For several long minutes, Irene had just stayed on the ground and Ilyan, on the stairs. It had to be one of the rarest moments in his life when he had to miserably let someone break down in front of him without being able to even offer his handkerchief.
Not even a million of handkerchiefs from his side were going to be enough to wipe the tears of her weeping heart. He dared not say a word to console her. Not a word.
Comforting her at that moment was beyond his ability and even though it made him feel awful, he could do nothing.
He blinked his eyelashes in a furious attempt to fight off the tears gathered in his eyes. Her vulnerability that stood bare in front of him for yet another time almost choked him.
He lifted his fisted hand, rubbing off the tear that escaped the corner of his eye. His defeated gaze fell upon her shattered figure. For how long was he supposed to sit there, letting his heart silently sob with hers?
