Darkness lingered in Dahlia’s eyes for a moment longer before it slowly faded.
+25 Points
When she spoke again, the steel was gone, replaced by the quiet warmth only a mother could
carry.
Her expression softened, and her thumb brushed once over his sleeve before she let him go.
“You’ve always been relentless, Damien,” she said softly. “Even as a boy, when one way failed, you
never saw it as the end-only a reason to find another.”
She met his eyes, quiet certainty in her gaze. “We’re confident that you’ll do whatever it takes to
get through this.”
Damien gave a small nod, his voice low and steady. “I know. I just can’t afford to be reckless where
she’s concerned.”
He exhaled, meeting his mother’s eyes again, a tired brow raised. “What about you, Mom? What
are you doing up so early?”
A quiet laugh slipped from her, warm and light in the stillness of the hall.
“Well, your father is snoring so loudly that not even these walls can drown him out,” she said lightly,
drawing him away from the worry still weighing on him. “I was only coming down for a cup of tea,
but since you’re already up, why don’t you clean up and meet me in the dining hall? I’ll prepare
breakfast for us.”
She gave his arm a final, playful squeeze. “We can at least start the day with a meal and some hot cocoa. After all, when was the last time we shared a cup? It’s been years since I last made your
favorite.”
A small, knowing smile touched her lips as she glanced back at the door where Maya slept. “You
used to throw little tantrums if I didn’t have a cup ready for you in the morning. If it wasn’t for Maya moving in, I doubt I’d have had the chance to make my son’s favorite again.”
She gave him a pointed, motherly look. “Don’t make me wait.”
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Damien’s mouth-the first crack in his mask all morning.
“I’ll be there,” he said quietly.
Dahlia gave him one last nod and smile before heading toward the stairs. Damien watched her go for a moment, then turned toward his own room.
It would be a long day ahead. But for now, the manor was still a sanctuary-quiet, untouched, and
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Chapter 197 Like Old Times 1
suspended in the fragile peace before the storm.
+25 Pomts
Dahlia headed down the wide staircase, the soft morning light spilling across the polished wood. She met Alfred in the kitchen, already moving with the quiet efficiency that made him a pillar of the
house.
The soft clatter of pots and porcelain filled the room as he gave the staff their usual morning
instructions.
He heard her footsteps and turned, meeting Dahlia’s gentle smile.
“Good morning, Alfred,” she said, her tone bright with a rare warmth.
“Good morning, Madam,” Alfred replied, his voice steady. The rest of the staff followed suit,
bowing respectfully as they greeted her.
Dahlia nodded in acknowledgment. “Alfred, I’d like to prepare breakfast this morning.”
Alfred blinked, surprise flickering across his features. “Madam? Are you sure? The staff can-”
She shook her head gently. “Yes, I am. It’s been far too long.”
He didn’t argue. Instead, he straightened, attentive and ready.
“Please have everything I need brought out,” Dahlia said, quiet authority settling into her tone. “I
want to start with hot cocoa.”
Alfred’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s wonderful, Madam. It has been far too long since the manor smelled of your hot cocoa.”
Dahlia smiled softly, a flicker of nostalgia in her gaze. “And… could you send someone to set up the patio? Damien will join me soon. That’s where I’d like us to eat-fresh air, morning sun… a little peace before the day begins.”
Her voice softened further, memories lingering in her eyes. “Just like it used to be.”
Alfred’s posture remained impeccable, his loyalty evident in every movement. “Of course, Madam. I’ll have the staff prepare everything exactly as you wish.”
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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.