Dawn knew morning had arrived.
Everything she planned to say today had already been rehearsed in her mind.
She exhaled slowly as she waited for Cielo.
Okay. I'm ready.
"Dawn."
At the sound of his voice, she straightened.
Smile. Like you're an angel.
That was what she told herself.
So when she turned to face him, she gave him the sweetest smile she could manage.
"Cielo," she called warmly, walking toward him. "I thought you weren't going to show up." She added a small pout. She needed to act cute.
Cielo smiled gently. "Why? Did you think I wouldn't come?" he asked, studying her expression carefully.
"It's not like that," she said softly. "I just thought maybe you had something important to do."
"I see. I'm sorry. Work has been piling up lately." He let out a quiet sigh.
"I understand," she replied.
They walked inside the old school building.
The air felt heavier here. Too quiet.
She waited for him to speak, but he remained silent.
"You've been really busy lately, huh?" she said casually. "Am I… bothering you?"
She caught the flicker of surprise in his eyes, though he quickly masked it.
"It's not like that, Dawn," he said, his tone turning serious. "By the way, why are we here again?"
She paused.
"Cielo… can I ask you something?"
"Of course." He stood from the old chair he had been sitting on. "Is something wrong? You've been acting strange today."
She bit her lip. Her hands curled into fists. The words wouldn't come out.
Good. He hasn't caught on… right?
She inhaled deeply.
"I'm fine. Why? Don't you want to spend time with me here?" she asked, turning toward him.
He sighed.
"If you're upset because I haven't been around much, I'm sorry. It's not intentional."
She smirked faintly.
If she hadn't seen those pictures—Julie in them—maybe she would've let her guard down.
But what if Vincent lied? What if he edited those photos just to use me?
Then why did her instincts scream that they were real?
Her fists tightened.
"Dawn?" Cielo asked gently, brushing her shoulder. Concern filled his eyes. "Are you really okay?"
Maybe I need confirmation.
"I'm okay," she said softly. "Can you… hug me?"
Without hesitation, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead.
But it felt cold.
Empty.
"Do you really love me, Cielo?" she asked quietly.
"Yes. I truly do." He looked into her eyes. "What's gotten into you? Are you jealous of Navares again?"
"I'm sorry," she said with a small smile. "I just needed reassurance."
"Okay… so what is this really about?"
She slowly stepped out of his embrace. He let her go, but his gaze followed her—careful, observant, almost analyzing.
It made her uneasy.
"Cielo… this is just a hypothetical question. If you had to choose… who would it be? Navares… or me?"
He smiled without hesitation.
"You, of course." He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Isn't that obvious?"
Her heart skipped—but not in the way she expected.
She needed to stay calm.
If Cielo walked away now, the entire plan would collapse. Vincent wouldn't forgive her.
But what if Cielo truly doesn't care about Navares?
No. She couldn't waver.
You never loved him, right?
The plan was to make him fall in love with you. Just like Dad said.
If that happens—Dad will finally be satisfied.
"Dawn?" Cielo whispered near her ear.
He wasn't this affectionate before.
Had he changed?
If that was a good thing… then why did it make her uncomfortable?
Why did it feel like she was being cornered?
One last push.
Cielo continued watching her.
"Should we go home?" he asked.
"N–No," she replied quickly. "I just… have one more question."
She reached into her pocket and took out her phone. Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened the gallery and found the photo Vincent had given her.
"I just need you to explain this," she said, holding the phone out to him. "It's not true… right?"
Cielo's brows lifted slightly. He didn't speak at first. Instead, he gently took the phone from her hand.
"Oh?" he murmured. "Where did you get this?"
"Cielo, it's not you, right? Tell me you didn't cheat."
"Answer my question first," he said calmly.
"It came from a friend."
In reality, it came from someone Vincent paid.
"A friend?" His tone held quiet curiosity.
"Why won't you answer me?" Irritation slipped into her voice. "Did you cheat on me?"
He stepped closer.
Instinctively, she stepped back—until her back hit the wall behind her.
"Before I answer that," he said softly, smiling, "I have a question for you."
"I'm the one asking!" she insisted. "You're supposed to answer me!"
"You've asked me countless questions before, and I answered every one of them." His voice remained even. "Maybe it's my turn now, don't you think?"
He leaned slightly closer.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you. It's a simple question. I'm sure you can answer it."
He stepped away, releasing her from the pressure of the wall, then casually sat back down on the broken chair.
"Are you ready?" he asked lightly. "You're curious about that photo, right? There's a lot I could say about it."
Her fists tightened.
She hadn't expected this.
"Fine," she said. "I'll answer."
She had no choice.
"Good." His smile slowly changed—subtle, satisfied.
"So tell me…"
He held her gaze steadily.
"What really happened to Crisha?"
Her world froze.
"Take your time," he added calmly. "And no lies. If you want an honest answer from me."
He watched her carefully.
Was he testing her?
Or did he already know the truth?
She bit her lip.
"I'll wait," Cielo said quietly.
The pressure was suffocating.
Her thoughts tangled together.
She didn't even know where to begin.
But she had to tell the truth.
She didn't realize—
Cielo had a terrifying side.