"It's the first time I've seen you like this."
Cid turned around.
Julian was standing behind him.
"What are you doing here?"
Julian shrugged.
"I was watching you."
Cid frowned.
"You were watching me?"
"Yes."
Julian looked at the car that had just driven away.
"And honestly, your girlfriend is pretty cute."
"She's not my girlfriend."
"Whatever."
Julian smiled.
"She mostly seems like a good person. Not really the type to push someone into a pool for no reason."
Cid stayed silent.
"The facts are there," he finally replied. "She shoved Lara out of jealousy."
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really?"
"Why that question?"
"Because I'm wondering something."
Julian crossed his arms.
"That girl… what's her name again?"
Cid sighed.
"Mia."
"Mia."
Julian smiled.
"I don't think Mia has anything to envy Lara for."
Cid didn't answer.
"And certainly not you."
Cid frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"That if Mia had any interest in you, she probably wouldn't have left with another guy."
The remark hit Cid straight in the heart.
"Are you suggesting Lara lied?"
Julian looked him straight in the eyes.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"Julian…"
"Cid, I've always thought Lara was a manipulator."
Cid looked away.
"You're exaggerating."
"No."
Julian stepped closer.
"She's ready to do anything to get what she wants. And deep down, you know it."
Cid remained silent.
"But you refuse to admit it."
"And why would I do that?"
Julian paused.
"Because you're so unsettled by Mia that you'd rather believe Lara than face what you feel."
Cid turned red.
"That's not true."
"Of course."
"I don't like Mia that way!"
Julian sighed.
"Please. Go lie to someone else. Rose told me everything.
Cid stood there, speechless.
"What a little snitch…"
Julian burst out laughing.
"So?
Cid looked away.
"Nothing's official, okay?"
Julian smiled.
"Yeah, right."
Cid didn't answer.
But his gaze remained fixed on the road Mia had taken.