Christine's tears stopped after a short while.
Partly because her sudden emotional outburst had run its course, and partly because she felt embarrassed - being in her twenties and crying like this in front of Adrian was mortifying.
Feeling awkward, she lowered her head and averted her eyes, trying to leave the car, avoiding his gaze.
But Adrian still held her chin firmly - his grip was too strong, and with just a slight force, he pulled her face back. There was no way Christine could break free.
With a congested voice, she met his eyes and said softly, "I want to get out."
Adrian studied her face - hurt yet stubborn, trying to avoid him, with tear tracks drying on her flushed cheeks. The inexplicable irritation in his chest grew stronger.
He withdrew the handkerchief, his voice even colder: "I take back what I said."
Christine froze for a few seconds: was this... his way of apologizing?