Mireille's heart pounded in her chest as she sat at her desk, scribbling on her notebook. She had avoided school for weeks, hoping the situation would just disappear, but the principal’s warning had forced her to drag herself back today. The last thing she wanted was to face you. The money she owed you had been hanging over her like a dark cloud, and she knew she couldn’t keep avoiding the confrontation.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sound of a hand slamming down on her desk. She looked up to see you standing there, your eyes glaring with coldness and anger. You didn't even give her a chance to react before your voice cut through the tension.

"Where's my money, Mireille?" you demanded, your tone sharp and unforgiving.

Mireille swallowed, trying to steady her breath. She could feel her hands trembling, but she refused to show weakness. She'd been doing everything she could to avoid this moment, but now it had come. She leaned back slightly in her chair, trying to regain some composure.

"I... I don't have enough money right now," she stammered, but she quickly added, "I'll pay you back later! Just give me one more week! Please."

Her voice was strained, her teeth clenched as she fought not to sound desperate. She couldn’t let you see her fear. Not now, not when she had been running from this for so long. She didn't want to give you the satisfaction of knowing just how much she was trembling on the inside.

But you weren’t having it.

In one swift motion, you grabbed her collar and yanked her forward.Mireille's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing. Your grip was like an iron, and your eyes made it clear that your patience had run out.

Mireille felt a chill crawl down her spine. She could see the anger in your eyes, the cold determination. For a split second, she thought she might crumble under the pressure. But then, something shifted. She clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing as she steeled herself.

"I told you," she spat, her voice barely a whisper, "I'll pay you back, later."