Chapter 2:

Cecilia stood near the kitchen counter in silence, her mind racing as she processed the overwhelming information she had just received.

I... Sai, somehow became Cecilia from Honkai Impact 3rd. Not only that, but I also became a single mother, and my daughter is Sirin...

The absurdity of it all nearly made her laugh. If this were a novel, it would be some kind of bizarre fanfiction. A part of her even entertained the idea that someone was playing an elaborate prank on her. Maybe there were hidden cameras in the house, watching her reactions, waiting for her to freak out like some reality TV show.

But deep down, she knew better.

There's no technology capable of something like this...

She sighed, looking down at herself. The motion only served to remind her of yet another drastic change—her new body.

Her gaze stopped at the two prominent 'mountains' on her chest, and her expression twisted in a mix of disbelief and resignation. No wonder I can't even see my toes anymore...

Trying to shake off the thoughts, she turned her eyes toward the living room.

There, sitting on the sofa, was Sirin. The young girl was holding a picture frame, staring at the image of her and Cecilia with an unreadable expression. The warm afternoon light from the window cast soft shadows across her small frame, making her look more fragile than she probably wanted to be perceived as.

Cecilia felt her chest tighten—not just from the unfamiliar weight but from something else. Guilt.

Sirin... the mother you know isn't me... I'm just someone who happened to end up in this body.

She bit her lower lip and quickly looked away.

No. It was better not to say anything.

Even if she was just a stranger in this body, telling Sirin the truth wouldn't help either of them.

For now, she would have to be Cecilia.

Cecilia made her decision. She would keep this secret, at least for now. But if Sirin ever wanted to know the truth... if she ever asked directly... Cecilia would tell her.

She looked at Sirin once more, watching the girl's small hands clutch the picture frame tightly.

With a gentle smile, Cecilia walked over to her.

Sirin noticed her approach, her golden eyes shifting toward her mother's—no, her—face.

Cecilia sat beside her, tilting her head slightly before asking, "Sirin, what are you doing?"

Sirin lowered the picture onto the table and met Cecilia's gaze.

"It's nothing, Mom... I was just thinking... if only I had a father, then we could spend time together as a real family..."

Cecilia's eyebrows rose slightly at the unexpected confession. For a brief moment, she wasn't sure how to respond. Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she teased, "Oh? Does little Sirin want Mom to marry another man?"

Sirin's eyes widened, and she frantically waved her hands. "No, no, Mom! That's not what I meant!"

Cecilia chuckled, amused by her reaction, and reached out to pinch Sirin's cheek gently. "Mom knows."

"Mom!" Sirin pouted, her face turning slightly pink from embarrassment.

Cecilia only chuckled more, pulling Sirin into a warm embrace. "There, there."

Sirin hesitated for only a second before she buried herself deeper into Cecilia's hug, pressing her face against her mother's shoulder.

A few minutes passed in silence, the warmth between them providing comfort that words could not.

Cecilia finally spoke, her voice soft. "Are you feeling better now, Sirin?"

Sirin nodded against her shoulder. "Mm..." Then, in a quieter voice, she mumbled, "Can I stay like this a little longer...?"

Cecilia's heart softened. She gently ran her fingers through Sirin's purple hair and whispered, "Of course. As long as you want."

Cecilia gently brushed Sirin's hair, her voice soft and reassuring. 

"Sirin." 

"Mm..." Sirin murmured in response, still nestled in her embrace. 

Cecilia hesitated for a moment before asking, "Can you tell Mom what's bothering you?" 

"It's nothing, Mom," Sirin replied, but the slight tension in her voice betrayed her words. 

Cecilia sighed lightly, still running her fingers through Sirin's hair. "You can't hide it. I know something's on your mind. Tell me—Mom is all ears." 

A few seconds of silence followed. Sirin remained quiet, unwilling to speak. 

Cecilia smiled gently and pulled her a little closer. "It's fine. If Sirin ever wants to talk about it, just tell Mom. I'll always be here to listen." 

Sirin nodded slowly, her small hands gripping Cecilia's sleeve. 

A few minutes later, Sirin finally pulled away from Cecilia's hug. 

Cecilia looked at her, then reached out and patted her head. "Sirin, wait here. Mom will cook lunch." 

She stood up slowly, but just as she was about to step away, she felt a small hand clutching the fabric of her clothes. 

Cecilia looked down at Sirin, tilting her head. "What's the matter, Sirin?" 

Sirin hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "Mom... can we have cake after lunch?" 

Cecilia narrowed her eyes slightly, pretending to consider it seriously. 

Sirin gulped. "B-But if there's no dessert, that's fine too..." 

Cecilia chuckled and pinched Sirin's cheeks playfully. "Of course, dear. You can have cake for dessert after lunch." 

Sirin's face brightened instantly. "Really?" 

"Really," Cecilia confirmed with a warm smile.

