"Mother, what happened?" asked Killian as I stopped walking suddenly.

I shook my head as I gripped his hand further and walked towards Lady Baringstone, steeling my heart.

In this lifetime I would not run away cowardly but face them.

"Monique Baringstione, it was nice to meet you again," I spoke as I reached her.

She was talking to a girl I did not know. Hearing my voice she turned back. I could see the smile gleaming in her eyes as she spoke, "so now I am Monique Baringstone from an aunt. Huh?"

Oh how much I missed this voice and the warm feeling it gave me. Then she looked at my hand with a kind smile as Killian was still behind me.

"Come here little one," she called him kindly.

"I am not a little one, I am an adult." retorted Killian furrowing his brows as we both laughed.

"Yeah, aunt Baringstone. Killian is a grown-up man here." I replied, controlling my laughter as he nodded, raising his chin.

"Alright, so big one it is. Then you must take care of your mother and protect her well. You know she is a crybaby." she said stifling a laugh and before I can retort, Killian's eyes widened as he confirmed,

"Really?"

She nodded "really."

"Don't worry grandaunt, I will protect her well then," he replied with all the seriousness he had.

We both smiled as I patted his head, things are becoming less awkward and more natural now.

"I heard about the case," she said, finally getting serious.

I nodded, "yes aunt, but the date is still not final."

But how did she know that? Looking at my confused face, she snorted,

"You're still a novice kid, Marianne. Monique Elena is announcing to the whole world that you are trying to kill Isabella because you are jealous of her and afraid that one day Cassius will realize he had made a mistake just for the sake of some properties.

She even started it here, once you left the table. Thanks to her majesty, who changed the topic cunningly. Looks like she supported you today." she took a pause, then warned "but we could not depend on her, her position is still weak in front of Rosamound. So prepare yourself, girl. Tell me if you need any help."

"Mother, are you ready to go back.'' I heard the voice I thought I would never hear again.

I had never heard it in my past life. 17 years, a whole 17 years had passed since I heard him last. My legs froze, where I stood. No, no matter how much I tried I didn't have the strength to face him.

I closed my eyes as fear crept my heart.

"Oh, is that you Marianne?" here, he asked me, took my name again.

I blinked my eyes to keep away the unshed tears as I turned around.

He was looking the same, the same golden hairs shining in the twilight, the same big blue eyes deeper than the ocean and the same broad smile that could melt the ice too.

"Hello, Damien. How are you?" I asked to keep my voice as neutral as possible.

His smile broadened as he looked deep into my eyes.

"I am good, Marianne. How have you been," he asked with a smile I did not deserve anymore.

How could there be such a vast difference in people, on one side there was stone-hearted Cassius and white lotus Isabella and on the other side Damien Baringstone and his mother whom I had hurt so much? Yet they were worried about me.

I gulped the lump forming in my throat as I nodded, afraid that if I would speak more I would show my weakness to them.

"You never came back, Marianne. Aunt, mother, miss you and.. so do i."

His last words stunned me as my eyes widened. But when I looked at him he had that same innocent smile on his face.

"Don't think too much, you are still an idiot like before," he replied, shaking his head.

Was I really assuming things? Well looked like I am.' when he called me an idiot, Killian's grip on my hand tightened.

'Was he worried about me?" I gave him a kind smile as I introduced him.

"Damien, meet Killian, my son. And Killian, he is brother Damien. He is my neighbour and childhood friend. He is the one who taught me horse riding.'' I told him reminiscing about the beautiful past we had.

The past I had destroyed with my own hands.

He noticed my changing expression as he announced,

"Alright, it's late. You should go home. It was nice to meet you lord Killian." he said, shaking his hand like elders too.

Giving me a last glance, he walked towards her mother as he held her hand and escorted them to the carriage.

We walked back to our carriage as Rosella joined us. Sitting back, she continued her chatter telling about what things have been discussed around.

She told various funny jokes to Killian on which he hardly laughed, but we both could see bubbling amusement in his eyes.

It would take more time to break his shell than I had thought. But at least we took a big step today.

My jittery nerves also calmed down by talking with them as we chatted and laughed the whole journey.

It was late evening when we reached the palace back.

The knights bowed and left as they safely escorted us back to the palace.

"Mother, I will have dinner in my chamber. You should also have dinner timely and take rest," he advised me as we reached the parting point.

I nodded as I kissed his forehead. "Alright, take care, Killian."

With that, he walked towards the left as I just stood there looking at his disappearing silhouette. Once he was not any longer around, the kind smile on my face vanished, as an evil smirk took its place.

"Time to make evil plans now."