Kael's heart skipped a beat as Lady Ophelia's eyes locked onto his. He could see the recognition and wonder in her eyes, and he knew that she remembered him.
The Dowager Countess stepped forward, her eyes flashing with a warning. "Ophelia, dear, I don't think it's wise to—"
But Lady Ophelia ignored her mother's warning, her eyes fixed intently on Kael. "Kael, is that really you?" she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kael nodded, his throat dry. "It's me, Lady Ophelia," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lady Ophelia took another step forward, her hand reaching out to Kael. "I... I didn't think I'd ever see you again," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
The Dowager Countess's face darkened with disapproval, but Kael could see the curiosity in Lady Ophelia's eyes. She wanted to know what he was doing here, and why he had come back into her life.