Chapter 59. A Joke Dragged Too Far

MAGNUS

I could see the jealousy all over Astrid. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, it was clear on her face, that look of fear. Watching her react like that was amusing, and I felt like teasing her more.

She finally asked, "Did something happen between you two?"

I sensed her desperation and hurt when she asked, but I found it silly. The moment I mentioned Clara, Astrid's countenance had shifted, and she'd become jealous. In response, my expression changed to that of guilt as well. I didn't know if I was doing it right or not, but I just went along with it and nodded. "Yes," I said, "something happened between us."

Almost immediately, Astrid's hopeful expression became cold and detached. She looked at me like a monster with horns on my forehead. After a while, she pushed me aside and stood up, then walked away.

I laughed at how easy it was to get to her head. "Astrid, come on! I'm just joking with you!" I said, chuckling, but she