The Unveiled Rose

Leander turned, his gaze a mix of emotions upon hearing me. "Amara... you're back. He didn't... hurt you, did he?" Oh, the hypocrisy!

Now that he suspects I've been with another man, the endearing term 'honey' suddenly vanishes!

"Oh, he didn't do anything. We just sat and chatted for a bit," I said, brushing off the truth lightly.

"I'm sorry... Amara, I really had no choice," Leander replied, his face a picture of insincerity, still playing the apologetic card.

I shrugged, knowing all too well he wouldn't believe me a fact I had anticipated.

Claude might play a key role in exposing Luna later, and naturally, I wouldn't bother explaining any further to Leander.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Ignoring him, I pulled my suitcase out of the storage room. "Let's go."

After the divorce, I'd continue to gather evidence.

When the Payne family drowns in their false happiness, I'll come forward to reveal everything.

Ah, the irony...I can only hope they can still play a happy family by then!

...

Leander surprisingly cooperated, and we smoothly secured our divorce.

Holding my suitcase, ready to leave, Leander followed. "Amara, it's ultimately my fault. You're leaving me without asking for anything, and with no work experience, you might find it hard to get a job. How about you come to work for me as a nanny? I'll pay you." Was he suggesting I go back to serve their family of four, enduring their moods daily?

Did he think so low of me?

I glanced at him. "Mr. Payne, that's quite bold of you, but I'll spare you the worry."

Leander looked annoyedly taken for granted. "I'm just thinking of your best interest!"

"The last time you had my 'best interest' in mind, you sent me to another man's bed," I couldn't be bothered to expose him further. "And before that, you were the reason I lost our child."

Leander's expression froze.

I didn't want to waste any more time on him and hailed a cab.

I told the driver my destination and settled in the back seat, letting the car take me away.

...

Reuben's house was in a villa district in the city center.

Standing at the entrance of the neighborhood, I called Reuben.

He seemed surprised. "How are you doing?"

I desperately needed a job and a place to stay. "You mentioned before that you wanted me to look after Joyce, right?"

"Yes," Reuben remained calm. "Are you available now?"

"I'm at your gate right now."

No sooner had I finished speaking than a security guard came over to say I could enter.

As I walked in, I saw Reuben waiting in the yard.

Typically, he'd be at the office, but it seemed he took the day off to stay home.

Reuben looked somewhat troubled. "Could you please help console Joyce?"

I casually asked, "What happened?"

Reuben explained, "Ever since we parted at the hospital last time, she's been believing you'd come over the next day. You were tied up and couldn't make it. She's been upset, crying, ignoring me, and even refusing to eat." Reuben must have been worried sick about Joyce crying to leave work and stay at home.

"No problem," I quickly asked, "Where is she?"

Reuben immediately led the way.

...

Joyce was in her bedroom.