The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 21

Leander jumped to his feet, disbelief etched across his face. "Impossible!"

"So much has happened these past few days," I said, locking eyes with him, "It all started when Nigel was determined to have Luna be his mom...."

Leander, usually the epitome of calm and restraint, now spoke with a voice quivering with fear. "He's just being foolish, darling. I've never crossed the line. You can blame Nigel. You can even resent me... But you can't leave me."

His plea was almost desperate at the end of his sentence.

Yet, he was still shifting the blame onto Nigel...

Clearly oblivious to the fact that my hurt was a result of his inaction and his tolerance.

Nor would he realize that over the years, my deep-seated love for him had evaporated in the moment I fell down the stairs yesterday.

"But then, I suddenly discovered that despite your promises, you've been in close contact with her..."

Leander opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. Evidently, he hadn't expected me to know about his secret dealings.

He clenched his fists, a look of agony on his face.

I turned to look out the window. "At that moment, I thought about just getting a divorce, to make things easier for you both. But I worry about Nigel. Ever since he got involved with Luna, his health has gone downhill, and now he's even started harming himself... Indulging him by making Luna his mother won't make his life any easier."

Leander, thinking I was softening, quickly agreed. "Right, darling, which is why we can't divorce."

My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, and emotion leaked through as I mentioned the baby. "And then I found out I was pregnant... For the sake of giving this child a complete family, I tried to brainwash myself into forgiving your past actions." But Leander suddenly couldn't continue listening.

"What about Nigel? He knew the stairs were slick with oil and knew the consequences for me..."

Luna had orchestrated every detail from behind the scenes. And Nigel, fully aware from the start, did nothing to stop it, instead...

How ludicrous? All this from a child I've nurtured from birth...

And Leander?

Is he innocent?

No!

He's one of the instigators!

I looked him in the eyes. "Our child is gone, and my hope in Nigel with it. There's nothing left in this house for me to yearn for." Now, I just want to escape this cannibalistic home.

For years, I've worked hard to be a dedicated wife and a responsible mother.

From now on, I am just Amara and no longer burdened by these labels.

But those who've wronged me will not be let off so easily.

Leander asked, "What about me?"

I answered seriously, "Didn't you say you loved Luna? I'll step aside and let you be happy."

I'll never forget Nigel saying in the stairwell that Luna meant to harm me,

Unfortunately, I have no proof now.

Leander's blind to love such a toxic woman, so I'll just let them be.

"Dad!" Unaware of my decision, Nigel didn't grasp what it meant for him. He only knew his dream was about to come true! Soon, Luna would become his mom!

Nigel was thrilled, gripping Leander's sleeve, gently shaking it. "Please agree with Mom!"

Leander snapped coldly, "Shut up!"

Nigel, scolded by his dad, felt wronged and burst into tears.

Usually, his crying would tug at my heartstrings, leading me to embrace and comfort him.

But today, I found it annoying, unbearable. I turned back to the window. "Think it over. Also, I'm exhausted. Take him out, please." Leander had more to say, but seeing my weary expression, he held back.