Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 283

Ever since Elara had come clean about the impending divorce, Melody hadn't brought up Julian once.

This was a little girl who used to be practically glued to her father, a child who used to steal Elara's phone every single day just to send him voice memos and sweet messages. Now, she hadn't reached out to him in over a week.

Elara knew Melody was walking on eggshells to protect her mother's feelings, which broke her heart. It was entirely unnecessary. Elara had tried bringing Julian up several times, but Melody would always conveniently distract herself with a toy or change the subject, expertly dodging the conversation.

In her own tiny, determined way, Melody was trying to protect their fragile little family.

She resented the father who had made her and her mother cry, yet she was smart enough to recognize that his presence had once meant safety.

But that father was gone. He couldn't be trusted, and he certainly wasn't welcome in their home anymore.

So, Melody had pivoted, seeking out the next best source of security: a protective figure who made her feel safe.

It felt as though her baby girl had grown up overnight, desperately trying to step into a role where she could protect her mother and grandmother.

She had just turned four years old.

A suffocating wave of despair washed over Elara, but terrified of upsetting Melody, she swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a calm facade.

Later that afternoon, guessing Sebastian had finally caught up on his sleep, she sent him a quick text relaying Melody's invitation.

Worried it might come across as too demanding, she quickly followed up with a disclaimer: *[Melody was just thinking out loud. Please don't feel obligated if it's inconvenient. I can easily explain it to her.]*

*[It's not inconvenient at all.]*

Sebastian was clearly awake, firing back a reply almost instantly. *[I'll adjust my schedule right now. I'll make a point to come see her every day.]*

Elara frantically typed back to stop him. *[You don't need to come every day! Just dropping by occasionally is more than enough.]*

Sebastian wasn't having it. *[I'm the one who wants to see her. You can't strip away my visitation rights.]*

Elara stared at the screen, momentarily speechless.

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