The unexpected comment caught Karlene off guard, and she almost choked on her tea. Wide-eyed, she quickly composed herself, setting her cup down a bit too forcefully.
"I don't have anyone I like. Don't listen to her, Mom," Karlene denied, her tone firm but edged with a hint of nervousness.
Hana's eyes twinkled with curiosity, clearly not convinced. "Are you sure? I don't think Riri would lie to me, though."
Karlene's mind immediately jumped to Roy. She knew that's who Hana was referring to. The thought of him brought a flush of warmth to her cheeks, but she quickly pushed it away.
"There's nothing to talk about. Roy has been helpful, yes, but that's all. I don't have feelings for him," she insisted, though the words felt hollow even to her.
Karlene couldn't deny that she enjoyed Roy's company. He had been a steady presence in her life recently, always there when she needed help.
