FAYE
After dinner, I asked to give Anna a tour of the grounds. I was glad she didn't hesitate.
The walk was quiet at first—just me pointing at places and Anna nodding softly.
We were already a few steps into the compound when she finally spoke.
“I hope you don’t mind me asking something,” she said carefully.
I almost smiled. I had been waiting for it—the moment when the curiosity would pour out.
“Of course not,” I replied. “Feel free to ask.”
She hesitated just enough to show she was choosing her words.
“The young man at dinner….”
“Roman?” I asked.
She nodded. “Yes, Roman.”
There it was.
I kept my expression neutral. “Yes, what about him?”
She exhaled slowly. “I couldn’t quite place him.”
I didn’t answer immediately.
That hesitation had been deliberate. During dinner, I had
