CHAPTER SIXTEEN: A Secret Exposed

Will my secret be exposed?

Leslie approaches me, his smile widening. "Hazel, where have you been all this time? I was so worried about you.”

Alex’s puzzled gaze flicks between me and Leslie as he murmurs, "Hazel?"

I pull myself together. I can’t afford to falter now. "Oh no, I’m not Hazel.”

I retrieve my company ID from my purse, holding it up for Leslie to see.

"Veronica Shultz," I say, the name suddenly sounding foreign yet familiar on my tongue.

Shocked, Leslie’s eyes search mine for some hint of the truth. But I force a fake calmness, my eyes distant.

Leslie sighs, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I’m so sorry. You just… look so much like someone I used to know."

“That’s alright,” I say, grateful that he doesn’t insist on his correct assumption.

He then turns and walks away, casting one last, lingering glance over his shoulder.

What’s Leslie doing here, of all places? Could he be a new colleague? Is this a mere coincidence? This can’t be happening! I have to keep my