Seeing that her face was still one of displeasure, Aster carefully took two steps forward and held her hand. "Mommy, I'm sorry. I was wrong. Please don't be angry anymore, please?" He wiped his tears with the back of his hand, not daring to even let out a sniffle.

Coming back to herself, Larissa saw his timid look and pulled him into her arms with some amount of heartache.

"Okay," she promised him. "But you cannot lie to me again—no matter who tells you to do it. Do you understand?"

"Yes!" As