Chapter 387

“I’ll do my best, Mom p>

Cindy pressed her lips together, frustrated but helpless. There was nothing her mother could really do to change things and all Cindy’s restless anger had nowhere to go.

“As long as you understand.” Octavia finally relaxed. Crying during the New Year was practically taboo in a family like theirs. Business families always worried about these little traditions.

“Stop crying now, sweetheart. Your father can’t see you upset like this.” Octavia stood and straightened herself, smoothing her daughter’s hair. “I’ll call Tina and invite her out for shopping. That way you and York can join up too p>

Tina was York’s mom.

Cindy hesitated. “Are you sure we won’t be bothering York’s family p>

She was always so considerate of other people’s feelings.

The truth was, Cindy kind of wanted to see Fallon. Fallon spent the holidays alone and Cindy wished she could keep her company just for a day. But the thought never made it past her lips. Fallon was right. Her mother had only just accepted her back into the family. If Octavia found out she’d chosen another godmother, she definitely wouldn’t be happy.

She needed to grow closer to Octavia, strengthen their bond as mother and

daughter, and make sure no one else—especially Claire could ever come between them.

“It’s not an inconvenience at all,” Octavia insisted, patting Cindy’s shoulder. “Come on, you and York are engaged. He should be making time for you. Since you two didn’t grow up together, you need opportunities to connect p>

Octavia’s eyes lit up. “Someone told me there’s a beautiful lantern festival by the river this time of year. You should go with York tonight p>

She continued, “If York doesn’t ask you out, why not take the initiative? There’s no need to be shy about it. When it comes to relationships, if he won’t come to you, you can go to him p>

She smiled. “Of course, I’m not telling you to chase after him nonstop—you need a healthy balance p>

Cindy nodded, though confusion flickered in her eyes. Octavia softened her tone.

“Trust me, relationships are like flying a kite. You want to be the one holding the string. As long as you keep the line in your hands, he’ll always be right where you want him p>

Cindy’s admiration showed right on her face. “No wonder you and Dad are so close p>

For a second, something unreadable crossed Octavia’s features, but she regained her calm almost instantly.

“Your father and I have experienced so much together. That’s what brought us closer,” she said. “But York is a different story. You’ll have to spend time getting to know him on your own. Just remember don’t make him the center of your entire world p>

“I know, Mom,” Cindy whispered, snuggling into her mother’s embrace.

Octavia brushed Cindy’s hair, her mind already spinning with plans to make up for

lost time and give her daughter nothing but the best.

Pulling her phone from her pocket,

she called Tina. After a busy few days hosting relatives, today was finally quiet. Tina was a little surprised by Octavia’s call, but not really. They a known each other long enough to never be truly caught off guard.

“Octavia, is something up p>

“Tina, we haven’t gone shopping in forever. Let’s go today-do a little shopping,

maybe get facials and unwind for a bit. What do you think p>

Tina ran her fingers across her face,

realizing how neglected her skin had

been with all the holiday chaos.

Being two years older than Octavia, she felt like she should pay even more attention to taking care of herself.

“That sounds perfect. When do you want to meet p>

Octavia checked the time. “Should we eat at home before heading out, or grab

lunch somewhere else? It’s already midday p>

“Let’s go out,” Tina suggested. “I know a great vegetarian spot. We’ve been eating

so much meat lately, I’m craving something light p>

Octavia agreed and they picked a place to meet.

“I’ll bring Cindy with me,” Octavia added. “She’s still finding her feet in our circle, hasn’t really figured out how to enjoy herself yet p>