Her words hit him like a blow. Henri's chest ached in a way he couldn't remember ever feeling before—a dull pain that seemed to come from deep within, mixed with regret and shame. An uncontrollable urge to cry overwhelmed him, and before he realized it, tears were streaming down his face, impossible to hold back.

He staggered to the nearest chair and sat down, resting his arms on the table before lowering his head onto them. The sound of his unsteady breathing filled the silence of the room.

“S