Responses

It's very intentional for you to question his motives. I've read the novel so you're seeing it from the guide's POV. You want to believe but just cannot because of these random questionable things he's up to like saying another person's name in bed, meeting with a former guide, etc.
I won't spoil it for you but the chase arc (will take some time) is TOP TIER. So let it cook.
Is ML actually in love with MC now? Or is he still lying? I'm with MC, this is very confusing for my heart (/TДT)/