Chapter 130: Tears and Truths-1
And then-she appeared.
Dahlia.
Shaky but determined, she stepped out of the room, one hand trailing the wall for balance. Her face was pale, her body frail, but her eyes… her eyes were burning with desperation as they searched, scanned, reached.
“Maya,” she whispered, voice trembling, heavy with an ache that filled the room.
Damien shot to his feet in an instant, closing the space between them, his hands grasping her arms to steady her fragile frame. Panic flared in his eyes. “Mother! You need to rest.”
But Dahlia shook her head fiercely, even as her body swayed against his hold. “No… no, son. I’ve rested enough. I’m fine.” Her lips quivered, her voice cracking as her gaze swept over the room, frantic and unrelenting. “I need to see her. Where… where is she? Where’s Maya?”
Maya stood frozen behind Damien, his tall frame instinctively shielding her as though he could protect her from the intensity of Dahlia’s grief. But Maya’s heart ached, tugging her forward. Slowly, she stepped out from behind him.
“Madam…” her voice was soft, almost unsure.
The moment Dahlia’s eyes found her, fresh tears spilled over, turning them red and glassy. With trembling steps, she closed the distance between them, her frail hands lifting to cradle Maya’s face.
“Oh… sweetheart…” Dahlia whispered, her voice breaking as a shaky smile curved her lips.
Maya’s chest tightened, the sheer weight of Dahlia’s emotion pressing down on her. When Dahlia pulled her into an embrace, the warmth and sorrow tangled so thickly that Maya’s own tears began to fall.
She hesitated for a moment-then, gently, slowly, she raised her hands and returned the hug, holding Dahlia lightly, as though afraid she might break her.
“Madam…” Maya breathed, her voice cracking.
Dahlia only held her tighter, burying her face against Maya’s shoulder as sobs wracked her fragile frame. Her voice broke, the words tumbling out between gasps of breath.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart… I’m so sorry… I was too late.” Her tears soaked through Maya’s blouse as her trembling hands gripped her as if afraid to let go. “I’m sorry… I should’ve been there. I
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* Chapter 130 Tears, and Truths 1
should’ve found you sooner. I’m so, so sorry…”
Each apology was heavier than the last, dripping with years of regret. The weight of her sorrow pressed against Maya’s chest, leaving her breathless.
Maya’s own tears slid down her cheeks as she tried to steady her voice. “Madam… please… don’t…”
But Dahlia only shook her head against her, the words spilling endlessly like a broken prayer. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I failed you. I failed her. Forgive me… forgive me…”
The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of her grief pressing down on everyone present. Kim-hardened by years of service at Dahlia’s side-felt her throat tighten. She had seen her madam weather storms, command with an iron fist, never once faltering. Yet now, for the first time, she was crumbling.
Even Damien, who had grown up believing his mother unshakable, stood frozen. In all his life, he had never seen her shed a tear-let alone break so completely.
And Ashcroft… he could only stare. The woman before him was not the Aunt Dahlia he had known-the formidable, untouchable force of his childhood. No, this was someone else entirely. Someone human. Fragile. Broken.
Damien stepped forward, his voice firm yet steady. “Mother… please, calm yourself.”
His gaze flicked to Kim, sharp and commanding. “Her medicine-now.”
Dahlia shook her head, pulling back slightly from Maya as her trembling hands clutched Damien’s arms for support. “No, no… I don’t need it, son. I’m fine,” she murmured, her voice tight, still trembling from lingering emotion. “I’m just… I’m just overwhelmed with everything right now. I just…”
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she finally looked back at Maya, her voice softening. “I just want to spend time with Maya…”
Then, almost hesitantly, she added, her hand reaching out just slightly, “Maya… sweetheart… can we talk?”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.