The silence persisted until the inopportune ringing of her mobile phone.
Loreley glanced at her handbag.
"You can answer..." he invited her.
"Whoever it is, I’ll call them back."
Jeffrey burst into the room with the puppy.
"Here I am, Mr. Marshall."
"Please take Lory home..."
Jeffrey looked first at one, then the other, perplexed. "Of course, Mr. Marshall."
Loreley got up with difficulty. It was if all the muscles in her body refused to obey her.
Why are you doing this to me?
"Take care of yourself," Sonny said to her, his face hard.
"You too!" she replied, quickly turning her back to him, to hide the tears about to spill down her cheeks.
***
Watching Loreley leave, Sonny forced himself to remain nailed to the armchair. His mind had managed to get the better of his heart, but
