Chapter 54: The Kiss Between us.

They reached his wing, and Leone opened the door, but before he stepped inside, he turned to look at her, his shoulders sagging as he finally asked, "Why are you following me?"

Evelina's voice was gentle but firm. "Because I want to make you feel better... but I need to know the reason, and since you're not telling me, I'll have to assume. So, is it... Madam Camille?"

Leone's face remained unreadable, but he didn't respond.

"She's your mom," Evelina continued, her voice quiet but insistent. "She means no harm, although I didn't expect her to go overboard."

Leone was silent, but there was an unease about him now, something raw that Evelina could almost feel.

"Have you ever felt like you don't have a mother, even though she's right there, alive and with you?" Leone spoke quietly, almost as though he were talking to himself, not expecting an answer.