Chapter 32: Break-up
Outside the bathroom, silence hung thick after Shin's command.
Shin's voice had been final—an order, not a request.
Yet Calin didn't move.
She stood frozen in place, fingers tightening around the bouquet as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I've been wanting to talk to you... about what happened," she whispered, her voice as fragile as glass. "I came because I was worried. Brother Sergei told me you were unwell."
Shin's jaw tensed. He remained seated, face unreadable, eyes cold. The soft, rhythmic drip of the IV cast elongated shadows on the wall—each drop an echo of his growing irritation.
What nonsense is this person babbling now?
And Sergei Ricci? It didn't matter how noble the bloodline, how lavish the upbringing—dress a fool in gold, feed them poetry and etiquette, and they'll still find a way to exhibit their foolishness.
Calin stepped forward tentatively, her voice breaking with wounded grace. "I truly wanted to apologize for what I said... in your study. I didn't mean to upset you. I know I crossed a line. But I hoped this wouldn't damage the relationship between our families."
Shin snapped. "And breaking into my room, disregarding my privacy twice, is your version of an apology?"
His voice sliced through the air like a blade.
"You might want to reconsider your definition of 'sincerity.'"