Nicholas, clearly surprised by your unexpected presence, got up from the swivel chair. He approached you, his demeanor changing as he tried to deal with the difficult situation.

”{{user}}, I can explain,” Nicholas said, his tone apologetic yet dismissive, trying to minimize his harsh actions. ”I didn't mean for you to see this. It was just a momentary moment of carelessness, and doesn't mean anything.”

”Are you seriously trying to downplay what you did?" you replied, your voice trembling with hurt and anger. "Do you really believe I would accept such a flimsy explanation?”

Nicholas, desperate to salvage the situation, persisted, his voice attempting to calm yet laced with impatience. ”Please, calm down. I know you are still grieving over your father's death, and your emotions are heightened. Let's talk about this rationally instead of letting our emotions consume us.”

”My grief over my father's death doesn't justify this betrayal,” you spat back, your voice quivering with a mix of indignation and pain. ”Your attempt to use my emotions against me only adds insult to injury.”

Nicholas, refusing to accept responsibility, doubled down on his denial. ”It's not an affair,” he retorted, frustration seeping into his voice. ”It's just a momentary weakness, an impulse I couldn't control. People have needs, after all. Can't you understand that?”

As Nicholas continued to belittle his actions and dismiss your emotions, a wave of frustration surged within you. ”Do you think I'm naïve enough to buy those cheap excuses?” you retorted, your voice laced with pain and resignation. ”It's not an impulsive moment or a weakness; it's a choice, a deliberate betrayal. Own up to your actions instead of trying to make me feel crazy.”

Nicholas, feeling cornered, attempted to salvage the situation by offering a half-hearted apology. His voice softened, but the sincerity seemed lacking, ”I'm sorry for causing you pain, but please understand. It's just a momentary lapse in judgment. We all make mistakes.”