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Meanwhile, Margaret sat in Fredrick's apartment, a cup of tea cradled in her hands. She had just returned from her meeting with Lily, and her heart was heavy with the memory of her daughter's devastated expression. She had tried to explain, but the media frenzy had tainted everything.

Fredrick sat beside her, his hand resting on her knee. "We'll get through this," he said softly. "Lily will come around once she understands the truth."

Margaret nodded, though her eyes were filled with doubt. "I hope so. I can't stand the thought of her hating me."

Fredrick squeezed her knee gently. "She doesn't hate you, Margaret. She's just confused and hurt. Give her time."

Margaret sighed, leaning her head on Fredrick's shoulder. "I just want all of this to be over. I want a fresh start, without all this chaos."

Fredrick kissed the top of her head. "We'll get there. One step at a time."

*****