The Unveiled Rose novel Chapter 13

Nigel tilted his little head back, gazing up at Leander with eyes brimming with tears, their sparkle revealing the innocence and confusion unique to children. He was pitiful yet irresistibly endearing.

Leander crouched down to his level. Nigel no longer had to look up to meet his father's eyes.

With a shaky voice, Nigel pleaded, "Daddy, please promise me."

"You're still young," Leander spoke with the indulgence of a father, gently ruffling Nigel's hair. "Nigel, acting up with Mom like this, you'll regret it someday."

Nigel shook his head vigorously. "I won't!"

As if fearing Leander wouldn't believe him, Nigel wiped away his tears, insisting as he did so, "Daddy, I dream of living with Luna instead of Mom. I want Luna to be my mom!"

His every word was laden with conviction.

Leander, without responding, simply patted Nigel on the shoulder and stood up.

I turned my head with difficulty towards Nigel.

I had always thought his wish to make Luna part of our family was just a whim...

But...his repeated tantrums and his attitude weren’t a joke!

He genuinely longed for Luna to be his mother.

And what about me?

The mother who had given everything unconditionally for him?

Was I just supposed to be discarded?

A dense pain spread through my heart as if countless ants were gnawing at it.

"Honey," Leander came over and hugged me, his large hand gently patting my back soothingly. "Don't be upset. Nigel is still young; he doesn't understand what he's saying."

I had repeatedly told myself not to take Nigel's words to heart. He was just a child; I should be more forgiving...

Yet, Nigel's blunt words could easily pierce me.

I managed a weak "Hmm" in his embrace, waiting until my emotions stabilized before stepping back. "Let's have breakfast."

Leander let go of me.