Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Melissa enter the café. My stomach dropped. She spotted us and froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. The moment of truth had arrived, and I felt a pang of regret for orchestrating this deceit.

Victor turned, following my gaze, and his expression shifted from casual to confused. Melissa approached our table slowly, her face a mix of betrayal and hurt that I never wanted to see.

“What’s going on here?” she demanded, her voice trembling.