PBPGD

EPILOGUE

"Mind yourself at all times. The baby will be very small, and Lady Ihar will be in much pain. So don't fuss, don't cry. Be a good girl, alright?"

Jessica nodded eagerly at Sister Mary's instructions to show that she understood.

Of course, she didn't completely understand what she had just heard. All she made out was the fact that Miss Camellia had a baby and they were going to go congratulate them.

It wasn't good news for Jessica at all. If Miss Camellia had a new baby, it meant that she wouldn't love her as much anymore. She sniffled, wiping her eyes hurriedly.

When she entered the Ihar Manor holding Sister Mary's hand, Jessica was briefly distracted by the luxurious interior. Everything sparkled and flashed, with the prettiest and handsomest people walking to and fro. She gaped at them until Sister Mary admonished her.

Soon, a man approached them with a smile. Jessica thought he might be a prince.

"I'm Caruso," the man said genially, guiding them up the huge flight of stairs. Jessica blushed as she hurried behind the two adults. They came to a stop in front of a grand door. "My lord, Sister Mary is here."

Beyond the door, Jessica heard the baby cry faintly. He sounded hungry.

Caruso opened the door, and Jessica was overwhelmed by the amazing fragrance. It smelled like Miss Camellia.

Forgetting all she heard from Sister Mary, she almost dashed forth into Lia's arms. But when she saw Lia sitting in a chair holding a small baby in her arms, she slumped in dejection.

"Jessica. Sister Mary. Welcome," Claude said.

Jessica made her way to Lia timidly, staring at Claude all the while. His blue eyes and scary gaze never seemed to leave hers.

I bet the baby is super mean and ugly looking, just like Lord Ihar!

She craned her neck to peer at the small bundle in Lia's arms, ignoring her teacher's gentle caress, ready to laugh at the ugly thing.

... What...?

"Isn't he beautiful?" Lia asked Jessica, who stared at Cahrem with wide eyes. Jessica nodded enthusiastically.

"Is he an angel? Did you give birth to an angel, Miss Camellia?"

"An angel?" Lia's laughter lit up the room. Jessica thought it was the first time she saw the frightening Lord Claude smile.

Bewildered, she peered at the baby again. His hair was jet-black, his cheeks rosy. His lips were plump and red, and his eyes were just like Lia's.

"He's not an angel, Jessica. He's Cahrem. You'll be a good friend to him, won't you?"

"What?"

"I hope you'll be Cahrem's friend, if you'd be willing to."

Jessica fiddled with her fingers before nodding hesitantly. Lia smiled warmly, cupping her cheek and setting Cahrem down in his bassinet.

For the first time, Jessica stayed where she was by the bassinet instead of tailing Lia as she moved over to Sister Mary, deep in conversation.

"Would you like a cookie?”

Jessica accepted the cookie from Claude reflexively. He came to stand by her, looking down at his son. In all honesty, Lord Claude was the most handsome man she'd ever seen.

Jessica simply didn't like him for the sole reason that he got to receive kisses from Miss Camellia anywhere and any time he wanted to.

She pouted, nibbling the chocolate cookie when Lord Claude's hand touched her cheek. She flushed red as he gently rubbed the crumbs off her lips. "Come by often, Jessica."