughly entertained.

Zane’s words were deliberate and nonchalant as he said, “I thought I’d take Amelia out after her shift. You know, just as friends.”

I rolled my eyes.