How did Fernanda even catch on to that?

Fernanda’s voice dropped to a whisper, laden with intrigue, as she revealed another observation. “And when you’re among us, you’re constantly on your phone, messaging away. But when Neal is present, you don’t. You might check your phone, but you’re not sending anything, because I’ve noticed you smile every time you do. Earlier, you also pulled out your phone to send texts in the lounge, but once Neal returned, your attention shifted completely away from it. That’s why I’m even more convinced of my suspicion.”

Caught off-guard, Bonita tensed up, her entire demeanor freezing.

“And earlier, when you walked into the lounge, you didn’t even flinch when Alex mentioned Neal’s girlfriend, which means you must have already been aware of it,” Fernanda added.

After a pause, Bonita admitted, “I can’t deny that.”

Fernanda gave her a knowing smile.

Pulling Fernanda close, Bonita whispered urgently into her ear, “You’re the first to know. Please, keep this a secret! I’m not ready for others to find out.”

Fernanda’s elegant eyebrows knitted together in concern. “Why does it seem like your relationship is some kind of secret mission?”

With a nervous bite of her lip and a hushed tone, Bonita admitted, “Because it’s an online relationship.”

Fernanda sat there, dumbfounded.

“So, I’m asking you to keep this between us,” Bonita whispered. “Neal has no idea I’m the one he’s been talking to online.” Fernanda was at a loss for words. Could this bizarre scenario be a blossoming romance, or perhaps a scene straight out of a spy novel?

The way they both glued their eyes to their phones suggested they were deeply invested in what appeared to be a ludicrous online relationship. However, since they preferred to keep things that way, Fernanda mused that it was fine.

“Don’t fret, I’ll keep your secret,” Fernanda whispered reassuringly to Bonita. “And I hope he will finally return your feelings.”

A soft chuckle escaped Bonita’s lips, her anxiety dissolving into the air. The weight of her secret seemed less daunting now that Fernanda was privy to it. Rather than feeling exposed or nervous, Bonita felt an uplifting sense of freedom and buoyancy.

This newfound ally meant that Bonita now had a confidante, someone to whom she could turn for relationship advice and with whom she could share her deepest thoughts.

As the interlude commenced, Bonita slipped away to fetch some water. The venue was teeming with attendees today, causing the shop inside to be overwhelmed with a crowd. Opting for a quieter option, Bonita approached the vending machine stationed outside.

She purchased a few bottles and was turning back toward the event when a sudden pause halted her steps.

She retraced her steps and shifted her gaze to the right, but there was nothing in sight.

“Could I be imagining things?” Bonita whispered to herself, a frown knitting her brows.

She thought she had caught a glimpse of a figure from her past—the very person who had once nearly kidnapped her.

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