CHAPTER 96

ALICIA'S POV

"Of course, Alicia! What are friends for?"

A self-satisfied smile curled up my lips at her response. Great! She was willing to have an open conversation with me, which also meant that I could ask her anything. Well, I hope so. I didn't want to sound so desperate or persistent. I don't want to do anything that might push her away.

I cleared my throat and forced a tight-lipped smile at her.

"That's a relief, Crystal. Thank you."

She furrowed her brows at me.

"Why would you think that, Alicia?"

I clamped my lips together briefly before I responded.

"I've hurt you and spoke ill of you, Crystal. I thought you wouldn't accept me as your friend after everything that has happened between us."

She smiled warmly at me, and to my surprise, she reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Let bygones be bygones, Alicia. We are now friends, aren't we? Let's start acting like one."

I returned her smile reluctantly.

She's an easy catch. She fell right into my trap and even de