"I do not need his charity," Andre declared, his voice laced with a bitter edge.
Ellie felt a wave of surprise wash over her by the man's cold attitude, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears, betraying the hurt his action caused.
"Andre, don't be like this, okay?" she pleaded. This is not charity. I offered this to you because I truly want to help you. Are… are you blaming me? Do you think I'm at fault for not explaining things clearly from the start? Do you blame me for dragging you down so that you…"
Andre withdrew his hand with a stiff motion. He knew that his action just now was too rude and impulsive, and thus felt a wave of regret wash over him. It was especially so after seeing her sad look. He could hardly bear it, and a flicker of conflict danced in his eyes as he struggled with his emotions, torn between resolution and remorse.
