Mike's POV
The moment those words left my mouth, I knew I had crossed a line I shouldn't have.
The dining hall went silent following that and all eyes turned towards us.
They moved from where I was sitting to Valerie and back.
Valerie's expression didn't change at all. However, I base the crack that she tried hard to hide.
She was hurt badly by my words and I felt it.
The sharp, uncomfortable twist in my chest that felt as if a knife was continuously being twisted and slicing my heart.
But it was already too late to turn back.
I couldn't take back the words I had already said.
"You heard me," I added, my voice harder now. "This entire situation is already a problem. The last thing I need is more complications."
She lowered her head slightly when I spoke again.
She didn't argue or say anything to defend herself.
But for some reason, I wanted so much for her to say something.
Even if it's just to tell me to stop. I would have stopped.
