But how could he? I'm married! Claudia thought.

Her heart raced, not with excitement but with tension and unease.

She tightened her grip on the bottle and asked, “Why haven't I heard about this before? Are you pursuing her?"

Sipping her water, Claudia maintained her facade of casual gossip, playing her part. But despite her best efforts to disguise herself, Mathews could see right through her charade. Given her nervousness, he decided it was best not to tell her the truth.

Mathews raised his head and finished his water, saying, "Yes. Once I've won her over, you'll be on the wedding guest list. Try not to worry too much. I'll have a word with the director about the filming.”