...Aoi. I didn't mean it like that. I'm just...always prepared to be betrayed. With everything I've told you, you must understand why. I haven't been able to trust many people in my life.

[She sighs.]

I'm not sure how I can prove anything to you. But I love you, and I love Akane. I really do think of you two as my children, and I'm extremely protective of my children.