Vincent reached out and playfully tapped Katelyn's nose, though the affection in his gaze softened the teasing. "So, you're keeping secrets from me now?"

Katelyn nestled into his embrace, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against hers. Only when she was close to him did a sense of calm settle over her.

She explained, "Because Ashlyn and Sophia's relationship is… complicated, this is the only way to handle things."

They weren't just rivals in love — they were also sisters. Ashlyn probably wouldn't even know how to navigate such a tangled situation in the future.

And with all the terrible things Sophia had done, accepting the truth would be no easy feat for Ashlyn. After all, Ashlyn had been shielded from the darkest corners of society. If she found out what Sophia had done, she might feel obligated to report her to the authorities.

But Katelyn knew that wasn't an option. People in the world weren't just right or wrong, good or bad; sometimes, many situations were complex and nuanced, extending beyond these simplistic boundaries. She needed Sophia to help expose all the truths about the organization. Only then could they drag the darkness into the light.

Vincent still didn't seem convinced. "Do you really think Khalid won't tell her? What if sending him such private information backfires?"

Katelyn cut in firmly, "I trust Khalid's judgment. The real reason I involved him is that he understands Ashlyn's struggles better than anyone. One day, he'll be able to balance her relationship with Sophia."

Sometimes, secrets only made things worse. Bringing everything out into the open might actually be the best solution.

Vincent finally grasped what Katelyn was trying to do, but an odd feeling still lingered in his chest. He hadn't expected her to trust Khalid so deeply.

He gave a slow nod, saying nothing more.

But Katelyn knew him too well. They had been together long enough for her to read his emotions even when he kept them bottled up. Though he remained silent, she could sense the displeasure flickering beneath the surface.

She pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Are you jealous?"

She and Khalid had known each other for years — so long that they were practically siblings. There had never been a hint of romance between them.

Vincent turned his gaze toward the window and muttered, "No." It was just one word, but Katelyn could already tell — he was absolutely jealous. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she leaned in, brushing a kiss against his lips. "Liar. I can see it all over your face."

If he really wasn't jealous, he'd be looking at her, not out the window. The more she saw that hint of jealousy, the wider her smile grew. A jealous Vincent was undeniably endearing.

Vincent finally dropped the pretense. Instead of answering, he dipped his head and gently nibbled on her lip. It didn't hurt, but the sudden tingling sensation sent a shiver down her spine.

His voice dropped to a low murmur. "You know too much." It was a confession if she'd ever heard one.

.

.

.