Chapter 1800 (S)ee, (I)’m (M)adly (P)ining For Her

Mateo’s body immediately stilled. When he whipped his face upward to consider Melanie, his signature practiced grin was completely absent. “How did you… know?” Melanie breathed a quiet sigh. She was relieved; it turned out that Mateo was not pining for her, and yet, she could not help but be simultaneously worried for the path her old friend seemed poised to tread. “Your friend can tell, Teo. And unless I’m mistaken, our reunion in the supermarket wasn’t a coincidence at all, was it? You planned for it. I was never the reason that compelled you to come back; that had always been Arianne,” she said. “You knew Arianne’s my friend, so you used me to help make you closer to her. I don’t mind being used this way, Teo, but I think I should warn you—Mark Tremont’s wife isn’t someone you should set your eyes on. Ever.” He curled his lips into a flitting, pained smile. “I know, I know. I’ve never harbored any funny ideas either, if this helps. But, seriously, how did you piece it together?