Jordi and Alice were in a luxury SUV, driving through the empty city of Jakarta at nine o'clock in the evening. They had just returned from a nightclub to celebrate their graduation.
"Alice," called Jordi, who was starting to get hot. He didn't know what was happening to him. "What, Jor?" Alice also feels the same way as Jordi. Hot with her own body. "Can you come to my apartment first or not?" Jordi started to unbutton one button of his shirt. It feels very hot. "Are you sick?" "I feel so hot on my body." "Oh gosh! Me too. My body is a bit hot. It's not good. Have I caught a cold?" Alice also felt something uncomfortable in her body. She didn't know what he should do to get rid of the mistake in her body. It was very strange, and Alice had never felt it. "Okay, let's go to my apartment first to look for medicine. I'm afraid of an accident if I take you to your house. It's an hour's journey. It's only a little while before I get to my apartment," offered Jordi. "Okay. Is the orange juice already stale? You were drinking from the same glass as me." "Yes, of course. But stale juice should make it smooth, right?" "Yeah, I'm hot. I feel like taking off my clothes," answered Alice honestly. "Okay, I can still stand it. I'll go back to the apartment first, then we'll cool down and take some medicine. Who knows, maybe I'll get better and I can take you home." "Okay." "Tell your mom first. I'm afraid she'll be waiting for you." Alice agreed to Jordi's statement. It's not strange if Alice goes into Jordi's apartment; think of it as her second home. Alice immediately took her cell phone and sent a message to Ranti, Alice's mother. She reported that Jordi was sick, and Alice wanted to take care of Jordi first. Ranti really believes in the relationship between Alice and Jordi, who are purely friends. So if Jordi is sick, Alice is usually the one who takes care of him. Jordi has parents, but his parents are too busy to take care of him. So, Jordi is closer to Ranti and Alice, like his own family. After arriving at the front lobby of the luxury apartment, Jordi gave his car keys to valet service. He couldn't park his car anymore. Jordi and Alice immediately got into Jordi's VIP elevator, and not long after they arrived at Jordi's very luxurious apartment. "Jor..." sighed Alice, who couldn't stand it anymore. Hot and wants to take off all her clothes now. Hot air or passionate air, she doesn't know. Alice no longer knows what happened to her; all that is left is that Alice just wants to resolve her desire, which has peaked. "Alice... I don't know what happened to my body. But..." Jordi was still trying to hold back his desire. A crazy desire to make love with his best friend. "I'm not strong enough, Jor. It's hot!" Alice started to take off her clothes in front of Jordi. She really couldn't stand the heat and thirst for Jordi's caresses. "Me too. Oh... why me?" Seeing that Alice had started to take off her clothes one by one made Jordi's eyes even darker. He was no longer able to contain his own passion. Very swiftly, Jordi took off his own clothes so that there was not a single thread separating them. Who knows who started it first; they bit each other's lips and didn't want to let go. Like a hidden passion that can finally be released. Jordi carried Alice's body and carried her to the bed. Jordi fiercely kissed Alice's luscious lips. Never before had Jordi thought that he would do this to Alice. Kissing fiercely and enjoying Alice's body turned out to be very tempting for Jordi. Whether they were aware of it or not, they were both carried away by a burning desire. As time passes, they become crazier, drowning in endless desire, and they have to complete it to the maximum. Both of their common sense no longer functions, so something went wrong tonight. They performed their heated activities—who knows how many times—perhaps until the effects of their heat and arousal subsided. After finishing quenching all his thirst for caress, Jordi collapsed and fell asleep soundly with Alice, hugging each other as if they didn't want to be separated. Dreaming beautifully with Jordi's most beloved friend, Alice. Jordi and Alice never imagined that they would have an illicit relationship like this. Having sex with their best friend, where Jordi and Alice already have their own lovers. One hour before the incident At a club in the Kuningan area, South Jakarta, the sound of music was heard pounding so fast it seemed like it would burst the eardrums. There were six people in the VIP room, namely Alice, Jordi, Sharena, Rezky, Vania and Vincent. "Alice, what is your relationship with Jordi?" asked Rezky, who is Jordi's friend. Alice's best friend. Rezky asked like that because Jordi happened to go to the toilet; only Alice was left alone, and it was very easy to ask about their curiosity all this time. Rezky has long been curious about Alice and Jordi's relationship, which is said to be very sticky. Where there is Jordi, there is Alice. Many people think that