"Are you okay?" Deborah noticed Aiden's reaction.
Aiden reached for his wine and took a gulp before patting his chest and replying, "I'm… okay."
"You're shocked too, aren't you?" Deborah said with a grave expression, "It sounds like a rumor, but the source is very reliable, of course… you must find it hard to believe."
"No problem, I believe it," Aiden gestured with his hand, signaling her not to worry.
"Really?" Deborah looked at Aiden with surprise, finding his readiness to believe somewhat astonishing, "You don't need to say these things just to make me feel better."
"Rest assured, I truly believe. We can't lie now, can we?" Aiden reminded.
"Ah, I forgot about that." Deborah laughed sheepishly.
Aiden thought to himself how he could not believe, when the victim of this very matter was sitting right beside them.
He glanced to the side.
