A Mother's Concern

Lady Novelle arrived at her mother's mansion with a profound sense of nostalgia. The grandeur of the entrance, with its intricately carved wooden doors and the opulent decor that adorned every corner, was a testament to her family's long-standing prestige and power. Each detail, from the ornate chandeliers to the rich tapestries hanging on the walls, evoked memories of her childhood and the life she had left behind.

As she stepped through the massive doors, her mother's secretary—a middle-aged woman with a welcoming demeanor and a warm, reassuring smile—was the first to greet her. The secretary's uniform, neat and professional, hinted at the formality of the household.

"Welcome back, Lady Novelle," the secretary said, her tone filled with respect and genuine enthusiasm.

Novelle's eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and relief as she looked around the familiar surroundings. Standing beside her were Sebastian and Kai, her most trusted guards and allies. Their presence was a constant reminder of the vigilance they maintained, ensuring her safety in every situation. She glanced around the expansive foyer, her gaze softening when it rested on a family portrait hanging on the wall. Her younger half-brothers, Jung and Teawoon, were depicted there—vibrant and full of life.

Turning to the secretary, Novelle's excitement was evident. "Where are Jung and Teawoon? I was hoping to see them. It's been far too long."

The secretary's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of regret passing across her face. "I'm afraid they're at school right now, Lady Novelle. They should be back later this afternoon."

A mixture of amusement and realization crossed Novelle's face. "Oh, of course. I forgot they're still in school. I suppose I'll have to wait a little longer to catch up with them."

She then shifted her attention to her mother's whereabouts. "And where is Mother? I'd like to see her as soon as possible."

The secretary nodded understandingly. "She's in her room at the moment. Would you like me to show Sebastian and Kai to their rooms? They'll need somewhere to settle in while they're here."

"Yes, please," Novelle said, her voice firm yet friendly. "They'll be staying with me, so it's important they're comfortable."

The secretary led Sebastian and Kai through a series of corridors, each more lavish than the last, until they reached their rooms. Novelle watched them disappear down the hallway before making her way to her mother's private quarters.

With a gentle knock, Novelle announced her presence. "Mother?"

"Come in," came the response, filled with warmth and anticipation.

Novelle opened the door and stepped inside. Her mother, who had been seated behind a large mahogany desk, looked up with a mixture of surprise and joy. Her mother's office was a reflection of her refined taste, with antique furniture and framed family photos adorning the walls.

The moment her mother saw her, her face broke into a radiant smile. "Oh, my princess! How wonderful to see you!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat and crossing the room to embrace Novelle.

Novelle returned the hug, though she couldn't resist teasing her mother. "Mom, you're getting too old to be this emotional all the time. It's fine, I'm here now."

Her mother pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with a blend of affection and concern. "I've missed you so much. I'm sorry if it seemed like I didn't care about you or your siblings. The demands of my position have been overwhelming."

Novelle's expression softened. "I understand, Mom. I really do miss you, but sometimes it feels like we're all just ships passing in the night. It's nice to finally have some time together."

Her mother's gaze was filled with understanding. "I promise to make more time for you. I've missed you more than you know. Your presence here means the world to me."

The warmth of their reunion was palpable, bridging the gap created by their busy lives. Their conversation flowed easily, filled with the comfort of familiarity and love.

After a while, her mother's tone shifted to one of seriousness. "Why don't you have a seat?" she suggested, gesturing to a plush chair next to her desk. "There's something important we need to discuss."

Novelle sat down, curiosity piqued. Her mother accessed a video feed on her computer, and the screen flickered to life, showing footage from the previous night. The video revealed a man who had met a grim fate at Novelle's hands.

As the footage played, Novelle's heart raced. Her mother's face hardened as she watched, her voice cutting through the silence with a sharp edge. "Why did you kill him? Was there any particular reason for it?"

Novelle took a deep breath, steadying her voice. "He was a threat. He was planning to kill Kai."

Her mother's eyes widened in shock. "Kill Kai? What do you mean?"

"This man had been taking numerous photos of Kai," Novelle explained, her tone firm but calm. "He even had pictures of Sebastian. It was clear he was plotting something dangerous, and I couldn't risk it."

The realization hit her mother like a thunderclap. Her face went pale as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. "So, that's why you're here—because you need to protect your brothers."

"Yes," Novelle confirmed. "I'm staying here to ensure their safety. I need to be close to them, especially with threats like this."

Her mother's demeanor softened slightly, though a trace of sternness remained. "You're welcome to stay as long as you need. However, remember to be cautious. Try not to resort to violence unless absolutely necessary, and avoid harming those who don't deserve it."

Novelle smiled reassuringly, appreciating her mother's concern. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll handle everything with care. My main priority is to keep everyone safe and secure."

With a final nod of reassurance, Novelle rose from her seat, ready to resume her duties. "I'll take care of everything," she said, her tone confident and resolute. As she turned to leave, she glanced back at her mother with a smile, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination.