In The Depths Of Regret

Xavier's features softened, his anger swiftly transforming into remorse. "No, Brixlee," he whispered, regret etched in his voice. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I didn't mean to react like that. It's just a painful memory, one I haven't fully come to terms with."

Brixlee nodded, understanding glimmering in her eyes. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Xavier, realizing that beneath his composed exterior lay unresolved emotions. Silently, they both made their way back downstairs, joining his family once more.

The atmosphere was lighter now, as if a shadow had been lifted. Brixlee tried to push aside her own unhappiness and immerse herself in the warmth of Xavier's family gathering. She exchanged smiles and pleasantries, but her inner turmoil lingered, a reminder of the difficult path she had chosen.

…

The office was eerily quite, as if someone had died and Nathan knew exactly what was wrong. Brixlee wasn’t at the office. He knew well enough that she wouldn’t b