Meanwhile.
At a distance.
Javier crossed his arms and glanced at Liana with narrowed eyes. Liana fidgeted in place, her fingers twisting together, her gaze darting anywhere but at him. Her cheeks were faintly pink.
"Now do you believe me? Hmm?"
Liana averted her eyes, her voice dropping into a quiet mumble.
"I... I'm sorry... I... I shouldn't have..."
Javier wiggled an eyebrow, his smirk returning.
"It's not even my fault. The girl mistook me for my father and she jumped to conclusions. I had nothing to do with it."
Liana glanced down at the sand. She took a slow step forward, then another, her walk hesitant and heavy, like each step cost her something. She stopped in front of him, her eyes fixed on the ground, her voice barely above a whisper.
