Chapter 12 The First Lie

• That morning Rania's class schedule was empty, a coincidence that felt like a blessing in itself given she had to meet Aleksander at his office. Lia, who should have been accompanying her as usual, had to take an extra shift at her part-time job instead, her face full of guilt as she broke the news to Rania over the phone that morning.
• "I'm really sorry I can't come with you today," Lia said, her voice sounding anxious on the other end of the line. "But listen to me, Rania—things haven't been good these past few days. The mysterious car, people watching you, the photo that got out. I'm genuinely worried about letting you go alone."
• "I'll be fine," Rania answered, trying to sound more confident than she actually felt. "Aleksander himself is picking me up. And besides, if anyone meant harm, they would have acted long ago, not waited until now."