CHAPTER 88: THE TASK

Sarita stormed into the room with an unmistakable look of frustration etched across her face. Her footsteps were heavy, echoing as she believed that Patrick was not taking their relationship seriously. Patrick, who had been sitting by the window, was taken aback by her sudden entrance. "Patrick, do you mean it when you say you like me?" Sarita demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and hurt.

Patrick, standing up, responded quickly, "Of course, Sarita. I do like you. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it."

Sarita's eyes bore into him as if searching for any hint of insincerity. "Well, it certainly didn't seem like it when you were joking around with your friends earlier," she retorted.

Patrick sighed, regretting his earlier behavior. "I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. My friends and I have a weird way of showing affection, but it doesn't mean I don't care about you."

Sarita's anger seemed to intensify as she crossed her arms and frowned. "It's just that I've been hurt