Freya's POV
After a tense silence, his expression softened. "Let's eat." He returned to his seat without another word.
I kept my head down, relief flooding through me, followed by an unexpected wave of guilt and sadness.
I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. After a long pause, I spoke quietly, "I'm sorry. I know you're trying to help, but right now..."
Right now, I couldn't handle his kindness. I didn't deserve it.
The words stuck in my throat.
"I should apologize," he said gently. "I overstepped earlier."
Mack was apologizing to me.
I looked up in shock. "No, it's not your fault. You've been incredible, helping me with everything."
Suddenly we were strangers again, polite and distant.
Yet somehow, I felt safer this way.
We ate in silence, exchanging only trivial conversation. By the time we finished, I had regained my composure, settling back into our familiar dynamic of respectful friendship.
