#64 The Spy Next Door

The air in the hallway felt suffocating as Sylvie’s sharp eyes bore into me. Sylvie's suspicious eyes bore into mine as if searching for answers. Jake stood beside me with an unreadable expression. I know he would protect me at any cost. But that doesn't mean he wanted our relationship to get revealed like this.

“Why are you here with Jake?” Sylvie’s voice was sharp, demanding an explanation.

I opened my mouth to speak, but Jake stepped in for me like a shield, his expression as calm as a deep sea. “I brought her here to cheer her up,” he said smoothly. “She has been through a lot... And with the track event, I think she deserves this.”

His voice was calm, but even I could tell his explanation was flimsy, a weak excuse meant to diffuse the rising tension.

Sylvie crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. “Oh really? Then why is Tyler here, but I wasn’t invited?” Her voice rose with each word, anger growing more visible by the second. “Why do I often get this feeling that you two are hidi