ᴛᴀɪɴᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ

ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴ

What was Cayden talking about? I thought, my mind reeling. "Lock him up?" I shook my head, confusion clouding my thoughts. But then... that's exactly what he'd done to me before.

"Ciel, dear, where's Cayden?" My mother's voice broke through my thoughts.

I exhaled sharply, the weight of the situation still hanging in the air. "He's in the house," I replied, trying to sound more composed than I felt.

She rushed inside, her steps swift and urgent. I let out a long breath and turned back toward the backyard, desperate for a moment of solitude.

That's when a blonde girl approached me, her presence almost startling. "Hi, I'm Allison," she introduced herself with a bright smile.

I couldn't bring myself to care at that moment. I offered her a polite, if somewhat forced, smile. "Sorry, my mother needs my help," I excused myself, slipping away before she could say anything else.

Once everyone had left, I returned to my room, the silence almost too much to bear. As I walked in, something caught my eye. A present was lying on my bed, the tag clearly marked: From Mother.

I smiled, my curiosity piqued. I quickly unwrapped it, my heart racing with excitement. It was an invitation to an event hosted by one of the most renowned writers  and artist of our time Klemike Lawson. He was launching his new book, and this was an exclusive event. A surge of happiness washed over me. I had to thank her this was incredible.

But there was more. I reached for my dad's present, unwrapping it carefully. It was Klemike's new art book collection, a limited edition. My heart swelled. I immediately sent my dad a message: Thank you, Dad. This is amazing.

I left my room and headed to my mother's door, knocking gently before entering.

"Mother?" I called out softly.

"Come in, dear," she responded warmly.

I stepped inside and gave her a hug, my voice sincere as I said, "Thank you so much for the present, Mother. I truly appreciate it."

"You're welcome, dear," she replied, her arms enveloping me in a tight hug.

I pulled back and smiled at her. "Goodnight, Mom," I said before leaving her room, my thoughts still buzzing with gratitude. As I passed Cayden's door, I hesitated. I was about to knock, but something stopped me. He probably didn't want to see me, not after everything that had happened.

I pulled the birthday card I had bought for him from my bag and slid it under his door. Maybe that was enough for now. I went back to my room and collapsed into bed, my mind still racing, but my body exhausted.

The next morning, I woke to find Cayden had already left. I sat down for breakfast with my mother, the conversation flowing easily until she dropped a bombshell.

"What do you think about marriage, Ciel?" she asked, her tone casual as she took a sip of her tea.

I nearly choked. "Mother!" I exclaimed, blinking in disbelief.

She smiled at me, completely unfazed. "What? I'm not getting any younger, Ciel. Don't you think you and Helena would make a beautiful couple?"

I wiped my mouth, trying to regain my composure. "I don't like Helena like that, Mother."

Her expression shifted, a touch of nostalgia in her eyes. "What happened? You used to have the biggest crush on her."

"She likes Cayden, not me," I replied, my voice flat as I stood up from the table. "Now, I really need to go. I've got assignments to finish."