Dahlia's POV
The wine burned down my throat as I drained nearly half the glass in one desperate gulp, hoping the alcohol might numb the ache spreading through my chest.
The thought of Soren as a vulnerable child, desperately seeking affection from a mother who couldn't give it, made my heart clench painfully. How many times had he reached out, only to be met with cold indifference? At what point did he finally stop trying and accept that her love would never come?
"This bracelet is far too expensive. I cannot accept something like this."
Soren's laugh held no warmth, his dark eyes studying me with calculated interest. "Interesting. You'll take gifts from me without question, but refuse what she offers?"
His words hit me like a slap, leaving me momentarily speechless. The accusation in his tone made my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
After several heartbeats, I found my voice. "That's completely different."
