It had been perfect.
Or it should've been.
It was a meeting that definitely rivaled her dreams. Even those with swelling background music, teary confessions, and endless hugs. She thought that would be how they'd meet again, but this simple greeting toppled all that.
For this one was as real as it could get.
"Hi," she had said.
And he had answered.
For a second, the world had stilled.
Even the glimmering lake behind them seemed to hush in reverence, glowing softly as though to commemorate the long-awaited reunion of mother and son.
But the world, as always, had other plans.
It began with a pulse.
Faint at first—a single tremor beneath their feet.
Subtle enough to pass for coincidence.
If anything, the duchess assumed it was her world shaking as she went through all sorts of mind-blowing emotions.
But then came another.
And another, this time heavier.
