Chapter 77 Mooncrest Group

Liora's POV He bit down hard on the word punish, letting it linger like a warning. I lowered my eyes, bit my lip, and pushed at his shoulder. "I need to get to work," I said. Ethan did not press further. He stepped back with a heavy stare. "I'll drive you," he offered flatly. "No need," I replied quickly. I hurried out, desperate to escape. By the time I reached the apothecary lab, my coworkers were already staring at me. Their eyes darted over me, then dropped away as they whispered among themselves. Everyone had seen the photo. I sat at my station, feeling my head throb. The weight of the photo and Ethan's outburst that morning left me feeling crushed beneath the pressure. Dorothy leaned closer and asked curiously, "Liora, is it true what everyone's saying? Does Kieran like you?" The moment she spoke, the room fell silent. Everyone turned toward me as if waiting for my answer. I let out a heavy sigh. There was no way around this unless I explained myself. "It isn't true.