Ruined meal (2)

My mother, sensing the tension, chimed in with a motherly smile. "We're just here to enjoy a meal, Tony. Let's keep the conversation light and pleasant, shall we?"

Despite Kat's attempts to defuse the situation, Tony remained undeterred. His stubbornness was almost impressive in its audacity. He leaned in closer, a sly grin playing on his lips. "You're a tough nut to crack, Mellisa. I like that."

I needed to land a good blow to lose him for good. I knew I had to think fast and come up with a convincing excuse to get him off my back. But telling Tony about my marriage to Killian was out of the question, especially considering our agreement to keep it private.

“I have a boyfriend.”

Kat seemed surprise. “I never know you do, Mel.”

Tony, with his eyebrows raised in skepticism, leaned in and quipped, "A boyfriend, you say? You're just saying that to fend me off, Mellisa. I don't buy it."

I sighed, feeling the absurdity of the situation. "No, really. I have a boyfriend. Very tall, quite