Chapter 128:
Julie's Point of View
The woman's blue eyes were fixed on me as if they were digging into my features, waiting for an answer with a suspicious patience that made the hairs on my neck stand up.
I tried to escape her gaze, pressing with trembling fingers against the warmth of the mug, and said, trying to find an excuse: "Can I drink this first? I still feel cold."
She leaned her back slightly and said in a calm tone: "Yes, of course, go ahead."
I began to sip the warm liquid slowly, feeling its heat slide down my throat, while my mind raced ahead of my heartbeat in search of a convincing lie.
After I finished the cup and placed it on the table with a hand that was still shaking, she asked me: "What is your name?"
I said in a faint voice: "Julie."
A slight smile formed on her lips that didn't reach her eyes: "A beautiful name, Julie. And I am Samantha."
I nodded cautiously: "Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Samantha."
