Without thinking, Maria suddenly moved forward and sat beside him.
And before Cassius could even react, she reached out, wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him close—pressing his head against her chest.
He stiffened in surprise, his words muffled, "L-Lady Maria, what are you—"
"Shhh." She whispered, her voice soft and maternal. "Don't speak."
He blinked, breath catching as she held him tighter, while her voice softened even more as she looked down at him with motherly affection.
"Even though I can't accept your proposal...I can still hold you. So please, don't reject it."
Hearing this, Cassius's hands trembled, and then, hesitantly, he hugged her back, burying his face deeper into her embrace.
Maria smiled faintly, stroking his hair.
"It's alright." She whispered soothingly. "Everything will be alright. You'll find someone far better than me, Young Master. Someone who'll love you dearly. You're still young. Life's ahead of you. Don't let this moment bring you down."
