Chapter 34 No More Pretending

• "Okay." Asher nodded, then turned to face her. "You're not pretending anymore?"
• Amelia squinted and smiled. "I was just afraid of any misunderstanding. If I brought up our relationship as ex-classmates right away, you might think I was trying to manipulate the situation."
• "I won't give anyone the chance to manipulate me," he said, his tone calm yet determined, exuding the authority of a leader. "So, I can only give you an opportunity, not clean up your mess for you."