The Return of the Hades

Beg him!

96

Clara's voice, when she spoke again, was laced with anger. "Darien is not a criminal. You know the accusations were unfounded."

"Unfounded?" Marlene scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "The whole town knows about his misdeeds. And now you bring him here, into our home?"

Lord Webber tried once more to intercede. "Enough, Marlene. This is not the time nor the place—"

But he was cut off by Clara's father, who had remained silent until now. "I think it's best if you leave, Darien," he said, his voice cold but controlled. "Before this evening takes an even more unpleasant turn."

Darien felt a lump forming in his throat, the words hitting him harder than he cared to admit. He glanced at Clara, her face a mixture of apology and defiance. He could see the hurt in her eyes, the embarrassment at her family's open hostility.

Without a word, Darien turned on his heel, his heart heavy. He could feel the eyes of the entire room on him as he made his way to the exit, each step feeling like an