Viona's POV
The relaxed expression he wore moments ago stiffened instantly, like he had not expected to see me at all.
His gaze flicked sharply to my mother, irritation clear, then dropped to the bouquet in my hand. His frown deepened.
Right. I shouldn't have brought this small, pretty bouquet. What was I thinking?
Before he could say anything, I turned to my mother and smiled brightly.
"Mom, this is for you. I know it hasn't been easy, following Father around through his campaign all this time. So… this is to cheer you up. There wouldn't be a great Dimitri Island without Stella Island behind him." I said it loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. "Isn't that right?"
The people around us, who had been a little awkward at first, started smiling. They nodded, agreeing, some even praising my mother openly.
But Dimitri Island remained cold. Unmoved. As if none of it mattered. As if everything my mother did was nothing more than her duty.
My hand clenched at my side.
