Maya's POV
"Don't trust Ethan Stone," Derek says through the phone. "He's been lying to you."
I stare at Ethan, the contract still glowing on my phone screen. "I know. I just found out."
"Maya, listen to me" Ethan starts.
I hold up my hand to silence him. "Derek, I can't talk right now."
"Wait! Meet me tomorrow. Please. I have more information about Ethan and my father. Information you need to know." Derek sounds frantic. "The coffee shop where we had our first date. Ten o'clock. I'm begging you."
I hang up without answering. My whole body shakes with rage and hurt.
"Maya, please let me explain," Ethan pleads. "That contract was from months ago. Before I knew you. Before I"
"Before you what? Before you pretended to care about me?" Tears stream down my face. "Was any of it real? The protection? The kindness? The kiss?"
"The kiss was real!" Ethan's voice rises. "Everything I feel for you is real!"
