Guilty and Longing

Allen kept his gaze fixed on the door, patiently awaiting its slow opening.

As it revealed itself, a captivating sight emerged—a woman of undeniable charm and maturity.

She donned a loose yet modest dress that failed to hide her alluringly mature and curvaceous figure.

Her lustrous, snow-white hair and captivating red eyes only amplified her irresistible allure.

Nevertheless, her face, despite its extraordinary beauty, appeared worn and devoid of life.

She kept her gaze cast downward, refusing to meet Allen's eyes or acknowledge his presence in any way.

It was as though she deliberately avoided looking into Allen's room, evading any connection.

Allen couldn't help but fixate on the woman, her face mirroring his own.

The overwhelming urge to call out to her overwhelmed him, and he finally succumbed to the impulse.

"Mom?" His voice, fraught with emotion, struggled to reach the woman's ears.

At the sound of his voice, her body trembled, and she slowly lifted her head, meeting Allen's gaze.

"Honey?!" she exclaimed in astonishment, her hand instinctively rising to cover her mouth in disbelief.

Her gaze locked on Allen, who stood before the mirror, watching her intently.

"You... Are you awake, baby?" The woman rushed toward Allen, disregarding the hindrance of her dress, which impeded her movement.

Witnessing her approach, Allen exerted every ounce of strength within him, pushing his body to respond.

Just as the woman reached him, he opened his arms, allowing her to embrace him with unwavering determination.

She held him tightly, burying his head into her massive chest, seeking solace in their long-awaited reunion.

"My dear, my dear, you've finally awakened!" The woman enveloped him in a tight embrace, her tears flowing freely.

"Oh, my God! Thank you for bringing my baby back!" Her body quivered with emotion, and she held onto him even tighter.

Allen reciprocated the tight embrace, relishing the warmth and comfort of his mother's hug.

"Yes, mom."

"I'm sorry I caused you to worry!" Tears streamed down Allen's face as he gently embraced his mother, his hand tenderly rubbing her back.

He couldn't help but recall the fateful incident where his mother had selflessly sacrificed herself to save him.

Had it not been for her sacrificial act during the intense battle with the hero, Allen might have met his demise.

He also reminisced about his mother's expression of relief as she gently cupped his face, whispering, "I am glad that I could be of use to my son. Please forgive me, my dear."

Her voice at the moment of his supposed demise remained etched in Allen's soul, an indelible memory that would accompany him throughout his lifetime.

Even in a world where betrayal loomed and trust wavered among those closest to him, he knew that his mother would forever remain steadfast and never betray him.

The two held each other tightly, their embrace lasting for a considerable time until his mother eventually released him and gazed into Allen's handsome face.

"My dear, are you truly awake?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"It's not a figment of my imagination, is it?" Her fingers gently caressed Allen's face as she posed the question in a tone filled with incredulity.

Upon hearing her words, Allen grasped his mother's hand and pressed it affectionately against his cheek.

"Of course, I'm truly awake," he reassured her.

"I'm no illusion, you know?" He added with a gentle tone, infusing his words with a touch of humor.

His mother's heart was warmed by his soft voice and playful remark, and a radiant smile graced Allen's face, solidifying her belief in his presence.

"That's right! You're absolutely right, my dear!" His mother wiped away her tears, and a beautiful smile blossomed on her lips.

Witnessing this, Allen couldn't help but let out a heartfelt sigh.

Since his birth, his mother has always relied on him for support and care, placing her dependence solely on his shoulders.

His mother, Greta Magnus, held the esteemed position of being the sole daughter of the renowned Marquis Magnus family in Eldoria, one of the most prominent noble families in the Kingdom.

In a strategic alliance, Greta Magnus was wed to Allen's father, Julius Frey, who was then the heir to the prestigious title of Duke Frey.

Their marriage was unquestionably a strategic alliance, forged with the sole purpose of advancing the interests of both influential families involved.

Greta Magnus, widely recognized as the epitome of beauty throughout the entire Kingdom of Eldoria, assumed the esteemed position of first wife to the heir of Duke Frey.

The announcement of their marriage sent shockwaves throughout the kingdom, captivating the attention of all its inhabitants.

Undoubtedly, the union between the two families elevated their status to new heights, amplifying their power and influence in society.

Nevertheless, Allen was acutely aware of the hidden suffering and concealed sorrow his mother endured, shielding her pain from those around her, including himself.

The realization dawned upon him when he read the letter his mother had left him following her untimely demise, in which she poured her heart out about the anguish and sorrow she had endured throughout the marriage.

Yet, with Allen's birth, his mother finally discovered the long-awaited happiness that had eluded her for so many years.

This regret and obsession lingered even after his passing, becoming his deepest remorse.

"Don't worry, mom," Allen whispered softly.

"I will forever shield you and bring you the happiness you deserve," he vowed silently, gazing at his mother's radiant smile.

With utmost tenderness, he delicately wiped away the tears on his mother's cheeks and whispered softly, "Mom, from this moment forward, can you release everything you've been holding inside?"

"To all those around you, would you grant me the privilege of being the one to always lend an ear to your grievances?" His voice, filled with affection, caused Greta, his mother, to abruptly halt, her emotions frozen in that moment.

"Dear?" she inquired, her body trembling once more as confusion painted her expression.

However, Allen simply smiled and remained silent, saying, "It's alright; never mind."

"I only wanted to assure you that I will forever be by your side, no matter the circumstances."

"Therefore, you can trust me, alright?" His gaze softened, and he returned Greta's embrace, holding her tightly.

Upon hearing these words, even though Greta remained unsure about the reason for her beloved son's transformation after awakening from his coma, a warm current surged through her heart.

Their relationship had been close, but as Allen entered his teenage years, their communication gradually dwindled.

This had left her feeling deeply saddened and disheartened.

And now, witnessing her son in this state, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness, for this was the moment she had always dreamed of.

"Alright, my dear~" she responded with a gentle tone, brimming with belief and trust.

Greta couldn't contain her joy, and once again, the two embraced each other tightly.

Greta's happiness stemmed from seeing her son revert to the innocent child he once was, while Allen battled with a mix of guilt and longing for his mother.

As the two reveled in their cherished moment together, a sudden knocking sound reverberated from outside Allen's bedroom door.

"Knock!"