Chapter 82: Slander is a Crime

Cruz initially wanted to step back, but he couldn't bring himself to move away. Suddenly, he felt a soft sensation against his neck. "I... I don't want to be with you anymore," Maria said playfully, like a teasing kitten, as she pushed him away. "I have something to take care of. I'll head back now," she added, turning to leave. As Cruz watched her walk away, he nodded slightly. "Alright, I understand." Cruz knew exactly what she was thinking, but he couldn't express those thoughts out loud at that moment. After Maria left, Cruz returned to his bed, where the warmth of her presence seemed to linger on the sheets. When Maria returned to New York, she stood before a towering building, watching as her former classmates exited from a nearby lecture hall. "Maria! Long time no see! We've missed you so much!" one of them exclaimed. "Wow, Maria, you look even more beautiful than before!" another added. "Maria, how do you stay so gorgeous? What's your secret?" they all began chattering