---- I walked over and stood behind her, watching as she clumsily tried to gather her hair.


    What are you doing here? I thought youd leave for good this time.


    Why did youe back?" Her eyes, filled with grievances, met mine through the reflection.


    "T told you Id never leave you.


    I just went on a trip with your father," I said, taking a long breath.


    Of course, Lavinia doesnt know she isnt the Dukes real daughter.


    "Let me do it.


    Youre tangling your hair," I reached out, and without giving her a chance to protest, I grabbed the brush from the vanity and some strands of her long hair.


    I started brushing gently, almost afraid it would break in my hands.


    My fingers trembled as they moved through the silky strands.


    "That bossy woman you left behind at least knew how to do it better than you," she huffed, looking away.


    "Well, Ille practice every night.


    Ill brush your hair until youre a little olddy," I replied calmly, though a lump tightened in my throat.


    For a second, her innocent eyes met mine through the mirror.


    Isaw so much within her...


    no matter how much she tried to act indifferent to protect herself, she was just a child starved for her parents love.


    "Liar.


    Like always, youll break your promise," she muttered, lowering her head.


    "IT wont, my daughter," I could no longer hold back, leaning down to embrace her from behind, pressing her little head against mine.


    ---- Tears burned at the edge of my eyes.


    My chest ached so much.


    "My girl, your mama loves you.


    Im not lying, sweetheart.


    I just...


    [was a little sick in my mind, but I got better in the countryside, and now Im fine.


    Im ready to be your mama, my love.


    Ill take care of you always, Lavinia." Icrouched down to her level.


    I cupped her tear-streaked cheeks, feeling the trembling of her lower lip as she tried, unsessfully, to hold back her sobs.


    All the resentment she harbored toward Rosse was just a mask for her real fearbeing abandoned forever.


    "You...


    if you lie to me again...


    hic...


    if you do, l hate you so much...


    I wont forgive you again..." she sobbed, clinging to me.


    She couldnt even finish before bursting into heart-wrenching cries.


    My hands clutched her small, trembling body.


    I shut my eyes, shedding my own bitter yet joyful tears.


    You ll never regret epting me, Lavinia.


    I will create a safe ce for both of usI swear it, my daughter.


    With that conviction in my heart, I felt something unravel within me.


    Knots that had bound my soul loosened, and something flowed through my veins as I made peace with the most important person in my life.


    ook Ilooked at her now, lying in bed, fast asleep.


    She even let me read her a story.


    Smiling, I gently stroked her dark hair.


    ---- Iwas so happy.


    She was still distant, wary, unwilling to trust mebut step by step, I would win her overpletely.


    I stood up and turned off the light.


    Walking toward her vanity, I sat on the stool and pulled out the small pouch hidden in my pocket.