Chapter 17: Final
Lilia, Sabrina, and their mother sat in the car, parked just outside the Masquerade Ball. Their father was notably absent, leaving a strange void in the already tense atmosphere.
Lilia braced herself for her mother's usual barrage of ranting or scolding, yet what she saw instead was far more unsettling—a smile. It wasn't warm or kind; it was proud, almost triumphant as if she had just won some silent victory.
Something about that smile was deeply unsettling.
Sabrina noticed it too. From where she sat beside their mother, her eyes darted nervously between the two. Unable to suppress her curiosity, she broke the silence with a hesitant question.
"Mom, where is Dad?" Sabrina's voice was soft, cautious.
Their mother turned her head slightly, her smile widening as if savoring a private joke. Her tone was calm, measured, yet cryptic as she replied, "Your dad went to speak with Mr. Zethan."
The weight of her words hung heavily in the air. Both girls froze, their eyes widening in shock.
Lilia's mind began to spin. Mr. Zethan? She had spoken to him just minutes ago, a brief and nerve-wracking encounter that had left her shaken. Why would her father need to speak with him? What could they possibly have to discuss?
A sharp pang of unease settled in her chest.
Their mother, seemingly oblivious to their reactions, leaned back in her seat with an air of satisfaction. Her smile grew as she added, "You've caused quite a mess back there. But who knew? A blessing in disguise."
The cryptic remark only deepened Lilias's anxiety. What did she mean by that? What kind of a blessing in disguise was her mother talking about? Despite the barrage of questions flooding her mind, Lilia decided not to ask. There was something unnerving about her mother's tone, something that told her she wouldn't like the answer.