Oblivious to my reaction, Erik took my hand and slipped the ring onto my finger. I looked down at it, a faint sense of disgust rising within me. How many times had he lied to me with such ease?
From the kitchen, I overheard his mother calling out, her voice warm and indulgent. "Oh, Polly, let Alyce handle these things. You're a guest here—how could I let you do this?"
Polly, clinging to her arm, replied with a soft smile. "Auntie, I missed you."
"Missed me, did you?" Erik’s mother teased, casting a quick glance in my direction before pulling Polly closer. "Then why don’t you visit me more often? I was beginning to think you’d forgotten all about Erik and me."
Turning to me, she added with feigned innocence, "Oh, Alyce, have I properly introduced Polly? She’s my adopted daughter, Erik’s dear sister. You really shouldn’t worry about their closeness—it’s perfectly natural! In fact, there's no need to keep tabs on Erik when he goes out. Don’t you trust Erik?"
She stood before me, a subtle command lacing her voice. "Yes, Alyce, you’re always checking up on me. It makes me feel uncomfortable, you know? We’re all decent people here; none of us are dragging Erik into trouble."