That man

Just over a week had passed since their last meeting, and the relationship between these two individuals was rapidly improving.

Rolland was taken aback for a while. After James obediently disappeared from view, he turned his attention to Rowan.

"How do you two know each other so well?!" His tone held a mixture of surprise and disapproval. Rowan believed that the quality of interpersonal relationships was about more than just shared words and agreements—it was the depth of interaction that truly mattered.

People often feel comfortable expressing their true emotions around those close to them. This was particularly noteworthy because Rowan was typically reserved and kept a certain distance from others. Yet, as Rolland observed, during the days he wasn't around, their relationship seemed to be growing closer, just as Rowan had anticipated. Rolland was far from pleased with this.

After posing the initial question, and before Rowan could respond, Rolland continued to press on.

"Why did you