Diana's brow furrowed, confusion rippling through her chest, her heart sinking at the unexpected revelation.
She'd seen herself as Vivi's safeguard, her presence a shield against discomfort, yet now she was the source of her daughter's shame for some reason she couldn't figure out no matter how she thought about it.
"What do you mean, Vivi?" She asked, her voice soft but urgent, her eyes searching her daughter's face. "Why don't you want me here? I'm your mother, I'm here to support you."
"...Of all the people in the world, you should feel the most safe around me, so why are you hesitant to reveal yourself in front of me?"
Vivi hesitated, her lips parting as if struggling to find the words, her gaze flickering back to Diana's gown, the fabric straining subtly over her full breasts. Her hands trembled, her embarrassment visible, her eyes darting away as if the answer was too heavy to voice.
Cassius, observing her with a knowing glint, stepped in, his voice calm but insightful.
