Humiliation

She gazed at Casiano, momentarily at a loss for words. It seemed only right, however, to provide him with an explanation after his enduring patience. After a moment of hesitation, she murmured, "Ricky... was a man who once pledged his life to me." Witnessing the melancholy that swept across her face after uttering these words, Casiano's expression turned icy, "It appears you loved him deeply." Gathering her thoughts, Alla responded flatly, "I used to."

"And now?" he queried coldly. "Now?" Alla looked at Casiano, noticing his thin lips pressed tight and his chiseled face, secretly wishing to retort, 'It is you I love now.' Yet, she lacked the courage and the right to say so. She was tainted, undeserving of his love. Concealing her true feelings, she managed a hollow laugh, "I love no one now." Implying she never loved him. His smoking hand twitched slightly.