...

"I didn't do anything. Why should I apologize?" I struggled to stand up.

My defiance annoyed Colin. He kicked me in the stomach, sending me back down.

Pain shot through my body. I couldn't even speak.

Joyce tugged at his arm, looking uneasy. "No violence, Colin. We can talk it out with her."

He looked at her scratch, pulling her close. "I'm worried about you. You don't have to speak up for her. Stay back and watch how I make this right for you."

She snuggled up against him, shaking her head. "It's fine. She doesn't have a cat or love them like I do. Understandably, she didn't handle it right. I can't hold her responsible, especially since she's hurt."

Colin grudgingly agreed, "Alright. If she apologizes, I'll let it slide."

The others piled on, pointing fingers at me.

"Just take the out and apologize."

"Come on! You're either careless with animals or straight-up abusive."

"Joyce is letting you off. What are you waiting for?"

I tried to get up, but Colin kept pinning me down with his foot, shattering the last bit of hope I was holding onto.

The polite boy in my memory was gone, only a grumpy man left in his place.

He loomed over me. "Apologize!"

My face was pale, but I refused to give in. "For what? Why should I apologize for something I didn't do?"

Someone shouted in the crowd, "What, you think it's right to abuse a cat?"

A bunch of onlookers caught the keyword. Curious or angry, they stepped closer and snapped photos of me.

That schemer pointed at me, spreading lies. "That's her! Looks decent but abuses cats!"

I covered my face, shouting, "I didn't! Check the surveillance. I saved that cat from the fire."

The schemer fell silent, glancing at Colin, who didn't bat an eyelid.

"I know you didn't mean to hurt the cat," he said. "You just don't care about animals. Apologize to Joyce, and I'll let you go. It's your fault the cat freaked out."

I glared, my gaze burning him.

He looked away, then signaled someone to make me bow.

That schemer got close with a smirk. "Wanna get married? You're not bad-looking, and I can grant your wish."

His breath stank of cigarettes.

"Let me go!" I gagged, struggling hard.

The next second, the guy flew two feet back, passing out with a grunt.

A familiar, cool scent hit me as someone helped me up.

I looked up to see a handsome face, and tears poured out.

"You left the party early," he said, his voice deep and soothing. "I got worried and checked the surveillance. I'm sorry I'm late."