Chapter 21

"Hans will always take good care of you; don't you already have him? Why don't you ask him for assistance?” Michael prodded me once more.

"For private reasons, I kept Hans hidden from my stepfather.” 

I was honest and replied, "I can't explain it to you.”

“Why are you unable? Aren't I the one you believe in?” Michael again questioned me.

"Not like that.” I reiterated, “The reason is that I don't want anyone to know about my private.”

"I'm curious about the man named Hans," Michael replied with a mocking smirk on his face.

I decided to disregard Michael's conversation for the time being, even though the atmosphere in the restaurant felt more strained and the conversation with him felt more heated. I ate the rest of my meal in silence, attempting to relax and concentrate on the food in front of me.

I don't want to chat right now about anything. I want to have dinner. I added, lightly mockingly, "If you don't want to eat, I'll steal your food.”