Aldana saw Eric standing at the door, holding back his emotions, and she pursed her lips, speaking softly, "This is who I am, and my temper isn't great. All the kindness I showed you in the past was just an act. Don't kid yourself thinking that by sweet-talking me I'm going to be devoted to you again—just give up. I am not Ellen, and I never will be. I don't want to humble myself for you anymore."
Eric looked at her. He wanted to explain that he didn't see her as Ellen, but he felt powerless, fearing that no matter how much he explained, Aldana would never believe him.
Was this how Aldana had felt before, when all her efforts were met with nothing but stagnant water?
Eric's agitation made him want to smoke, his old craving for a cigarette threatening to resurface amidst this maddening tension.
A chilling hostility began to emanate from the man, causing Aldana's palms to sweat. She was getting irritated by the pressure from Eric but didn't dare to speak harshly.
