They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 404: Don’t you Dare

Somto frowned slightly but nodded. He followed her away from the others, toward the edge of the garage where only the moonlight from the glass ceiling pooled down in silver beams.

“Mother,” he asked, his tone calm but cautious, “What’s wrong?”

Queen Chioma didn’t waste time.

“I have only one question for you,” she said firmly, her dark eyes staring straight into his like she was reading the contents of his soul. “Do you love Nnenna?”

The words were low, but they thundered in the air between them.

Somto froze, but only for a second.

“What are you talking about, Mom?” he asked carefully, though his voice carried a note of defense.

Queen Chioma didn’t blink. “Don’t play that game with me, Somto. You know exactly what I’m talking about. The way you looked at her tonight… at your coronation, of all places. Tell me honestly.”

Her gaze sharpened, narrowing in on him like a hawk. “Do you love that girl?”

Somto’s breath caught in his throat. He wasn’t sure how to respond, not because he didn’t know the answer, but because he didn’t know how it would land.

His mother had never liked Nnenna. This wasn’t the kind of conversation she would like at all.

But then he remembered, Nnenna was leaving with him tonight. Once they were off this continent, Queen Chioma wouldn’t know where she was.

one would. So whatever he said now… couldn’t be used to hurt her. Or make her life miserable. That

He took a breath.

Mom. I

like

up to her chest as if

“You what?” she gasped.

instinctively reached forward

stunned. “When did this even start?

it began,” he said quietly. “But after everything that’s happened… after what I saw, what

at him like he was speaking a

told her?” she asked in a hushed voice, searching his

“No. Not yet. She’s still too young.

her eyes, but her voice softened, just

anchored by the clarity of his

be her friend, nothing more. Until she’s ready. And if she never feels the same, then… I’ll live with it. But I won’t force

sharp enough to cut steel. “You’re not going to tell her anything. Thank

Somto’s jaw tensed.

feelings immediately. Do you hear me?” she snapped again, stepping closer. “I

This was his mother, after all. But something inside him still clenched. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to

do that, Mom,” he said quietly, his voice

kill me?!” she burst out. “Because you will,

now, whether from anger

is dead, and that’s the girl you