Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 138

"Is that right?"

Melody nodded emphatically.

Elara assured her gently, "Then it's not your fault. Every kid goes through this."

Especially someone as highly sensitive as Melody. Even when her logical brain knew she shouldn't react, her emotional receptors fired the second something made her uncomfortable.

Melody gripped her mother's hand tighter. After a long silence, she peeked up from Elara's palm. "Will I get better when I grow up?"

Elara smiled, wiping a stray tear from her daughter's cheek. "I think you're pretty amazing right now."

Melody looked utterly confused.

Elara explained, "It's completely normal for kids not to know how to express themselves perfectly. The real mistake is on us adults for failing to understand you and making you feel hurt because of it."

"Learning how to understand and communicate with you is a lesson we adults need to study."

Melody tilted her head, asking the question for what felt like the hundredth time. "So it's not bad that I cry?"

"As long as you're not throwing a tantrum for no reason, it's never bad."

"I would never throw a tantrum for no reason," Melody declared firmly, shaking her head.

"I know you wouldn't."

Elara paused, smoothly shifting the tone. "But, if you want to learn how to communicate your feelings better, I would love to help you."

She refused to dictate her daughter's future or personality. Melody would have to experience life and make her own choices.

All Elara could do was offer a guiding hand whenever she needed it.

"Do you want to learn?"

"Yes!"

Melody launched herself into Elara's arms. "Thank you, Mommy. I love you the most."

"I love you too."

Elara reached for the mug. "The milk is perfect now. Want some?"

"Yes, please!"

Once finished, she noticed him still frozen like a statue. "Are you going to sleep?"

Julian snapped out of his daze. "You go ahead. I'll be up for a while."

Elara climbed into bed.

His phone buzzed with a new message, and Julian glanced at the screen.

Leo Hammond: [If giving up 10% gets you and Elara a clean, peaceful break, I'll sign the approval.]

[Elara practically helped build Ark Solutions, and she's Melody's mother. I don't want to see this turn into a bloodbath. An amicable split is best for everyone.]

[But my signature isn't enough, right?]

[Before you guys got married, you transferred 10% to your mother. Even if you're pulling the strings, Meredith is legally a shareholder. What if she blocks it?]

[Have you talked to her yet?]

Julian sat in silence.