Dumping The Ice King His Mini-Tyrant novel Chapter 517

Daph said quietly, “This is the dress Mom picked out just for our birthday. I don’t think you ever really took a good look at it, did you?”

As she spoke, Dames lowered his head, unable to meet her eyes.

Daph continued, “That day was awful for both Mom and me. We’d been looking forward to celebrating our birthday with you for days, but in the end, it didn’t go at all how we hoped. Mom still keeps that dress, but because of all the sad memories attached to it, I don’t think she’ll ever wear it again.”

She hesitated, then added, “Dames, we won’t be able to spend our birthday together next year, either.”

Dames had a remarkable memory; he remembered every detail from his past birthday, especially the moment Selene arrived. He’d barely spared her a glance, but even so, he could recall exactly what she was wearing. At some point, his feelings toward Selene had shifted—her very presence began to fill him with an inexplicable irritation. He couldn’t even stand the sound of her voice.

“Mom, you’re so lame! Flick’s clothes are way cooler!”

“Mom, can you please stop picking me up from school? It’s embarrassing!”

“Why can’t you be like Flick and show up on a cool motorbike?”

During that time, he idolized Felicity, copying everything she did, wishing desperately to be like her. Selene’s style was a little simpler than the other wealthy mothers at the school, yet the other parents often said she was elegant and approachable, someone people felt comfortable around.

But to Dames, if his mom didn’t dress like Felicity or roar up on a big motorcycle, then maybe his grandmother was right—maybe his mom really was just a country woman with no taste, hopelessly out of touch.

Dames’ small hands began to sweat, crumpling the fabric in his grip.

A sob tore from his throat. “Daph, am I a bad kid?”

Before Daph could answer, he choked out, “I am. I’m the one who made Mom so sad. I’m a terrible child.”

Daph couldn’t help but say, “It doesn’t matter what kind of child you are anymore. To Mom, that’s not important. You’re the future heir of the Vaughn family now. Mom doesn’t have anything to do with the Vaughn family anymore.”

The words hit Dames like a punch to the chest. He broke down, crying so loudly that the other children in the classroom turned to stare.