Alice and Jordi are dating. Even Jordi's girlfriend always breaks up with Jordi because she thinks he prioritizes Alice above everything else. Likewise, Alice is said to have often broken up with her boyfriend because she was too close to Jordi. Two people who are in the friend zone and don't admit to each other that they are too close. "Friend," Alice answered simply. Indeed, this twenty-two-year-old girl has been friends with Jordi since entering high school. A very elite high school. Alice is not from a rich family, so she was able to enter Bina Siswa High School, which uses dollars for each monthly payment and other fees. Alice got a scholarship because she excelled, and finally there she met Jordi. When Jordi was in high school, he was a very respected person; apart from his parents being super-duper rich, Jordi was also smart and was an idol for the girls at that school. Luckily, Jordi wanted to be friends with Alice because of an accident, and Alice helped Jordi. Let's just say it was Jordi's retribution for Alice so that Jordi became so close to Alice. No one should bother Alice whenever Jordi is around. "Have you ever slept with Jordi?" Sharena teased while smiling mischievously. A beautiful girl the same age as Alice. A girl from the upper class that Alice couldn't possibly reach. "No." Alice shook her head, and her gaze was very firm. Her relationship with Jordi is only limited to friends. Nothing more, nothing less. There's no such thing as sleeping together or whatever. Today is graduation day and Jordi wants to celebrate it. He forced Alice to come with him to a nightclub even though Alice didn't want to. But because Jordi had begged and promised to keep Alice from being disturbed by other men or drinking alcohol, Alice finally agreed to come along. Alice's clothes are fairly closed. Jordi himself chose it. He wanted to cover Alice's face and body, which might attract the attention of men. "Wow, that's really a shame. You guys are pure friends, right?" Rezky continued his question again. "Seriously, friend," said Alice. "What a strange friendship. Don't you really have feelings for Jordi? In fact, he's REALLY AMAZING! And he seems like quite a fuck boy," said Rezky carelessly. "Jordi is not a fuck boy! Jordi is a good man!" Alice defended. During the time she had been friends with Jordi for almost seven years, Jordi was never caught making love to any woman. Although Jordi's charm cannot be denied, he is too handsome and too perfect for women to pass up. She doesn't know if Jordi did something illegal behind Alice's back; it's none of Alice's business. After all, Jordi has been said to be like a playboy. He changed women too often, and the women said that Jordi had slept with them. But if Alice asks Jordi about the truth, Jordi always says that he is still a virgin. Well, Alice just trusts Jordi. After all, it's not a problem or interest for Alice. Prok! Prok! Prok! The four people in the VIP room applauded Alice's defense of Jordi. They didn't expect that Alice would defend the fuckboy so much. "Wow... what is this?" asked Jordi, confused as he entered the room and immediately took a seat next to Alice. Take care of his best friend. A handsome and elegant man like Cha Eun Woo. Woogh... it's fitting that all eyes are on Jordi. Handsome, rich, smart, tall, friendly, and very kind. What an idol! "It's okay. We're just asking how your relationship with Alice is." Sharena answered, explaining to Jordi. "Haha... then what do you answer?" Jordi looked at Alice. "Friend. She's disgusted with you!" Rezky replied nosily. Meanwhile, Alice's eyes looked like they were going to eat Rezky because he said something untrue. "Well... why are you disgusting me?" Jordi was confused. "Cause you are the fuckboy legend. All your women stop by. That's why she's disgusted with you," added Rezky, exaggerating. "That's ridiculous. When will there be a woman that I stop by? It's impossible for Alice to say something like that. You're exaggerating." Jordi really doesn't believe Rezky, who is usually crazy. It was highly unlikely that Alice would say something like that. They trust each other and are honest with each other. So Alice definitely knows Jordi's behavior. In front of her, Jordi is a playboy, but behind, Jordi is very pious. "Okay, let's stretch our muscles," said Vincent, inviting everyone in the room to dance together. Feel the pounding music that really makes your eardrums want to burst. "I'll just stay here," said Alice. She doesn't like crowds, let alone dancing like crazy. "Once in your life, you have to experience the club, Alice," persuaded Jordi, and he grabbed Alice's hand. "I'll just stay in the room. I think my stomach ache is recurring," said Vania, holding her stomach, which felt painful. "Okay, let's take it all out." Vania looked at Vincent and gave her friend a code to take everyone out of the room. After seeing everyone leaving the room, Vania immediately mixed Alice and Jordi's drinks with medicine. Of course Vania