Maternal Facade

Clarissa's hand froze mid-air, the bowl of herbal medicine trembling slightly. Her smile faltered—but only for a heartbeat—before she quickly recovered, the warmth returning to her face.

She looked at Rosalind with a gentle, motherly expression and reached out, trying to touch her cheek. But Rosalind leaned away, avoiding the gesture without hesitation.

Her hand hanging in the air, Clarissa's face