Everyone felt suffocated by the group’s awkward silence.

The young lady’s eyes started to moisten with confusion and frustration but they were quickly wiped dry. Emotions piled up over the years, along with a thousand questions in her head.

The beautiful hostess also appeared to be shaken. “Please excuse my rudeness, I’ll have that cleaned up later.”

“No, it’s my fault.

“I know it’s a stupid question and a long shot at that because we don’t look alike... but can you tell me if this card really came from you?”

( ᵒ̴̶̷᷄ д ᵒ̴̶̷᷅ )...

Cinnamon gave the card a meaningful look as she slowly picked up another glass with a shaky hand, intending to pour herself another drink.

“Please, allow me to do it for you.”

“Thank you, dear.”

After taking a sip from the drink the butler poured for her, Cinnamon heaved a sigh and crossed her leg. “It was indeed from me, but I am not your mother.”

“Long ago, I made a promise that I wouldn’t tell you— that I wouldn’t tell a soul. It’s been bugging me over the years, I know she... they must’ve decided so because they thought that it was for your own good. I wanted to respect their decision but I’ve always felt that you had the right to know about her.

“I decided to still do it, despite going against my word. If they hid it for you, I’m telling this for your own sake as well. But to be honest, I’m surprised that Eduard Lucio wasn’t able to block it this time around, and I really didn’t expect you so soon.”

“Since my lady is already here, I hope you won’t hold back on the information you intended to share.” Vaughn sounded well-mannered, but his stare showed an obvious glare.

(^ㅂ^╬)

Cinnamon was rattled by that dangerous look and quickly shared her story, “I was in R Country when I got mixed into the wrong crowd. I was almost transported to god knows where when I was saved by your mother.

“A few days after, as I prepared to fly back to J country, I bumped into my savior at the airport and was given her address to P Country. Maybe she felt worried about me after what I went through.”

Silence beckoned her to continue, “My benefactor appeared to be flying to P Country for good, she was set to marry a certain Eduard Lucio from what I was told. We exchanged letters since then and eventually started talking online about their daily lives.

“However, she stopped replying one day, and a year after she sent a letter bidding me goodbye and that she will stop being in contact for good. Not once did she accept my thanks through the years, saying that what she did was nothing big and that it was natural to help others. But at that time, she finally mentioned accepting my gratitude so long as I promise her not to contact anyone from P Country for further information and to keep everything about her from her daughter.”

Cinnamon finished her story that led up to the present. As if on cue, the young mistress started being overwhelmed by dizziness from drinking too much on her first time.

After finishing a brief call on the phone, the butler turned to the hostess, “On behalf of my lady, I would like to express our deep appreciation for your cooperation. We have already left our card details so everything will be charged straight to our account.”

“You’re welcome and we would also like to thank you for availing our services.” Cinnamon glanced at the butler who started carrying her friend’s precious daughter in his arms, her worry was easily seen. “Please take care of her.”

“Lady Cinnamon, you need not worry. As her butler, I will take very good care of Lady Lucio.

“Ah, I almost forgot — I have left a number with the reception, you can keep in touch through that.”

“You have my gratitude.”

“It is quite unfortunate though, our flight is in the wee hours of tomorrow morning so after this...

“You. Won’t. See. Her. Again.” He emphasized each word, as if keeping a petty grudge for his lady’s teary-eyed look and the delicate mental state that Cinnamon inadvertently triggered earlier.

“Well then, we shall now take our leave.” The butler gave her one last look before stepping out, “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Miss Tomoe. Until next time.”