Andrew replied calmly, "Simon has always had issues with me, so I'm not surprised he brought me up. I'm guessing he complained about me to Cedric and you?"

"He didn't complain because I wouldn't let him speak ill of you," Francesca answered awkwardly. "He just asked if you were the reason I wouldn't be with him, and what our relationship was like."

Andrew found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Looking at Francesca's innocent face, he smiled and asked, "So what do you think about all this?"

Francesca stammered, caught off guard by his directness. "W-What do you mean?"

"I'm asking what you think about the situation. We could use this to help solve your problem with Simon," Andrew clarified with a gentle laugh.

Francesca turned away, pretending to look at the riverside scenery to hide her flustered expression. Her heart was racing as she tried to calm her breathing.

Andrew explained carefully, "You misunderstand. I'm not asking if you have feelings for me. In fact, I h