The husbands exchanged quick, knowing glances— seeing the flicker of realization in Cleora’s expression made them feel relief.

Without a word, they stepped back from Coco and gathered toward the door.

Quizen grabbed Kairo by the wrist when he saw the hybrid hesitating and decided on just yanking him along as all four of them exited, the door clicked shut behind them with deliberate softness, leaving only the mother and daughter alone in silence.

When the silence settled between them, Cleora forced her gaze up to look at her daughter’s face.

However, her heart ached even more when she saw Coco’s scrunched up expression, the worry in her face landing heavily on her like a physical blow, resulting in her inhaling sharply just to get herself breathing.

"I’m so sorry." She apologized as she took a small step forward, her words coming out in a quiet, remorseful rush. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

She reached out hesitantly, wanting to bring Coco into her arms, but she stopped short.

She didn’t know if her touch would be welcomed or rejected by Coco at this moment, especially when in this world, the one who impregnated a mediator could feel all the symptoms most of the time.

There is no telling that Coco might lash out on her, or cry, if she were to touch her now.

Coco looked at her mother— her heart conflicted and torn between anger, hurt, and forgiveness, and a part of her wanted to slam a metaphorical door in Cleora’s face, to reject her apology and keep her guard up.

But the other part couldn’t help but feel a flicker of sympathy, a quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, things could be fixed..?

She chewed her bottom lip, staring at the older woman in silence, her mind waged an inner war.

Cleora shifted on her feet, the weight of her daughter’s silence pressing down on her making her glance away from Coco, her hands fidgeted slightly at her sides.

She had never been the type to back down, but now? Now she hesitated..Waiting for any reaction from the daughter she might have pushed too far, something unreadable flickering in her expression before she forced herself to look back up.

The air between them was thick with tension.

And Cleora had never been good at begging for forgiveness.. But something about this situation made it hard to hold onto that pride— not that she had one in the first place.

When it comes to her daughters, she would lower her pride no matter what.

So, when Coco held her gaze for a few seconds longer, her emotions churned inside her like a turbulent sea, Cleora just knew that her dearest daughter was done with her.

Coco’s heart felt heavy and her head was full of conflicting thoughts.

She couldn’t help but feel finally, she let out a deep sigh.

Her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, and the tension melted away, slowly, but surely, making Coco find herself speaking before she knew it, the words tumbling out of her lips.

"I.." She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I can forgive you.. On one condition."

Cleora brightened up, a hopeful smile settling on her face as she nodded her head fervently, eager to listen to what the condition was.

Coco looked away. "Think of what we want too."

The words weren’t sharp or accusing— they were tired. A plea for balance, for her happiness to be seen on its own terms without ulterior motives, to be acknowledged despite the possibility of her big sister being the crown princess.

Cleora froze on her spot, eyes widening.

Cleora’s features softened at Coco’s words, genuine regret and remorse filling her expression.

She reached out then, unable to not be able to hold her daughter anymore, gently taking her daughter’s hand, and spoke with raw honesty.

"I know.." She murmured, lips quivering slightly as her grip tightened. "I’m so sorry that I didn’t think of how my decisions could impact others— especially you. I was.. Really selfish."

Coco didn’t pull away from her mother’s grip, her fingers loosely curling around Cleora’s.

She nodded slightly, a quiet plea in her voice as she sighed. "I just want you to think about me and Kairo.. I want you to be happy for us. I know that it’s also selfish of me, but—"

Cleora cut her off immediately with a sharp shake of the head. "No, no. It is not selfish."*

"But.." Coco mumbled, eyebrows furrowing.

"No, Coco." Cleora repeated gently, shaking her head again. "It’s not selfish. It’s human, and it’s your right. You have every right to demand and hope for that happiness, sweetheart."

She paused, her thumb tracing over Coco’s knuckle.

"You’re not being selfish for wanting the attention to be on the two of you, okay? It’s your wedding— my daughter’s wedding and not anyone else’s." Cleora muttered, sighing heavily. "I.. I got so wrapped up in my hopes.. That I forgot to think about what you actually wanted."

Coco’s face twisted into a frown, her lips trembling as she fought back fresh tears.

The guilt and frustration were tangled too tightly in her chest, causing her heart to race fast and hammer loudly in her ears.

"I’m so sorry, mama." She whispered, voice shaking as she looked down on the floor. "I feel awful about all this.. But I also want you to focus on me and Kairo during the wedding."

Cleora’s grip on her hand didn’t waver, but there was a look of understanding in her eyes as she listened.

When Coco finished speaking, Cleora took it upon herself to pull Coco into a soft, gentle hug— her free hand coming up to pat her head comfortingly, hoping that it would sooth her daughter’s pain.

She paused, her hand ceasing the patting, then she held Coco a little tighter. "I promise.. I’m not mad at you, or upset. If anything, I’m more upset with myself."

All Coco needed was an assurance, and now that she finally got it.. She felt relieved.