But she approached eagerly and said, "Alyssa, I was just looking for you to have a little chat, never thought I'd bump into you here."
Alyssa's tone was indifferent, the smile she usually reserved for her old friends nowhere in sight.
"Alyssa, apart from wishing you a happy birthday today, I also wanted to apologize to you."
Mara cast a nervous glance at Magnolia, who scanned the room before staring at Mara in surprise. "Are you looking at me?"
Mara shyly nodded. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I have something to discuss with Alyssa that might be a bit private. I hope you don't mind stepping aside."
Alyssa simply waved her hand dismissively.
"She's no stranger, dear. You can speak your piece in front of her. Of course, if it's nothing important, you needn't bother. I have other guests to attend to."
Alyssa's impatience made Mara blush with embarrassment.
"Oh, alright then. Alyssa, I realize I've been foolish before. Balfour and I have cleared the air, and I understand now that there's no future for us. So, rest assured, I won't be as naive as I was.
I won't harbor any inappropriate feelings anymore. I'm staying in the country just to gather inspiration for my classes and collect some material. Once this term is over, I'll be flying back home. You won't have to worry about me anymore."
Mara's speech was full of her plans, but to Alyssa, it sounded like she was being pushed away.
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