Becoming Part of the Family [Female Reader x Lady Dimitrescu]

XIII. Hesitant

This story is getting too wholesome. I need to fix that somehow later ;)

• • •

You were in one of the secret passageways of the castle, hopelessly confused.

You saw one of the newer maids who seemed to be running from one of the sisters go through here and got curious as to what she was up to and followed her. Well, that wasn't exactly the case. You were actually on the run from the sisters as well.

Surprise and shock filled your veins once you realized more and more passageways opened up.

The place was like a maze.

You even lost track of the maid that you were following.

You eventually made it to what appeared to be the cellar. Your heart pounded at the overpowering scent of blood and corpses.

You reached part of the cellar where there was water around the floors. You stood still, wondering if you needed to swim through it.

Calling one of the sisters to come get you was also an option but ever since Daniela's confession of not minding if you were her second mom, you've kept some distance.

You didn't know what to think of it.

Actually, yes you did.

You were so ecstatic that Daniela thought of you as her second mom but the happiness went as quickly as it came. You started thinking about what exactly it would entail. You remembered the whole scene replay in your mind.

. . .

"Why not? I don't mind if she does think of us as her kids because I often like to think of her being our second mom."

Your head shot out of your covers and stared at Daniela in astonishment. Bela's, Cassandra's , and Lady Dimitrescu's eyes widened in surprise.

Daniela met your gaze with a little shy smile, as if just realizing what she just said out loud for everyone to hear. She fiddled with her fingers- a nervous habit that she picked up from you.

You looked at her warmly at how childlike she seemed. Though you were very happy with her confession, you didn't even know how to reply to her bold statement.

There was a tense silence.

"Lady Daniela..." You softly called, unsure what to say.

Her gaze kept flickering to you but never seemed confident to keep eye contact with you, she spoke, "You don't have to be our second mom if you don't wish to be."

It felt like knives just stabbed at your heart with no remorse at how sad she sounded when she said that.

"I-I...Forgive me, Lady Daniela," You clenched your teeth, willing to speak but it was like your jaw had a mind of its own.

Like it was locked and you didn't have the key.

What followed was some sad stares of the other two sisters as if they were willing you to agree with being their second mom. Lady Dimitrescu glared icily at you for hurting her daughters.

You watched in hopelessness as they all slowly left your room, Lady Dimitrescu glaring at you before bowing under your doorframe. Daniela was the last to leave.

Before she left, she looked over her shoulder, sending you a sad smile, "It's...It's okay."

It sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than you.