The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 6

Nigel's tiny hands gripped the plate on the table, and with a forceful gesture, he hurled it to the ground.

"Crash!"

The porcelain shattered, scattering pieces all over the floor. The syrup in the fruit salad splashed in every direction.

"Nigel! There's a limit to throwing a tantrum. Have you forgotten all the manners I taught you?"

My temper flared, and we locked eyes, neither willing to back down.

Nigel, not getting the reaction he sought, seemed extremely upset. He pushed me and stormed off crying, "Who needs your lessons? I hate you!"

His push wasn't strong, but it was enough to stagger me, nearly causing me to fall.

I watched Nigel's retreating figure in disbelief.

Our relationship had always been harmonious.

But given his young age and immature thinking, he could say or do the wrong things.

Although his words sometimes stung, I would explain what he did wrong after cooling down. He would reflect and understand how to correct his behavior.

Usually, at times like this, Nigel would come over, wrap his small arms around my neck, and say, "Mom, I said something wrong earlier, didn't I? That made you sad, right? I'll remember that and won't say it again." Then he would nuzzle me with his little face.

But now?

I steadied myself against the counter, unable to control the tears streaming down my face.

Why had he changed like this?

Was it truly because of my approach to parenting?

I deeply reflected on my methods.

Perhaps I had been too strict. He was still young and couldn't understand that all I did was for his benefit.

He just felt oppressed, and Luna's reckless indulgence seemed to offer him the relaxation he craved...

Slowly, he was influenced by her. He was gradually drifting away from me and drawing closer to Luna.

If I lowered my expectations, could our relationship improve?

I took another plate from the rack.

Nigel had smashed his meal. Leander hadn't eaten yet.

Unlike usual, instead of dishing out his meal in advance, I placed an empty plate on the table and sat down beside it.

I couldn't hide my inner turmoil.

Leander sat down, noticed the empty plate, and was puzzled. "What happened?"

I struggled to keep my emotions in check, "Nigel was upset about me deleting Luna from his contacts and leaving the group chat yesterday. He threw his meal in a fit. He probably won't have the appetite for anything I make today; you might as well take him to the school canteen." Leander nodded in agreement. "Alright."

He then served himself some food, and tried to lighten the mood. "Don't be mad, honey. Don't stoop to arguing with a child."

Nigel's words replayed in my mind. I wanted to ask Leander what was really going on...

But I stopped myself.

How would I respond if he countered by asking why I took a child's heated words to heart?

Yet, not asking felt even worse...

With frustration building up inside, I finally spoke, "About yesterday..."

"Don't worry." Leander seemed to anticipate my concerns, smiling as he reached across the table to ruffle my hair. "I've made a promise to you, and I'll handle it properly."

His assurance somewhat eased my mind. "That's good. Let's eat."

I awaited the day he would cut ties with Luna.

I would try to believe that his affections had never wavered, that he would remain a loving husband and father...

After all, we used to be such a happy family.

...

After finishing his meal, Leander went to call Nigel for school.

Nigel came out dressed, saw me, huffed, and turned away, grudgingly taking Leander's hand as they headed to the door. Leander paused at the doorway to say goodbye.

Just like any other day, they left, and I was left alone to clean up the aftermath.

A shattered plate, scattered food, and syrup were spilled all over the floor.

I had to clear the used plates on the table and wash their clothes from the day before.

Once everything was tidied up, I began to mop the floor, moving from the living room to the bedroom and then to the study...

Upon opening the study door, I saw a photo and two opened letters on the desk.

The photo showed a youthful and vibrant Luna.

On the left, a letter in Leander's familiar handwriting...

He had written just a few lines.

[Luna, despite your past betrayal, which hurt me deeply, I can still forgive you. If you're willing to come back to me, I'll immediately call off my wedding with Amara Jensen.] My mind went numb with shock.