Chapter 49

"Where have you been? You took a long time to return," Siya inquired, stopping near Alice, who felt a cold sweat forming in her fear. The weight of her lie pressed heavily on her. With a trembling voice, Alice asked, "What are you doing here?" "Oh! I was here to drop food. My mother has sent it for you," Siya explained. "I'm taking my leave for now. I'm getting late." Siya glanced at her wristwatch, signaling the urgency. Alice nodded, expressing gratitude. "Say thanks to your mother," Alice added, and Siya acknowledged before smiling at Lucas and exiting. As the door closed behind Siya, Alice cautiously lifted her eyes to meet Lucas's unwavering gaze. His burning eyes seemed to penetrate into her soul. His jaw tightened visibly, but he remained ominously silent as if biding his time for her explanation. Fearing the impending storm, Alice sighed and, without uttering a single word, began to step past him. However, her attempt to move freely was halted abruptly when Lucas firmly grasped