Sitting in front of Crystal, Gabriel clenched his fists, his expression hardening as he looked down at the table.
Crystal's words hung in the air, her words echoing in his mind and building an implosion of emotions.
Then, suddenly, he shot up, nearly knocking his chair over as he shouted,
"That's… that's unforgivable!"
The room around them went silent. Heads turned, a few customers openly staring, and a waiter paused mid-step, raising an eyebrow.
Gabriel's face reddened as he realized the scene he'd just caused.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, he lowered himself back into his seat, glancing apologetically at the people around him.
Crystal's surprised expression softened, and she chuckled quietly.
"Well… I can't say I expected that reaction. But… somehow, I'm glad. It feels… nice to have someone care enough to get angry for me." Her smile was faint but genuine. "Makes me feel supported."
