10: Only One Choice

For a long time, Lillian sighed inwardly. It was probably for the best that he didn’t know, sparing them both from awkwardness. Let it be a transaction, each taking what they needed. With that thought, Lillian pushed Oliver, who was almost within touching distance, away and said indifferently, "It certainly won't be you."

Oliver’s brows drew together at her response. "What do you mean it won’t be me? Is there someone who knows you better? Who is it?"

Unbeknownst to him, his mood had flared up with her words. Lillian remained silent.

Seeing she wasn't engaging, Oliver grasped her shoulders somewhat aggressively and demanded, "Is it a man or a woman?"

His grip was firm, causing her some pain.

Lillian frowned and pushed him away, "Ouch, don't touch."

Oliver eased his grip, but his pursuit of answers did not relent. "Fine, I won't touch, but clarify who knows you better? And what’s with that report?"

Lillian, cornered and exasperated, could only say, "Nobody knows me, only I understand my