Ella.
I let out a nervous chuckle, hoping it would ease the suffocating tension that had suddenly filled the room.
It didn't.
Instead, the silence seemed to grow even heavier.
Left with no other choice, I discreetly pinched Lugard's side as hard as I could. I didn't hold back, as the pinch was sharp enough to make him flinch.
Almost immediately, he loosened his hold and carefully lowered me back onto my feet.
The moment my shoes touched the floor, I quietly let out a breath of relief.
I quickly steadied myself before anyone could notice my uneasiness.
Then, forcing every trace of nervousness behind a carefully crafted expression, I plastered a smile across my face.
I prayed it looked convincing.
"Answer us, Lugard!" Leonard pressed further, as his voice carried an impatience that couldn't be ignored.
The determination in his eyes never wavered as he continued staring directly at his brother.
"Remember, we never keep anything a secret from each other," he added firmly.
