When he was done, he asked quietly, "Why?"
Her brow knit slightly. "Why what?"
"Why go to such lengths… to make people hate you? Don't tell me you enjoy it, because I would never believe that," Richard warned beforehand. He hadn't forgotten how good she was at weaving up outrageous tales just to avoid the truth.
The silence that followed Richard's question felt heavier than before. It was like a day's silence before Shantel's voice sounded.
"It saves me unnecessary heartbreaks."
"Huh?" Richards was clearly taken aback by that simple answer. "Do enlighten me," he urged, sincerely curious.