Chapter 9: She is yours
While Cassian led her back she turned to look at Benedict, his nanny was completely confused as to why they were leaving early but she still followed him. Seeing his disappearing back she frowned, 'Where is my thank you?'
Just before she could turn away Benedict looked straight at her and gave her the brightest smile before sprinting away.
Adeline felt uneasy coming to this 'playdate' but now she felt much better. Today was supposed to be the start of her eventual downfall according to the book. But seeing how innocent Benedict was and how easily it was to 'manipulate' Cassian, she realised they were just children.
She believed that she could genuinely change her future if she tried hard enough. She had already started to. Benedict who would stay for his mother's final moments would not turn into a cold, vengeful person.
Although she didn't have the ability to save his mother, she could at least let him have a proper goodbye.
"It's unfortunate that you sent back the pendant. It would've suited you well."
Adeline didn't know how to reply. After Benedict left, it was like his entire demeanour changed. He was much more approachable. Adeline didn't know what was happening.
Benedict and Cassian got along when they first met, but it was only later that Benedict grew to hate him. His mother's death was the cause of his hatred, but he suppressed it. When the woman he loved chose Cassian over him, the dam collapsed.
He could tell himself that Cassian was only a child and stop himself from going down that road. Cassian knew that he loved the Saintess but that didn't stop him. Was it Cassian's betrayal or the fact that he was the one who was able to win her heart, whichever it was, it was enough for him to go down a thorny path.