Dahlia's POV
"Don't blame yourself. If anyone should feel guilty, it's me. I've had a fear of water since childhood, and I ended up pulling Miss Uriah down with me," I offered a weak smile, my voice steady despite the lie. "The apology should come from me."
There was no point in fighting this accusation now. I was already too deep in the mess to crawl out clean.
Madge's composed expression flickered for just a moment, caught off guard by my admission. But she recovered quickly, slipping back into her practiced gentle tone. "It's alright. Thank goodness Soren was there to rescue me."
Her words carried a subtle weight as she turned toward Soren, who had remained silent throughout this entire exchange. Her gaze lingered on him with unmistakable affection.
His striking features could have been carved by angels themselves.
A bitter coldness spread through my chest, and I couldn't suppress the sardonic smile that pulled at my lips.
