By now, a small crowd had gathered, listening to Cutie's "masterclass."
Kaya was already planning her escape—just turn around, pretend she didn't know them, and vanish into the crowd—when—
"Sweetheart! Sweetheart!"
Veer waved enthusiastically.
And just like that—every single head turned toward Kaya.
Kaya froze, face in her hand.
Oh, she could feel every stare burning into her.
She slowly turned around, forcing a gentle, perfectly sweet smile that could make flowers bloom… or murderers sweat.
"Yes?"
Her voice was honeyed calm—so painfully calm that both Veer and Cutie instantly went pale. Even the sparrow stopped chirping mid-sound.
The entire market went silent.
Someone coughed. A fish flopped.
And Kaya smiled wider.
That was when everyone—including the two idiots—knew.
They were so dead.
Kaya walked slowly toward Veer, every step echoing with quiet doom. She stopped right in front of him, lifted her face slightly, and said in a voice so soft it could melt butter—
