When Beauty Destroys The BL World

Chapter 101~Her Second Life VI~

The carriage stood waiting at the entrance, its royal crest gleaming proudly on its side. Gulten, ever dutiful, stepped forward and opened the door with a bow.

The Duke, Duchess, and Verick stood gathered at the steps. The Duke and his son wore wide smiles, their eyes glinting with ambition.

"We are honored by your presence, your highness." the Duke said with measured pride, his voice full of satisfaction.

"Yes," Verick added, bowing politely. "We are truly grateful."

Nickolai offered a shallow nod in return, his gaze drifting momentarily to Dacia. She remained silent beside him, her eyes trained not on her father or brother-but on the woman standing just behind them.

The Duchess.

Her mother stood slightly apart, hands clasped gently in front of her, a soft smile on her face. Not forced. Not stiff. Just... quiet, and warm. And in that moment, Dacia could see the slightest glint of sadness in her eyes.

The royal carriage rolled up the gravel path, escorted by guards. Gulten stepped forward, bowing, then opened the door for them. Nickolai turned, lifting his hand in silent offering to Dacia.

She hesitated.

Dacia turn to look at her mother.

Without a word, she stepped away from the carriage.

She walked straight to the Duchess.

And then, in a motion that stunned everyone-including herself-she wrapped her arms around her mother.

The Duchess froze, startled. For a second, she didn't move. Then, slowly, she wrapped her arms around her daughter, holding her gently, protectively.

Dacia pressed her cheek against her mother's shoulder, breathing in the soft lavender scent that clung to her gown. Her throat tightened.

Thank you... for everything. For loving me, even when I didn't see it. Even when I didn't know.

Words that she couldn't utter to her mother out loud.

Her throat burned. Forcing back the emotions inside her heart.

She slowly stepped back, her hand lingering on her mother's arm. "Please take care of yourself."

The Duchess holding her daughter's face in her hands. "I will. You too, dear."

She smiled again, and this time, it was filled with affection and regret all at once.

Watching the exchange, the Duke and Verick looked stunned. The Duke's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Verick's jaw twitched, but he said nothing. They both stayed silent, suppressing whatever reaction might have escaped.

Even Nickolai raised an eyebrow. Whether in curiosity or mild amusement, it was hard to tell.

Dacia finally pulled away from her mother, swallowing hard. She turned back to Nickolai, who was still waiting, his hand patiently extended.

She took it this time.

Without a word, he helped her into the carriage.

Then he stepped in after her, and the door closed behind them with a quiet thud.

The carriage began to move.

Through the small window, Dacia glanced out.

Her mother stood alone at the front of the estate now, the others already turning away. The Duchess still smiled softly, but her hands were clasped tightly, her shoulders trembling slightly.