His eyes ablaze, Brian was fuming.

“Rosalynn, as I‘ve mentioned, my feelings for Selina have long dissipated. I harbor no sentiments for her now. But Barlow, he harbors feelings for you!

Had I not seen the videos, I could have feigned ignorance. But now, having seen them, I demand an explanation. Can you vouch for your innocence? Should I trust you?"

Without skipping a beat, Rosalynn retorted, "Brian, your lack of feelings for Selina doesn't imply she doesn't have any for you! If a video surfaces of you two together, am I to infer that you're not innocent?"

“y,

Watching his eyes flash with anger, Rosalynn pulled out her phone, revealing several photos shared by Deanna.

“ Flustered and unable to counter, Brian fell silent.

“Deanna showed me these. Have a look.”

Cursing inwardly as he took her phone, Brian felt his patience wearing thin with Deanna's interference.

He was aware of his and Selina's innocence, yet these photos painted a different picture, potentially leading others to misconstrue the situation.

As Brian locked eyes with Rosalynn, he felt an oppressive weight settle onto his chest, the feeling of suffocation making him uneasy.

Should he place his trust in her?

Could he believe her?

Why hadn't she offered an explanation for her overnight escapade with Barlow?

Increasingly agitated, Brian made his way to the window, fished a cigarette from his pocket, and lit it.

The flickering flame of the lighter was momentarily the only sound in the room, the smoke from his cigarette obscuring his handsome face.

Rosalynn, watching his rigid back, bit her lower Lip.

In their time together, she had rarely seen him smoke.

His current state indicated significant distress.

As the wisps of smoke drifted in the air, Rosalynn couldn't help but cough.

Brian gazed at his fingertips before finally extinguishing the cigarette.

Swiveling to face her, he asked, “Is there truly nothing between you and Barlow?"