As she approached, she noticed Almira sitting on a stone bench, engrossed in her own thoughts.

With a flicker of anticipation, she called out, "Almira!"

Almira's response was what Valine had expected. She turned her head, her gaze cold and distant, deliberately ignoring her presence. The disappointment etched across Almira's face was painfully evident.

Her heart sank, a pang of hurt coursing through her. She approached Almira cautiously, her voice laden with genuine guilt.

"Almira, I know you don't want to talk to me but I just want to say sorry"

Almira's voice was laced with bitterness as she finally spoke, her words accusing and filled with pain. "l trusted...