The Unveiled Rose

With a warm smile, Luna was unwrapping gifts, expressing her heartfelt thanks to everyone around the table.

As the evening wore on, she became increasingly emotional, her voice breaking as she spoke, "I never imagined... that I could find a true family like this with all of you. It means the world to me."

"Let's not get into all that now," Leander interjected, clearly uncomfortable with the display of emotion and clumsily trying to shift the mood. "Let's eat before the food gets cold," he suggested, hoping to lighten the atmosphere. They were all set for a cozy dinner in the dining room when Leander suddenly paused and turned around to see me standing at the doorway.

The smile froze on his face.

Following his lead, the others turned to look at me, their expressions turning sour upon realizing I was back. It was as if a shadow had fallen over their previously joyful gathering.

I could feel a fire of anger and betrayal igniting in my heart. It had been less than a week since I lost my child... And here they were, the very people responsible for my misery, enjoying themselves as if nothing had happened. Ignoring their stares, I decided not to waste my breath on them and headed straight for my bedroom.

Yet, as I passed by Leander, he grabbed my wrist. "Great timing, honey. Why don't you join us?"

I stopped in my tracks, my response cold and laced with sarcasm. "So, we're celebrating her moving in and making you a happy family of four? What exactly am I supposed to be celebrating? Your success in causing my miscarriage?" I had always been soft-spoken and gentle at home, always careful to maintain Leander's dignity in front of others, no matter how badly he treated me. But not this time.

My tone was sharp, my words sparing no feelings.

Leander was visibly taken aback. He opened his mouth to say something, but I was done listening. Shrugging off his hold, I marched towards the bedroom.

As I was about to open the door, Nigel rushed up, blocking my way like a little cub defending its territory. "This room is Luna's now. You can't go in."

So, Luna had even taken over my bedroom? She really did know how to make herself at home.

Forced to halt, I turned back to face Leander, my voice steady but demanding, "Explain."

Leander struggled to find the right words. "You've been away... And with Luna here, taking care of the children alone, it just seemed impractical for her to stay in the guest room. It made sense to let her use our bedroom temporarily."

I listened as he tried to justify prioritizing Luna over everything and everyone else. I had planned to confront him with evidence of Luna's manipulations, but the scene before me made me reconsider. It was clear Leander would do anything to keep Luna happy, even if it meant dismissing my feelings.

But I wasn't about to let him have his way without a fight. Without showing any emotion, I simply stated, "But I'm back now."

Leander, visibly uncomfortable, replied, "Asking her to move out now would be inconvenient."

"It's okay, Leander," Luna chimed in, ever the martyr. "I'll move out right away. I've always said, this is your house. It never felt right taking over the master bedroom anyway."