wants to sleep with Jordi, while Vincent wants to sleep with Alice. Vincent and Vania knew that Alice came from a low class, not in the same caste as them, so Vania really hated Alice, who always stuck close to Jordi. Vania is jealous of Alice because Vania has liked Jordi since she entered college, but Alice seems too big for Vania to beat. Now she can't wait to destroy Alice, so she gets away from Jordi. Forever! Not long after that, Alice entered the VIP room and made Vania quite surprised. Luckily, she had managed to pour the depraved powder into Alice and Jordi's drinks. "How are you, Van?" Alice asked while taking the orange juice on the table. She and Jordi do not drink alcohol. Afraid that something might happen to them and it could get out of control. "Yes, it's a bit better," answered Vania nervously. "Okay, I'll be going home in a minute." "With who? Just Vincent, okay?" Alice shook her head, and suddenly Jordi came into the room and drank Alice's orange juice until it was finished. Vania's eyes bulged. "Are they really that close to having a glass together?" Vania cursed in her heart. "Let's go home. It's nine o'clock. Your mom will look for you later," Jordi said to Alice while holding Alice's hand. "Jo-Jordi!" called Vania to stop Jordi and Alice. The plan might go awry if Alice goes home with Jordi. Instead of Vania sleeping with Jordi, Alice could sleep with him. "What, Van?" asks Jordi. "Can you take me home? My stomach really hurts," said Vania as an excuse. "Well... the direction of your house and Alice's house is very different. I'm too lazy to play around. Just ask Vincent to accompany me," said Jordi. "B-but..." "Bye, Van." Jordi grabbed Alice's hand and took his friend out of the club. Vania could only curse herself because she couldn't stop Alice and Jordi from leaving. Not long after, Vincent entered the room and found Vania, who was scolding him, uttering very harsh curse words. "What happened to you?" Vincent asked confused. "ARGH! I've put the medicine in Alice and Vincent's drinks," shouted Vania irritably. "That's good. So what?" "But they went together. Our plan could fail, Vin!" "Well... where are they? We'll just stop them in the parking area." "Ok." Vania and Vincent looked for Jordi's car, but it seemed like Alice and Jordi had gone far away from them. "Do you know the home address of that low caste girl?" asked Vania, who was starting to get desperate. Vincent shook his head. Nobody knows Alice's home address. Even at school and campus, Jordi changed Alice's residence address to the address of his luxury apartment. "ARGH! FUCK!" Vania was so annoyed that she stamped her feet on the ground. Hate because her plan failed.Alice woke up when the sun was shining brightly. She doesn't know what time it is, but Alice's body feels very painful.She looked around, and it turned out she was in Jordi's apartment. Alice already knows the interior of Jordi's room, which she often visits. How surprised Alice was to see Jordi sleeping next to her.Jordi was shirtless and was even more surprised when she found herself only covered in a blanket. She looked under the blanket, and Alice found that she was not wearing any clothes."ARGH! WHAT HAPPENNED, JORDI?" Alice screamed hysterically and at the same time woke up Jordi, who had exerted too much energy last night.Jordi, who was still gathering his spirit and strength, immediately woke up because of Alice's scream. He found himself without a single thread and only covered by a thick blanket. Meanwhile, Alice, the same thing happened to her.Jordi immediately sat up and thought again about what happened last night."Sorry, Alice." Those were the only words Jordi coul
The sound of the bell being pressed in Jordi's apartment unit seemed like it wouldn't be patient.Alice, who panicked, immediately came out of the bathroom and was fully dressed. She then gave Jordi a code to straighten the messy bed and replace the bed sheets with new, spotless sheets. After finishing all that, Alice gave Jordi a code to immediately open the door, while Alice would hide in Jordi's cupboard.Jordi immediately came out of his room and headed towards the entrance. He looked at the door view and found Hana behind the door."Oh, my God. Bad time!" Jordi cursed when he saw Hana's bent face.At first Jordi wanted to open the door straight away, but he saw Alice's shoes and bag on the floor right near the entrance."Oh my..." Jordi immediately took Alice's shoes and bag into his room, throwing them into the cupboard that Alice was occupying."Ow... slow down, wow!" cursed Alice."There's Hana," said Jordi quietly.Alice immediately covered her mouth, then Jordi closed the cu
