Page 64 of Johan.

“What about Olivia?” I ask, glancing towards his date, who is engrossed in conversation with a small group.

“She's busy with a few other people,” Conrad replies with a nonchalant shrug.

We make our way through the opulent hall, the chatter of the guests fading into the background. The cigar room is dimly lit, with a rich, earthy scent of tobacco mingling with the scent of polished leather. The walls are lined with dark wood paneling, and a few people are seated in plush armchairs, enjoying their cigars in quiet conversation.

Settling into two armchairs near the back, Conrad hands me a cigar and the cutter to slice the end before lighting it up. The flame flickers as I bring it to the cigar, and soon, smoke curls in the air, the aroma strong and heady. Conrad leans back, exhaling a cloud of smoke, his posture relaxed.

“So, how was your little honeymoon in the Netherlands?” His question was expected, but not the judgment in his tone. “Did you get along with your future in-laws?”

I shush him immediately, glancing around and making sure no one has heard him. Then, I lean slightly forward, feeling the weight of the past week’s experiences. “It was perfect. Her family is wonderful.” I smile, reminding myself of all the good moments I spent there. “I got along with her youngest brother so well, little Arthur; he’s a sweetheart.”

“And what about Elise? Did you get to see her?” Conrad probes, his voice just above a whisper, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

“Well, she’s more nosy and mean than I recall,” I admit, a touch of frustration seeping into my voice.

“Or maybe that's how she's always been, but now you don't have the rosy lenses.” His tone is teasing but laced with truth, and he takes another puff from his cigar.

“Maybe,” I concede, shrugging as I take a drag from the cigar. The smoke fills my lungs, a foreign but strangely calming sensation.

“What about you?” I turn the conversation to him, seeking a distraction. “How are things with you and Olivia?”

“Doing alright. She's interested in me, so it’s a good change from my previous date,” Conrad says, a hint of bitterness in his tone, clearly referring to Hannah.

I lean forward, apologizing. “I'm sorry about that, Conrad.”

“That's okay,” he says, flicking ash into a crystal ashtray. “Now, how are you going to handle tonight? I'm pretty sure Astrid is expecting some… well, intimacy.”

I press my lips tight, the weight of the situation bearing down on me. “I know, but…” I stop mid-sentence, looking him in the eye as I exhale. “I can’t. I promised Hannah I wouldn’t do anything.”

“She's getting…frustrated, you know,” Conrad says, his voice serious.

My interest is piqued. “Did you speak to her?”

“Yep... She came back two days ago and we had a chat.”

“What did she tell you?” I ask, dreading the answer.

“Well, she knows you're leaving in two weeks for Oman, for God knows how long, and she hasn’t had sex with you for a long time. So... yeah, she told me to tell you that.”

I puff in displeasure, feeling cornered. The cigar smoke seems thicker and heavier, adding to my discomfort. “So she sent you to do the dirty work.”

Conrad leans forward, his expression earnest. “Don't take it like that. I'm just trying to help you.”

“I can't do it,” I say with finality. “And I won’t get coerced into doing it.”

“Fine, but what if she or her dad goes to Dean Pembroke and tells him about Hannah's secret?” Conrad’s words hang heavy in the air, the implications clear.

I huff and ponder for a moment, reminding myself of how much Hannah enjoys living in Cambridge, her classes, and her life here. I swallow hard and look at Conrad. “I need your help.”

“And what am I supposed to do? Have sex with your fiancée on your behalf?” Conrad jokes, though there's a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

I lower my voice even more, leaning towards him. “Maybe get her drunk, give her something that makes her sleepy.”

“Yeah, that would work for tonight, but what about the next fifteen nights until your departure?” Conrad counters, his eyes narrowing as he takes another puff.

I look up at him, desperation in my gaze. “I'm thinking of going back to Amsterdam tomorrow.”

Conrad gapes in shock. “What? You can't be serious. Astrid will never forgive you. She'll make sure Hannah's future is ruined.”

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