She pouted, rushing to hug me.

With a look of grievance, she said, "Don't take what I said yesterday to heart. I didn't mean it!"

I retorted unkindly, "You didn't mean it? Come on, you totally meant it. You're just explaining yourself, and explanations are just lies."

I deliberately exposed her, "Deep down, you thought I would favor Trinity. Honestly, if you tap into your conscience and ask yourself about it, you'll know I've been quite lenient toward you."

Ivanna whispered, "I know you're g