Alexander’s POV

The weight of the room's tension hung heavily as I sat there, feeling the weight of responsibility for the pain that my presence had caused. Sophia's parents, Richard and Anne, were still visibly upset, and Richard's disappointment had cut deeply. I cleared my throat, trying to find the words to mend the broken trust.

"I want to sincerely apologize once again," I began, my voice steady but filled with remorse. "I deeply regret any pain and disappointment my actions have ...