Jordi panicked because he heard something fall. "Did Alice fall? Did she faint?" Jordi muttered to himself. He became very worried about Alice, who was still in the cupboard. He didn't even care about Hana's accusations. It felt like Jordi wanted to immediately throw Hana out of his apartment now. "This is none of your business, so you better get out of here. I still want to continue making love with the beautiful girl in my room. So please... don't disturb my fun!" Jordi pulled Hana's hand to get out of his apartment unit, even though Hana was still trying to hold on. Hana's energy was far less than Jordi's, so Hana was forced to leave Jordi's apartment unit feeling confused. "JORDI!" shouted Hana, who was still hitting the door of Jordi's apartment unit. Jordi no longer wants to serve Hana. Let Hana complain to her parents or Jordi's parents later. Jordi didn't care at all; the most important thing now was how Alice was doing. Jordi ran to his room and found Alice tidying up
"There's still a long way to go in life, Jor. Besides, you can't possibly marry me." said Alice, Try to calm down.Jordi got up from his seat and walked slowly towards Alice, who was still busy eating. He then pulled up the chair next to Alice and turned Alice's body to face him."What do you mean?""You don't have any feelings for me at all. There's no love, so why do you have to force me to get married?""Al ..." "Especially because you are scared that I will be pregnant. No! I don't want that, and I don't want to feel sorry for my child because he or she lives without love from his father," explained Alice as if she didn't care about the sad look in Jordi's eyes."What if I say I love you?""You're ridiculous!" Alice swiftly poked Jordi's forehead. "You're still affected by the drug, aren't you?" teased Alice, smiling confusedly."Are you serious?" Jordi stared at Alice's eyes very deeply."Never mind... don't because of what happened last night, you said you love me. I'm not aski
"No!" Alice said it firmly, even though she was very embarrassed. Alice didn't expect that she would be serving Jordi's seductive lips. "Haha... don't lie to me. I know you really like it when I kiss you." Jordi chuckled amusedly seeing Alice, who was getting more and more embarrassed. "I want to go home now." Alice pushed Jordi away from her, then started to take her bag and shoes. "Hana is still in front, you know!" Jordi said he was lying. What's more, the goal is to keep Alice in her apartment longer. "Are you serious?" Alice lowered her bag again. "Why can't I be serious?" "So when can I go home?" asked Alice, who was starting to get desperate. She was no longer strong enough to be with Jordi in the same place. Her heart kept beating erratically. "Later tonight. I'll take you with me. Then you'll just wear a hoodie and my bag. So you won't find out that you're a girl. Oh yes... don't forget to wear a mask and sunglasses." "ARGH! Jordi, why is it so complicated?" Alice sta
"Yes, that's because I'm still sleepy and you're bothering me," said Jordi irritably. He looked for whatever excuse he could to get rid of Hana and Norita from his apartment. "You lied," said Hana, who still didn't believe Jordi. "You guys really don't believe me, do you?" Jordi protested. He pretended to get a drink in the kitchen while guarding Alice's hiding place so that Norita and Hana would not visit him. "But there are kissmarks on your neck, Jor!" Now Hana's voice started to come out in a protesting tone. "Oh, well... that's the name of the club too. Everyone is drunk. So if a drunk woman gives me a kissmark on my neck, that's normal," Jordi explained again. "So you were drunk last night? Oh my goodness, Jordi! I have told you many times that you shouldn't be drunk." said Norita angrily. "Yes, yesterday was the graduation ceremony; just passed the tri
"But first, you promise me one thing!" Jordi looked at Alice's eyes, which were glistening with tears."What?""Promise first!""Ah... this is a tricky promise! I'm too lazy to promise you," said Alice.She was too often deceived and trapped by Jordi's promises, where the last sufferer was her. Alice already knows Jordi's annoying behavior by heart."No. This time I won't lie!" Jordi stared at Alice's beautiful eyes. He tried to reassure Alice with his very serious eyes."I'll listen first; what do you want? If it makes sense to me, then I'll do it." Now Alice is smarter than ever. Not to surrender and believe in Jordi's promises and boasts."Haha... you're starting to get smart, aren't you?" Jordi poked Alice's forehead gently."Of course""I want you to never leave me. No matter what will happen next," asked Jordi very seriously."Hmm...""Why are you even thinking?" Jordi protested
Alice's cell phone rang, indicating an incoming message. Alice immediately grabbed her cellphone and saw who sent her the message.Jordi: Alice, don't you ever think about leaving me! Because I will chase you forever. I love you to death, and no one can replace you in my heart!Alice stared at the flat screen on her cellphone. Take a rough breath. "ARGH! Why is it like this?" Alice screamed in her heart while ruffling her own hair.Chaotic... that's the most appropriate word for Alice right now.Ting!Alice's cell phone rang again. Lazily, Alice looked again at the contents of the message, and it most likely came from Jordi, and it turned out that Alice was wrong. The person who sent the message was Nino. His current boyfriend is out of town because of his work.Nino: Hi, darling. What are you doing? What time did you come home yesterday? Why didn't you tell me?Alice: Sorry. I forgot. Last night Jordi was sick. So I hel
