"I believe in you," she declared, her grip on his hand unyielding. "You're the only one who can protect her."
She continued, her voice filled with conviction, "This is my last wish."
Selena seemed to sense what might happen when Mabel was born, and with unwavering trust, she had placed the responsibility of safeguarding their child squarely on Duke Caius's shoulders.
Duke Caius found himself torn between guilt and love, battling the question of why Selena had chosen him as the protector of her daughter.
He knew there were better choices, like her own parents, but perhaps Selena saw something in him that he couldn't.
As he looked into her purple eyes, he knew this might be the last time they would ever meet. He etched her gaze into his memory, a bittersweet reminder of the past.
"I will protect your daughter as best as I can," Duke Caius said, his voice filled with hesitation.
