When fate plays its hand

The next evening, Cindy arrived in the capital. She didn’t go anywhere else first, but made her way straight to Hell Monarch Estate.

Carissa had known her third aunt was coming back, but hadn’t expected It to be so soon. Dominic had said it would be several days before they could meet. When she heard Violet cheerfully bounce over to inform her of Cindy’s arrival, she had just taken off half of her official uniform. She quickly put it back on and dashed out.

It was still light out, and the sunset was beautiful. The evening glow painted the sky with layers of soft red and orange, casting a warm light over Cindy, who was directing the servants as they carried her things inside.

“Aunt Cindy!”

At the sound of her name, Cindy quickly turned around. Before she could even get a clear look, a figure rushed toward her and enveloped her in a tight hug.

With Carissa in her arms

were.

it finally felt real. Tears immediately welled up but were quickly held back, leaving only a sharp pang in her nose.

Cindy smiled and said, “What’s this? I’ve only just arrived, and you’re already trying to throw me out of the gates by ramming into me?”

Carissa held Cindy for a long time before letting go.

With a wide grin on her face, she said, “I’m just happy to see you, Aunt Cindy.”

Cindy cupped Carissa’s face in her hands. No matter how hard she tried, tears wouldn’t stop pooling in her eyes. She smiled, but her lips trembled.

“Silly child, let me see how much taller you’ve grown. My goodness, you’re already half a head taller than me!” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

Cindy raised her hand above her head to measure their heights, laughing until tears spilled from her eyes.

Carissa laughed brightly. “Of course, I’ve grown taller. How old do you think I am now?

Cindy pinched her niece’s cheek lovingly. Carissa had clearly grown, but Cindy knew that growth had come through so much hardship.

Carissa stuck out her tongue playfully before subtly turning away to take a deep breath, pushing back the ache in

her chest.

She feigned interest in the servants moving things around and asked, “What’s all this?”

“These are all the birthday gifts we’ve collected for you over the years. I brought everything back this time,” Cindy answered.

“So many?”

“It’s not too many. Just one gift for each year. It’s been accumulating for quite a few years.” Cindy paused for at moment, her gaze growing teary, “Some of it is from your seventh uncle. Go ahead, see if anything here suits you.‘ Carissa hummed in response, taking a moment to gather her words before speaking, “I’ll have someone check if Raf has returned. You go in and have some tea, Aunt Cindy. Violet, please take care of her while I’m gone.”

With that, Carissa hurried toward the door. Cindy watched her disappear in an instant, and the smile on her face quickly faded. Tears fell in heavy drops as, with Violet’s help, she staggered inside,

Carissa stood outside for a long while, calming

rself before slowly making her way back inside.

+25 BONUS

Cindy had also regained her composure, and she asked Violet many questions about Carissa. Through Violet, Cindy learned that Dominic was staying at Sullivan Estate rather than in the Ministry of Justice’s prison after returning. and that Carissa had already gone to visit him. The news put her mind at ease.

Watching the young woman in official uniform step back into the room, Cindy smiled with a sense of pride. Carissa had not only grown up, but she had also achieved something significant, carving out a name for herself in a world that often limited women.

“Come, sit down and talk with me.” Cindy gestured for her niece to join her, setting aside the topic of the gifts for

ΠΟΥ.

Smiling warmly, she added, “I heard from Ms. Spencer about so many things you’ve done. Tell me, how’s the position of commander treating you? Does it feel fulfilling?”

“Of course!” Carissa sat beside her aunt, her tone bright and full of satisfaction. “It feels very fulfilling

She used to speak with this proud tone more often, but it had become rare. She wanted her aunt to see the Carissa she used to be..

As expected, Cindy smiled widely at her words and ruffled her hair. “As long as it’s fulfilling, that’s all that matters. Young people should live happy lives.”

Carissa rested her head on her aunt’s shoulder. Cindy had aged a lot, the hair at the temples now gray. The last time Carissa had seen her, there were only a few strands of silver, which her aunt had tried to hide. Now, it was impossible to cover, and Cindy no longer bothered to try. Otherwise, she would have touched it up before coming back to the capital.

Cindy was concerned for Carissa, but Carissa’s heart ached for her aunt as well. The battles at Victory Pass and the harsh winds of war had changed her, leaving her less concerned with her appearance than when she had been in the capital as a noblewoman.