"Jordi! No! You have no right to take Luke from me! Luke is my child! Only mine, not yours!" Alice insisted."But it also has my seed that produced Luke! You're not an amoeba that splits itself to reproduce! Clearly, Luke is my child!" Jordi replied, not accepting it."Jordi ..." Alice interjected weakly.Alice knows Jordi's nature very well, which probably hasn't changed until now. Jordi cannot be scolded; he must be told gently.Jordi fell silent for a moment. Alice's face, which looked almost like she was about to cry, made him realize he had shouted at the mother of his child."Please ... don't be like that. I'm begging you." Alice pleaded with a hoarse voice."Okay. But tell me what happened! How did we end up like this?" Jordi replied softly. He no longer raised his voice.Alice took a deep breath."Yes, Luke is indeed your child. You are right. I am not an Amoeba either." Alice whispered, finally having to tell the truth
Jordi immediately got out of his car. With trembling hands and trying to calm himself, he pressed the doorbell in front of Alice's house.Ding Dong!Jordi stood silently in front of Alice's house. His legs were like jelly, weak with the reality he might have to face.CLICK!"Jo-jordi!" Alice's eyes widened. She was really very confused right now. Why does Jordi know her house?"Alice ..." Jordi said weakly."How did you get here?""Uhm ... may I come in?""No ... let's talk outside."Alice pushed Jordi away from her front door and immediately closed it."Why? Am I not allowed to enter your house?" Jordi said softly."Don't. My husband will be upset if he sees you.""Husband? Where is your husband? Please introduce me to him.""What's the point, Jor? Forget it ... just go to your own home.""No! I came here to find something.""What are you looking for?""I...""What you're looking for isn't in my house!" Alice said firmly, very protective."Why? What do you know about what I'm looking
"Does she already have children?" Jordi was very curious. For the past five years, he really hasn't heard from any of his friends. His life is only focused on work and Anita."Hmm ... it seems like Alice's child is a boy. Should I just buy a gift?"He didn't want to think too long. He immediately left the Fleko office and went to the shopping mall. He entered the toy store."Hmm ... how old is that child? Four years or three years, I wonder?" Jordi wondered to himself."Well, whatever, I'll just buy him a toy car and a water gun so he can play. Just consider it a gift from your uncle. Hehe ... " chuckled Jordi to himself as he looked at the toy that he thought was nice and interesting for Alice's child, who should have been a boy."Can I play with Alice's child? Maybe it will be fun. Uhm ... her husband? Is he allowed? But, isn't it that a friend can't invite their friend's child to play? No way ... of course, it's fine to play with Alice's husband
"It turns out he is still alive.""HAH!"Ranti was really surprised by what Alice said."I'm just as surprised as you, Mom.""How did you find out?""Jordi's company is a client at my company. And ... the project I've been working on until overtime since yesterday is Jordi's.""Don't you know about him?" Ranti couldn't fathom the very frightening coincidence.It was like a nightmare to get involved with Jordi again. Especially with Norita, who was so terrifying. Making Ranti and Alice's life in Jakarta for two weeks even more terrifying.Norita's henchman went crazy inside Alice's house. So, Alice and Ranti's departure to Australia was expedited. Fortunately, Nathan helped both of them escape Norita's grip."No, Mom. The company seems kind of closed off like that. So, I have no idea who the owner of the company is.""So what happened next? What did he say to you, Al?" Ranti was curious."He has amnesia, Mom
Alice just wanted to cry upon hearing Jordi's words. The woman actually misses Jordi very much. In fact, almost every night she and Luke pray for Jordi to be happy in heaven. But, it turns out Jordi is still in the world. What a strange prayer when she thinks back on it."I ... I don't know," Alice replied hesitantly."Didn't I tell you?"Alice shook her head."It's better if you contact a psychologist or psychiatrist. Who knows, they might be able to help you.""You are just like Anita. Telling me to see a doctor.""Well, you do need help. Why refuse it?""I feel ... if I meet her, then this illness of mine could be cured.""I don't know, I can't help you, Jordi. It's better if you see a doctor so you won't think about the past anymore. Anyway, you have to live your new life. Starting a family with Anita. Your children will definitely be handsome and beautiful. Like you and Anita.""Of course. I have really good genes."
