HE DIDN'T FALL FOR HER LIES

As she walked out of the office building, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colours, Zoey knew one thing for sure. The next week would be the longest of her life. Across town, at the Royale mansion, Ellis hummed along to music as he put the finishing touches on the arrangement of his room. A vase filled with lilies, Zoey's favourite flower, graced the centre of the table. He checked his watch – she should be here any minute. The doorbell chimed, and a smile spread across his face. He hurried to open the door, anticipation bubbling within him. But the smile faltered when he saw the woman standing on his doorstep.

"Emily? What are you doing here?" he asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

Emily shifted uncomfortably. "Hey Ellis. Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about."

"Yes?" Ellis frowned at her.

"It's about Zoey."

"Zoey? What about Zoey? We’ve managed to go back to being cordial again, don’t ruin it by trying one of your shenanigans. I’m not in the