Olivia didn't say anything at first. She just held her daughter, her hand gently rubbing soothing circles on Rose's back. There was no judgment in her eyes, no impatience only the quiet strength of a mother who had always known her daughter's heart, even when Rose tried to keep it hidden. "There, there," Olivia murmured softly, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears as she held Rose close. "You've always been a strong girl, Rose. Whatever it is, you can tell me. Let it all out, my dear."
"I-I'm so sorry," Rose managed to say between gasps. "I don't even know why I acted the way I did. It's like I've woken up from a nightmare, and now… now I'm left with nothing but regrets and… and. I've hurt Lucian, Mother, I've hurt him in ways I can never undo, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to make it right."
