The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 4

What did they experience together, and what kind of bond did they develop, that their feelings grew so deep that Nigel had to call Luna "Mom"?

He was just trying to dodge responsibility. He never considered...that he was the root of it all.-

I closed my eyes. "Leander..."

Uttering his name had drained all my energy. "I've seen all the messages, so please, don't treat me like I'm clueless, okay?"

Leander fell silent.

I waited for a long time, but his reply never came. Turning around, I was about to head back to the bedroom.

But Leander caught me from behind. "I'm sorry."

I stopped in my tracks.

Leander carefully chose his words. "This is mostly on me. I lacked judgment. I just thought you were overwhelmed with our son every day and wanted to ease your burden." Yeah, right!

His idea of easing my burden was...not replaceing the time, even a single day, with our son and me.

But how did he always manage to sneak out with other women?

I struggled hard, trying to break free from his embrace.

Leander didn't want to let go. "But I didn't realize it would bother you. That's my mistake!"

"I promise I'll never contact her again!"

"It's over. Nigel and I will leave that group!"

"I'll even delete her contact information from Nigel's and mine phone."

"So, Amara, can you give me another chance, please?"

"I promise I'll make it right from now on. And I'll keep my distance from other women too."

Leander's voice turned a bit plaintive. "For the sake of our years together and for our son's sake... Amara, please don't leave me."

His pitiful tone made him seem terrified of being abandoned, and my thoughts inadvertently drifted to Nigel.

He was so young...

Leander is still oblivious to everything; after just a little time with Luna, Nigel has already started showing signs of bad influence. Plus, with Luna's indulgence, he was frequently in the hospital.

If I really went through with a divorce, giving Leander and Luna what they wanted, Nigel's future wouldn't look bright.

So, I...had to compromise.

With immense difficulty, I uttered a single word, "Okay."

Hearing this, Leander's grip tightened around my waist, forcing me to turn around.

I looked up at him.

Leander held my face, and his eyes were filled with the joy of regaining something lost. He leaned in for a kiss.

Even though the issue was resolved, Nigel and his betrayal still felt like a thorn in my heart.

I wasn't ready for any intimacy with him before I could fully move past this, so I dodged his kiss.

The next moment, I was suddenly lifted off the ground.

The unexpected loss of ground beneath me made me feel insecure, instinctively making me cling to Leander.

Leander chuckled. "Still mad, huh?"

I didn't deny it. "I need time."

Leander's voice sounded seductive and persuasive. "Then, how about I make it up to you tonight? Could that earn me some leniency?"

Normally, I would have found it hard to resist such a plea, but this time, I truly wasn't in the mood.

As if knowing my answer already, Leander didn't give me a chance to refuse and laid me down on the soft bed.

Just as I was about to get up, Leander immediately pressed down.

I pushed against his chest with both hands, trying to resist his advances.

Leander pinned my wrists above my head with one hand. His strength was overwhelming.

I couldn't break free.