A Mother's Desperate Choice

The heavy moment lingered between us, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. Adrian's words echoed in my head: "From now on, you are going to live with me."

I opened my mouth to respond when a sharp knock interrupted us.

"Seraphina? Are you in there?" My mother's voice came through the door, tinged with worry.

Adrian stepped back, creating space between us. I drew in a shaky breath, my bandaged hand throbbing slightly as I moved to open the door.

"Mom," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Her eyes immediately went to my bandaged hand, her face crumpling with concern. "What happened? Arthur told me you were hurt."

"It's nothing serious," I reassured her quickly, not wanting her to worry. "I just had an accident with a broken glass. Mr. Valois helped clean it up."

The lie fell easily from my lips. I couldn't tell her the truth—couldn't add to her burdens with what had really happened with Fiona.