Page 40 of Johan.

“So, you’re gonna meet your future in-laws? Well, not that you don’t already know them,” Conrad teases, giving me a friendly shove.

I laugh, pushing him back. “Yeah, it’s not like we haven’t met, but it feels different this time.”

“At least you won’t have to deal with Astrid,” he says with a smirk, his eyes briefly meeting mine before focusing on the path ahead.

“Speaking of which,” I begin, kicking at a stray pebble, “I’ll be back for New Year’s Eve. Would it be alright if I stayed here for a few days? The last thing I want is to be around Astrid when she returns.”

“Of course,” Conrad replies without hesitation, his voice warm and welcoming. “Anytime.” He glances over at me, concern flickering in his eyes as he studies my face. “I’m worried about you… and this whole engagement thing. When are you going to break it off?”

I sigh, feeling the familiar weight of the situation pressing down on me like a lead blanket. “It’s complicated,” I mutter, my gaze drifting to the distant tree line.

“Maybe I’ll understand,” Conrad presses gently, his tone softer now.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to lay it all out. “Ludovic and I are headed to Oman in January. We’re leading an expedition to find the Star of Ubar. He’s nothing more than a treasure hunter at this point, and I plan to expose him to the Omani government and the local authorities. But I need concrete evidence—proof that he’s been selling artifacts illegally.”

Conrad’s expression turns thoughtful as he processes this, his brow furrowing slightly. “And once you’ve got the proof?”

“I’ll go straight to the Omani officials and inform Dean Pembroke,” I reply, my tone resolute. “They’re friends, but I know Pembroke won’t jeopardize his reputation or risk protecting a criminal. He’ll back me up, no question.”

Conrad’s worry deepens, evident in his voice. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?”

I exhale, the uncertainty gnawing at me. “I’m not sure. It depends on what we find on the ground. It could be a few weeks… maybe even a few months.”

Conrad frowns, his gaze drifting away for a moment before returning to me. “And by then, Astrid will have the entire wedding planned and the date set.”

I run a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation but knowing there’s no turning back. “I know. But it’s a risk I have to take.”

He studies me for a moment longer, then sighs. “If you say so.”

The wind rustles the leaves, and for a moment, we walk in silence, each lost in our thoughts. The countryside stretches out before us, a beautiful, cold expanse, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of anticipation for the challenges ahead. The crunch of our boots on the frosty ground and the occasional distant gunshot keep us grounded in the present as we navigate the complicated path before us.

After the hunt, we make our way back to Conrad's estate. The sprawling grounds, with their meticulously maintained lawns and ancient trees, are covered in a thin layer of frost, givingthe landscape a crisp, wintry appearance. The grand, ivy-clad mansion looms against the darkening sky, its stone facade weathered yet majestic, with windows glowing warmly from within.

Entering the living room, I'm immediately enveloped by its cozy charm. The room is expansive yet inviting, with high ceilings adorned with wooden beams. A roaring fire crackles in the large stone fireplace, casting flickering shadows across the richly paneled walls. Overstuffed armchairs and a plush sofa are arranged around a coffee table, laden with snacks and a large pot of mulled wine.

I sink into an armchair, the warmth seeping into my bones as I cradle a steaming mug of mulled wine. The windows, framed by heavy curtains, show the frosty landscape outside, enhancing the coziness of the room. Conrad is nearby, smiling as he texts someone, his eyes lighting up with every reply.

“Who's got you so captivated?" I ask, curiosity piqued.

Conrad looks up, still smiling. “Oh, since I know you and Hannah are a thing, I've been out there meeting new people and met a French girl called Olivia. She’s lovely, doing her master's degree. We've been hanging out a lot.”

I raise an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. “Why didn't you tell me anything?”

He shrugs, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I just forgot.”

“You met someone, and you forgot to mention it to your best friend. Really?”

Conrad looks down, a bit reserved, the earlier joy in his eyes dimming slightly. I take a deep breath, sensing the need for a serious conversation. “Conrad, can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he replies, but his gaze is still on his phone.

“Would you tell me the truth? Promise?”

Conrad nods, but his focus remains on the screen. I take another deep breath, bracing myself. “Do you have feelings for Hannah?”

He freezes, his eyes widening in shock as he looks up at me. The silence stretches, and I can see the internal struggle on his face. “I won't get pissed, I just wanna know the truth.”

Conrad hesitates, running a hand through his hair as he ponders. “Well, she was special, I won’t lie. The fact she was hard to get made me even more interested.”

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