Mariana stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest, as Benedict's sudden outburst echoed in the quiet balcony. Shock and confusion clouded her thoughts, rendering her speechless as she tried to make sense of the unexpected turn of events.
Benedict, his expression softening as he realized the impact of his words, reached out to Mariana, his voice filled with remorse. "Mariana, I'm so sorry. I had too much to drink, and I didn't mean to upset you. Please forgive me," he pleaded, his eyes searching for forgiveness.
Mariana's initial shock slowly gave way to a wave of relief as she saw the sincerity in Benedict's eyes. She felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace, and she allowed herself to be enveloped in his warmth. The familiar scent of his cologne and the t
