章 208: Under His Command    

[IRAYA]

Every nerve in my body screamed at me to turn and walk away. Logic told me to leave, to avoid further humiliation, but something deep inside rooted me in place.

I wasn't about to run. Not now. Not when I had come this far. Turning back would only make things worse—it would look weak, pitiful, like I couldn't face the consequences of my own actions.

Clearing my throat, I forced my voice to steady. "Actually, that's why I'm here," I said, extending the box in my hands toward him. My heart pounded, each beat heavier than the last. "I felt guilty for ruining your shirt the other day. I wanted to apologize and . . . replace it."

Leander didn't move. His expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes locked on mine. The seconds stretched like hours as I stood there, my arm outstretched and trembling slightly.