After separating from Sirin, Cecilia found herself standing in the kitchen, staring blankly ahead. 

She didn't know why... Why had she acted so motherly just now? It felt so natural, as if she had been doing this for years. But she had never been a mother before—so where did this instinct come from? 

Shaking her head, Cecilia dismissed the thoughts. No use dwelling on it. 

Right now, she had something more important to focus on—lunch. 

With a small sigh, she walked over to the fridge and pulled the door open. The cool air greeted her, along with the sight of neatly arranged, fresh ingredients. 

At least she wouldn't have to worry about supplies. 

But now came the real question—what should she cook? 

Turning her head toward the living room, she called out, "Sirin, what do you want to eat?" 

From the couch, Sirin answered without hesitation, "Chocolate?" 

Cecilia sighed. "Mom asked for lunch, not dessert, dear." 

Sirin cleared her throat. "Ahem—Mom can cook anything! Sirin is fine with whatever Mom makes!" 

Cecilia chuckled. "Hmm... Alright then." 

She took a moment to think, then reached back into the fridge, pulling out a few key ingredients—meat, vegetables, and seasonings. 

Beef stew and stir-fried vegetables. 

As she started preparing, a thought crossed her mind. 

Now that she had become Cecilia's ... maybe the food she cooked would turn out better than usual?

As Cecilia continued cutting the meat, she suddenly heard a voice beside her. 

"Mom, can I help with cooking too?" 

She turned to see Sirin standing there, looking up at her with expectant eyes. 

"Hmm?" Cecilia paused for a moment before nodding with a gentle smile. "Sure, dear. Help Mom wash the vegetables." 

Sirin eagerly nodded, grabbing the vegetables and heading to the sink. As the sound of running water filled the kitchen, Cecilia returned to preparing the meat. 

A thought crossed her mind. "Sirin, where were you this morning?" she asked casually. 

"Hmm?" Sirin responded, focused on washing the vegetables. "I heard that there will be new neighbors moving in, so I went to check, but they haven't arrived yet." 

"New neighbors?" Cecilia raised an eyebrow. 

"Yes." Sirin nodded. 

Noted. That was something to keep in mind. 

Soon after, Sirin finished washing the vegetables and turned back to Cecilia. "Mom, I already washed them! Do you need me to cut the vegetables too?" 

"If possible, sure." Cecilia nodded. "Sirin, can you peel the potatoes first? But be careful not to hurt yourself." 

"Okay!" Sirin responded enthusiastically, grabbing a peeler and carefully working on the potatoes. 

With mother and daughter working together, the ingredients were soon all prepared. Sirin placed the last piece of peeled potato on the counter, then turned to Cecilia with a bright, expectant smile. 

Cecilia couldn't help but chuckle. She understood exactly what that look meant—Sirin was waiting for praise. 

Reaching out, Cecilia gently ruffled Sirin's hair. "Thank you for helping, Sirin. Mom appreciates it." 

Sirin beamed. "Anytime, Mom!"

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Sirin sat quietly at the dining table, her hands resting on her lap as she patiently waited for her mom to finish cooking. The delicious aroma of beef stew filled the air, making her stomach grumble slightly. 

Moments later, Cecilia walked in, carefully carrying a steaming pot filled with beef stew. She gently placed it on the table before turning to Sirin. 

"Sirin, can you help Mom prepare the plates?" 

Sirin quickly nodded and stood up from her chair. She walked over to the cabinet, pulling out plates, spoons, and chopsticks before setting them neatly on the table. 

Meanwhile, Cecilia placed the stir-fried vegetables beside the stew. As she did, she suddenly remembered Sirin's earlier request—cake for dessert. 

She turned and walked back into the kitchen, opening the fridge. Inside, she spotted a neatly packed box. Taking it out, she carefully opened the lid, revealing a beautifully decorated cake inside. 

Cecilia gave a small nod of approval before carrying the cake to the dining table, placing it down beside the other dishes.

After placing the rice on the table, Cecilia finally took a seat beside Sirin. The mother and daughter were just about to start their meal when a sudden knock echoed through the house.

Knock, knock.

Cecilia instinctively moved to stand, ready to check the door, but before she could, Sirin quickly got up.

"It's fine, Mom, let me check," Sirin said, already heading toward the entrance.

Cecilia nodded, watching her go. Her gaze then drifted back to the dishes they had prepared together, a soft smile forming on her lips. However, as the seconds passed, she began to notice something—Sirin was taking longer than expected.

A small frown crossed Cecilia's face. Why is she taking so long?

With that thought, she stood up and walked toward the door. As she got closer, she saw Sirin standing there, engaged in conversation with someone.

A woman.

Cecilia's steps slowed as she took in the sight of the visitor. The moment her eyes fully registered the person standing at the door, they widened in shock.

Reflected in Cecilia's deep blue eyes was a woman with striking red hair.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

One thought echoed in Cecilia's mind—

'Himeko?'