I got caught using an ai homework helper and now I'm terrified

[MartinLub]

I need advice. I used an AI homework helper to write a discussion post for my online class. It was just a short response, nothing major. I thought I was being subtle—I rewrote some sentences, added my own examples. But my professor emailed me saying my post was flagged by their AI detection software and asking me to meet with her. I'm terrified. I don't know what to say. Should I lie and deny it? Should I confess and beg for mercy? Has anyone been through this? What happened? I can't afford to fail this class, and I definitely can't afford an academic integrity violation on my record. I know I messed up, but I'm panicking and I don't know how to handle this. Please, any advice would help.