Chapter 77 - chuckle

Rose's voice quivered, barely holding together the weight of all her regret, as she forced the words out, each one laced with raw emotion. "Please don't say that, Lucian. I never hated you. I… I really never did." Her voice cracked, betraying her resolve, and she pressed her fingers to her trembling lips, trying to steady herself. "I don't know why I treated you the way I did. But please, believe me, I didn't come here with any hidden agenda. I'm just here to see you."