Harper paused, her response drawn out and playful. “Well, well… it seems Sandra has a crush she doesn’t want me to know about. Alright, if that’s how you want to play it… Fine.” She continued with a hint of jest, “There’s no harm in looking, you know. I spot handsome men all the time, and I would definitely share that eyecandy with my colleague. But whatever,” she sighed, pretending to give up on the matter, yet her tone suggested a blend of amusement and mock resignation.
Sandra decided to ignore her and closely observed the interactions between the woman and the man seated next to her. As the man ordered a beer for himself and a water for the woman, it became apparent to Sandra that they were traveling together. However, the woman’s demeanor — her scared and uncertain expression — did not escape Sandra’s keen observation.