Tarquin frowned. "You''ve actually fallen for her?"


    Keaton said, "I really like her. She''s different from the other girls."


    Before Tarquin could respond, Keaton continued.


    "She reminds me of someone. It''s like I see a glimpse of Clementine in her."


    Tarquin froze.


    At the mention of Clementine, he winced, biting back the stinging lecture he''d been about to give Keaton.


    He suddenly craved a cigarette, patting his pockets, but they were empty.


    Lately, it wasn''t just Elysia; even the kids were on his case about it. He could barely sneak in a few a day.


    After a moment of silence, Tarquin said, "Winona''s the victim here. You owe her an exnation. Shifra is your girlfriend, and Winona is only putting up with this because of you. You need to take responsibility."


    Keaton said, "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely make it right with her."


    Tarquin reminded him, "She''s a celebrity; her reputation is everything. his is even more serious than the time younded her in the hospital getting stitches. You need to think this through carefully."


    Keaton sighed again. "Got any bright ideas?"


    "Nope. I can''t help you with this one. You''re on your own!"


    With that, Tarquin hung up.


    When it came to handling problems with women, Keaton was the expert. Tarquin only knew how to sweet-talk Elysia, but Keaton could charm just about any woman on the!


    The thought of Keaton saying Shifra was like Clementine made Tarquin''s frown deepen. What a headache!


    Keaton had always been the golden boy, pampered by his parents and shielded from the world''s harsh edges by a life of pure luxury.


    The few times he''d felt wronged as a kid were usually at the hands of his sister.


    She had that ssic older-sister authority over him, not hesitating to give him a good smack now and then. But could you really call it being wronged by your sister?


    Jessamine Huber loved him to death!


    If it weren''t for love, he might never have suffered at all.


    It just goes to show you, fate is fair. If you don''t have other hardships, it''ll punish you with the pains of love...


    In a private vi in Jindale City.


    Keaton sat on a lounge chair, watching the sunset with a heavy heart.


    He knew, clear as day, that there was something off about Shifra, but he didn''t want to break up with her.


    It had been years since he''d felt that spark again. Even if she was just a substitute, for him, it was enough.


    Then his thoughts turned to Winona, and Keaton sighed.


    It was so obvious. She was the victim in all this. He''d done her wrong.


    Keaton nced back. Inside,


    the floor-to-ceiling windo


    still crying, looking


    If it had been any other girl, he would have broken up with her on the spot.


    But... she just had to look like *her*.


    Keaton let out a long breath and went back into the living room.


    Shifra''s eyes were red as she looked up at him pitifully.


    Keaton pulled a tissue from the box and handed it to her. "Wipe your tears. We need to talk."


    Shifra asked, "Are you breaking up with me?"


    Keaton replied, "Whether we do or not is up to you."


    Shifra was confused. "?"


    Keaton sat down across from her.


    "If you still want to be with me after you hear what I have to say, then we''ll continue.


    As for Winona, I''ll handle it."


    Shifra asked quickly, "What do you have to say?"


    Keaton lit a cigarette and took a couple of drags before speaking.


    "I''ll tell you my partter. First, let''s talk about you and Winona. If you''re honest the decision to break up is in your hands But if you dare to keep lying, were done right now. No more discussion."


    Shifra bit her lip, seeing he wasn''t joking. She quickly weighed the pros and cons, then, with red-rimmed


    eyes she clenched her jaw and said, "...I did set her up on purpose."


    Keaton already knew the answer, so he wasn''t surprised. He just frowned and


    asked, "Why? Tell me your reasons."