He takes a second to reply, watching me intently. “You haven’t been in touch for five years Damien, so I guess it’s nothing new to me.”

“Don’t harbor resentment towards me for a circumstance I genuinely can’t recollect. It’s not like I can justify the hows and whys of what I did when I don’t remember it myself.”

Jonathan crosses his arms in front of him. “You guys were my best friends Damien, you and Gabriel both. And then one day, you disappeared. Just like that! I tried to reach you. I looked everywhere for you. But you were gone. Here I was, petrified that something awful had befallen you, while Gabriel was going on with his life like nothing had happened. And then it struck me—he’d never behave so nonchalant, unless he knew where you were.” He shakes his head. “You both decided to keep me out and let me believe that something terrible had happened to you. You’ve been gone for five years now, so forgive me if any justification you make sounds cold and served too late.”

A frustrated breath escapes my lips. “I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“Forget it. Just forget the whole damn thing.” Jonathan shakes his head. “I didn’t call you here to resurrect the past. I called you here because I specifically want you to design the new wing of my house.”

My shoulders slump and I open my mouth to defend myself, but I don’t. I expected some understanding from Jonathan, but listening to him, I get why he is still upset with me. And since he doesn’t want to continue this discussion, I decide to let it be for now. “Fine. Let’s get on then. Isn’t a tour of the new wing on the agenda?”

Jonathan gives me a wily smile, putting me instantly on alert. My brows shoot up. What is he up to now? Why do I get the feeling that I’m not going to like whatever it is? He can be utterly devious when he wants to be.

“The thing is,” he says, “I was waiting for a rather special guest to arrive before I give you the tour. You see...” and before he finishes, I hear noises outside. I turn to the study door and my jaw drops as Aaliya Singh walks in.

“And there she is,” Jonathan exclaims and rushes towards her. He holds her hands rather longer than needed and plants a kiss on her cheek. He helps her out of her coat, talking to her all the while. I roll my eyes and turn to look outside the window, waiting for Jonathan to finish fussing over her.

When I turn to them again, Jonathan is leading Aaliya towards me. Her eyes drift to mine. I cross my arms in front of me and stare at her. What is going on and why is she here?