CHAPTER 72: HAVE YOU COMPENSATED

Edmund turned to see Victoria staring at him, a slight frown etched on her face. Her arms were crossed, and her brown hair was undone, giving her a faerie appearance. "Why did I ever leave this beauty?" he thought, walking toward her. The aggrieved ladies were still lamenting and murmuring curses at him and Laura—mostly at Laura, who seemed more interested in cleaning her soiled clothes. "Victoria, I'm so sorry," he said, trying to touch her shoulder, but she shrugged his hand off. He let it hang in the air for a moment before dropping it. He could see Harry and Mark cackling from the corner of his eye, probably at his expense. "It's okay," Victoria nodded, looking at Harry and Mark, who were now immersed in another conversation. "At least you're saying you're sorry." "What does that mean?" Edmund furrowed his brow, stepping closer. "Nothing," she shrugged, frowning slightly. "I'm just saying it's a step in the right direction." Victoria paused, scanning his face for some reaction