_Zarelle’s POV_
Silence descended in the private room like a heavy blanket.
Arlan slipped out of the room with the excuse of visiting the restroom, clearly sensing the tension and wanting no part of it.
Calden spoke up once we were alone. “I shouldn’t have asked Arlan to get you here under false pretenses. For that, I apologize. It’s just that—”
“You seem to be apologizing a lot recently.” I sneered at him.
*He thinks apologies will fix everything,* Mirelle said with disdain. *Typical male behavior.*
Calden took a deep breath. “I know. But the ring is very important to my father. I’d like you to reconsider. If it’s not money you are looking for, perhaps we can work out a trade.”
My sarcastic tone didn’t escape his notice.
He knew he had just offended me again, tho
