It's a small world, indeed. Never in my wildest thoughts did I expect something like this. Archduke Eldric Harrow—the man who betrayed and slaughtered Sophia's family—is the father of the woman standing before us.
Ariella Harrow.
Beside me, Sophia is frozen, her fingers trembling ever so slightly, her breathing shallow. I can tell she's struggling to process this revelation.
I tighten my grip on her hand, trying to be her firm anchor.
Hold it together, Sophia!
"It's nice to meet you too," I say, bowing slightly to Ariella while holding onto Sophia's hand, hoping she keeps her cool. "I'm Asteria, and this is my wife, Lisa."
Ariella pauses for a second when she sees Sophia, looking a bit shocked.
Has she figured it out? I wonder, feeling a bit anxious.
But then, she smiles, "It's wonderful to meet you, Lisa," and I breathe a sigh of relief. That was close.
