The Unveiled Rose novel Chapter 11

His words, naive yet forthright, pierced my heart like a needle.

When he was sick, at his most vulnerable, all he could think about was the woman who made him ill.

I looked down at him. The illness had clearly taken its toll; he could barely speak two sentences before falling back to sleep.

Leander obviously heard what Nigel said, too. He took my hand. "Honey."

I had nothing to say to him, trying to pull my hand back.

But Leander tightened his grip, not letting go. "Today was just a mishap. My mom acted on her own, and Nigel is just sick. He didn't mean what he said..."

"I completely understand," I said, picking up Nigel to head out of the hospital. "He's at that age where he's smitten with Luna. Of course, he thinks the world of her."

I paused, then added, "And here I am, strictly forbidding him from seeing Luna."

"At first, his resentment is bound to be intense. Nigel is a good kid at heart. I'll guide him back on track and make him see who truly has his best interests at heart."

"But, I need you to make sure this doesn't happen again. I can overlook today as an accident, but I won't stand for a repeat."

I stopped speaking.

Leander, not wanting me to get tired, naturally took Nigel from my arms.

"I will, I promise you, honey!"

I watched Leander, who held the sleeping Nigel in his arms and said no more.

...

After we got home.

Leander parked the car.

Nigel was still sound asleep, so I decided not to wake him and was just about to carry him inside.

But Leander was already standing by the passenger door, his voice soft, "Let me."

Then, he effortlessly lifted Nigel with one arm, extending the other hand towards me.

I was surprised and looked up.

The streetlight cast its glow on him, his tall frame and handsome features almost divine.