She hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Before she could gather her thoughts, another message popped up:
"Your what? So where have you been? Come, I have a proposition for you."
Shelly's eyes narrowed, her initial shock giving way to a surge of anger and suspicion. "Beloved?" she muttered under her breath. What kind of game was he playing? And what was this proposition? The words felt almost mocking, as if he knew something she didn't, as if he was toying with her.
Her mind raced, trying to piece together what this could mean. Why was he acting as though he knew her intimately when she barely knew him? And what kind of proposition could he have for her?
Shelly's fingers hovered over the keyboard, but instead of replying immediately, she paused, trying to compose herself. The cold dread from earlier was replaced by a burning curiosity and simmering anger.
