As dinner concluded, I excused myself under the pretense of having an early morning commitment. Michael offered to walk me to my car, and, not wanting to arouse suspicion, I accepted.

The night air was crisp and sobering as we walked to the parking lot. Part of me wanted to confront him with the article, demand answers, but another part feared the consequences. Instead, I played the part of the charmed date until I reached my car, where I thanked him for the evening, careful to hide the storm of emotions brewing beneath the surface.