Gretchen lowered her head, her eyes reddening. "I know you've been with Gwenda a long time," she said. "It will take time to forget her. I understand. I really do. I won't bother you anymore. I'm going now."

She stood and began to leave. Martin grabbed her wrist, pulling her onto his lap. "That's enough," he said. "Seriously, why are you crying? When did I ever say I missed her?"

"Then why are you reading news about Cecilia Kelly?" Gretchen asked, deeply concerned. She'd noticed Martin acting strangely since the charity banquet; she was desperate to quell any lingering feelings he had for Gwenda.

"I just read it randomly," he said, evasively.

"You really just read it randomly?" Gretchen pressed.

"What else did you think?" Martin retorted, raising an eyebrow. A new, unsettling emotion flickered in his eyes.

Gretchen's heart pounded. Her eyes blinked back tears. "I was just asking," she whispered. "Why are you being so mean?"

"It's alright," he said, lifting her chin and kissing her. "Gwenda and I are a thing of the past. You're the one I love."

Seeing him try to appease her, Gretchen softened. "Martin, I wasn't suspecting you; I just want what's best for you."

"I know, you're always so thoughtful." He kissed her again.

When Gretchen gasped for breath, she grabbed his collar. "Martin, the condom"

He froze, gazing at her face—so different from Gwenda's. Suddenly, his interest vanished. Releasing Gretchen, he said, "Forget it. I still have work to do. Get up."

"Huh?" Gretchen was stunned. They'd gone this far, and he was stopping?

"You should go," he said, pushing her away and adjusting his clothes. He retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his desk drawer.

Gretchen stared, frowning. "Martin, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," he said, lighting a cigarette and exhaling smoke.

Gretchen tidied her clothes, feeling deeply hurt. This was unprecedented. What had happened to him?

After finishing his cigarette, Martin seemed to regain his composure. He saw Gretchen still standing there. Reaching out, he took her hand. "Are you angry?" he asked softly.

"No," she said, shaking her head. She wondered if their frequent intimacy had made him averse to her. If so, she'd have to find a solution.

"Don't think too much," he said. "I really need to work. How about I take a break with you after a few days? Weren't you saying you wanted to go to that resort with me? We'll go this weekend."

Gretchen's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Martin nodded. "But I'm really busy today. Could you go home?"

"Sure," she said, kissing his cheek. "See you this weekend."

"Yeah," he replied.

After Gretchen left, the smile vanished from Martin's face. He slumped back in his chair, glancing at the news article on his screen. A dark expression crossed his face. He whispered, "Gwenda"