"Can't count anymore. Too many until I got dizzy."Jordi chuckled to himself upon hearing Alice's words."So, who do I love the most?""I don't know. You're the one in charge, why would I ask something like that?" protested Alice. "That's such an unreasonable question.""Don't be like that. It's just that the person is having memory loss and trying to regain their memory." That's why he asks strange questions."Yeah, you're weird. You already have a fiancée who is definitely beautiful and smart, why do you even need to ask about the past? Not interesting at all.""Anita is indeed beautiful and smart.""Look, she's the perfect woman. She suits you better than the mediocre taste you had before."Jordi laughed heartily.It feels like this is the first time Jordi can laugh so happily in the past five years, which have been filled with stress and pressure."Was my taste really that bad before?""Indeed, y
Alice took a deep breath. "Okay, lunch.""That's the great."Jordi smiled at Alice because he could win."I'll leave first. I have work to do.""Alright, I'll wait for you in the lobby this afternoon."Alice nodded and immediately left Jordi alone in the meeting room.When Nathan saw that Alice had left the meeting room, he immediately approached her."Alice, to my office for a moment."Alice nodded and followed Nathan from behind."What's wrong, Sir?" Alice asked as she entered Nathan's office."Jordi? The person from the past that you mourn? Whom you thought had died?""Ssh ... don't be too loud, Sir!" Alice pleaded."Ok, so he's Luke's daddy?"Alice nodded slowly."Then, why did he come here?""He... didn't I tell you that Jordi had an accident and died?""Okay, then why is he still alive?" Nathan wondered to himself."Well, that's what was driving me half crazy
Jordi waved his hand at Alice."Al, do you know him?" Valencia asked Alice."Y-yes.""Everyone, this is Mr. Jordi from Miracle Compay. He is the owner and CEO." Valencia introduced him to everyone.Alice's heart raced even more."Let's sit down first." Nathan guided Alice's hand because he felt Alice was really stiff now.Jordi kept watching what was happening with Alice. For some reason, his eyes couldn't move away from Alice, who was very shocked by his arrival."Al, can you present?""asked Nathan.Frankly, Alice was blank. She is confused by what she is facing now. Even Jordi said "long time no see" to him. Truly, it's confusing."Sir, could you please be the one to present? I ... I'm blank." Alice pleaded."Okay. I'll take over for you."Nathan then began to present what Alice had created in the PowerPoint in front of everyone in the meeting room.Jordi nodded slowly in agreement with what the Fl
"Later... I will think about it again."Anita let out a rough sigh."Please help, Aunt. I can't take it anymore like this. It's like competing with a phantom for five years.""Yes. You just relax. I will think of another way for your relationship with Jordi. For sure, for Auntie, the one who will be my daughter-in-law is you only. Not Alice or any other woman.""Thank you, Aunt."After finishing her conversation with Norita, Anita left the room and pulled Jordi's hand to talk privately on Jordi's balcony."Jor ...""Um, yes?""Are you still mad at me because I forced you earlier?""No, not really. I realize that I am also at fault. I didn't want to make an effort for both of us, but I was always haunted by a shadow whose identity I didn't even know.""Do you think ... we can get married?" Anita said despairingly.Jordi was increasingly confused about what to say to Anita."Yes. But ..." A hint of dou