If you Don't Love Me, I Will Die

Chapter 68

An uncomfortable and awkward silence ensued in the Radner Mansion’s grand reception room.

The protagonists were none other than myself, Ania, and Ania’s mother, Viola Brontë...

“I never imagined you’d be Ania’s mother.”

“I didn’t recognize you either, but I realized it after you left. It’s been a long time.”

Viola Brontë chuckled gracefully.

“I’ve aged too, you know. It’s different from when I was young, right?

They indeed resembled each other.

When I visited before, I only felt a sense of familiarity, but upon closer inspection, they undeniably resembled parent and child.

Especially where Ania’s beauty came from was clearly evident.

Despite being well into her forties, Viola appeared to have the face of a young woman who had just crossed thirty.

Moreover, she showed up promptly despite just receiving the letter, demonstrating her efficiency and strangely stubborn demeanor.

There wasn’t a single false word in the saying “like parent, like child.”

“More importantly, Ania.”

Viola Brontë withdrew her smiling face, rose from her seat, and approached Ania slowly.

Then, she gently brushed Ania’s cheek with the palm of her hand.

“You’ve grown so much.”

“......”

Ania remained silent and quietly removed Viola’s hand.

“Do you remember what I looked like when I was young as grounds to say that?”

Ania remained as cold as ever.

She turned her back as if she were about to burst into tears at any moment.

Watching Ania’s retreating figure, Viola continued to speak.

“Of course I do. I gave birth to you.”

“And then you abandoned me.”

“Ania!”

Without realizing it, I let out a loud voice and covered her mouth.@@@@

“It’s okay. It’s not an untrue statement.”

Viola smiled as she spoke, but the youthful smile on her lips was gradually fading.

“I’ll apologize. I’m sorry.”

“No, there’s no need to apologize. I wouldn’t accept it anyway.”

“Ania.”

Saying so, Ania abruptly stood up and left the room.

There was a thud as the door closed shut.

Watching her stride out confidently, it seemed she was quite angry.

Viola stared blankly at the firmly closed door, then chuckled as if embarrassed.

“This is... I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

An awkward atmosphere lingered despite having spent quite some time together.

I spoke up.

“May I ask why you suddenly came to see Ania?”

She seemed surprised by the unexpected question and tilted her head.

“Because she’s my daughter.”

“Then... why haven’t you visited for so long?”

“Hmm...”

Viola slowly sat back in her chair. I also sat facing her.

Occasionally, when she saw children holding hands with their mothers and walking through the garden, she felt envious.

She wondered what it felt like to receive unconditional love... something she had never experienced even once.

Yet, she didn’t have the desire to forgive her mother, who had disregarded her for nearly twenty years.

Edward.

His love was enough.

“We have arrived.”

At the knight’s words, Ania slowly exited the car and followed the attendant.

It was the most famous and expensive restaurant in the Imperial Capital.

She had been here occasionally when meeting people from other families for business, so it wasn’t awkward for her.

“I will guide you this way.”

And as expected, when they arrived at the table guided by the waiter, Viola, who had arrived first, awkwardly waved at her.

Ania narrowed her eyes briefly, then sighed and sat down slowly across from her.

“Edward asked us to spend some time together.”

Viola hesitated before saying so.

Ania didn’t respond.

“He used to be such a clumsy child, but now he’s become such a splendid adult... Time flies so fast...”

“I never asked about that.”

Interrupting her, Ania spoke bluntly.

“Originally, Edward and I were supposed to go to the theater today... But because of you, we couldn’t go.”

“I’m sorry.”

Viola’s laughter faded from her lips.

“If you want to go now, you can. I’m sorry.”

“If you’re going to be like this now, why bother in the first place!”

Ania shouted, causing the attention of those nearby to focus on her.

She glanced around and slowly sat back down.

“Why... come now? Without even sending a simple letter.”

Looking at her daughter, who spoke angrily, Viola had nothing to say.

She didn’t ask about her well-being, but she knew how she had grown up since childhood.

She had pictures of Ania ever since she was one.

She knew about the gossip in society about Edward’s marriage and divorce.

It would all sound like excuses, even if she said she knew everything.

“I never once forgot about you.”

“But I did.”

As the atmosphere grew cold, the trolley entered, placing the dishes individually.

“This is the lamb confit with sautéed asparagus garnish. Enjoy your meal.”

After a few minutes of tense silence, Ania grabbed her spoon and began to eat her cold food.

As if someone was following her, she quickly finished her meal and wiped her mouth before getting up.

“Ania.”

Viola looked at her daughter with concern.

“I want to talk.”

“I don’t want to. What’s the point of talking with someone who will leave again anyway?”

“I won’t leave.”

“How can I trust you?”

With that, Ania walked briskly out of the restaurant’s main entrance.

With dismayed eyes, Viola could only gaze at the door, still shaking slightly from how forcefully it had been opened.