James Convincing The Starlights

"What was that phone call, Cattleya? What happened?" Sina asked her daughter still worried. She leaned in, patting Cattleya's cheeks gently, as if checking for hidden injuries.

"It's nothing, really…"

"Who's this young man?" Before Cattleya could finish, her father cut in. His gaze had been fixed on the blonde-haired stranger standing nearby, silently observing the mother-daughter exchange with what seemed to be a warm smile—though it felt more like a calculated smirk. 

Cattleya hesitated, then stepped aside slightly. "Ah, this is... James."

"James?" Sina's eyes swept over him, taking in every detail. He was dressed like a pirate—complete with sabers hanging from his belt—and wearing sturdy boots that contrasted starkly with Cattleya's bare feet. Her expression soured at the sight. Turning back to her daughter, she raised a brow in silent accusation.