Awkward silence followed until she forced a shaky smile. “I’m here to audition.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to hand your audition to someone like me?” His words carried years of buried pain, sharp and unyielding.
Ariel faltered, then spoke with surprising honesty. “Lucas, I owe you an apology. I was cruel, thoughtless, and I’ve regretted that night ever since. I’m truly sorry.”
Bitterness surged inside him. He wanted her to feel the sting of rejection. Yet, looking into her eyes, he saw no mockery—only remorse.
“Why should I believe you?” he asked, voice heavy with the weight of old scars. “You humiliated me in front of everyone. Do you know what that did to me?”
Tears welled in Ariel’s eyes. “I know. I was desperate to fit in with the wrong crowd, and I made you pay the price. I can’t undo it. But I’ve changed, Lucas. Life hasn’t been kind to me. I’m not here asking for forgiveness—I just need this chance. I’m behind on rent. This audition is all I have left. Please.”