Chapter 1006


    Lysander seemed oblivious to the tension surrounding him, steadfast in his support of her education,


    showing no signs of prejudice or disdain.


    Thssa found him utterly confounding – at times he was brutally indifferent to her feelings, and at


    others, he appeared tender and understanding, as if he nned to spend the rest of his life with her.


    His moods were as changeable as the weather, deep and inscrutable. No one had ever truly


    understood him, least of all someone of her modestprehension.


    Thssa averted her gaze and avoided eye contact with Lysander. Inside her heart was a tempest of


    emotions.


    She turned to Atticus and said, "Let''s take your dad''s car, Atticus. We can work on the software


    anytime, no rush."


    Her eyes earnestly met Atticus''.


    Atticus studied her face intently, noting her serious, solemn expression. Her secret must remain hidden


    All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    from Dad. If she asked for Atticus'' help now, their dad would surely catch on. It would have to wait until


    they were alone.


    Understanding her silent plea, Atticus nodded with wisdom beyond his years. "Okay, Mom. When we


    get home,e to my room, and I''ll teach you."


    "Alright." Thssa said, patting Atticus'' head affectionately.


    The four children climbed into the car and took their seats in the back. Thssa sat in the passenger


    seat, and Lysander took the wheel.


    The journey was quiet, unusually so, as the typically chatty kids sat silent and well-behaved. Thssa


    kept her focus forward, her hands clutching the seat belt, not daring to nce at Lysander.


    Lysander, with his hands firmly on the steering wheel, exuded an air of noble authority as he drove


    smoothly toward Royal Estates.


    Upon arrival, Thssa quickly helped the children out of the car and took their hands as they walked


    into the grand foyer.


    Once they entered, Atticus tugged at Thssa''s hand and urged her toward his room. "Mom, let''s go to


    my room. It''s quiet..."


    "Change into something formal. We are leaving for a cocktail party." Lysander''smanding voice


    interrupted.


    Thssa''s steps faltered. She turned to Lysander with confusion. "A cocktail party?" she echoed.


    Atticus also stopped; his innocent eyes fixed on Lysander.


    "Yes. Get dressed. You''re meeting an elder." Lysander instructed.


    "But Dad, I booked Mom first. I need to teach her how to sort out her work on theputer. You can''t


    hog her!" Atticus protested, his young face mirroring Lysander''s stern demeanor.


    Despite his youth, Atticus'' defiance had a striking resemnce to his father''s formidable presence –


    yet, it paled inparison to Lysander''s mature charisma.


    "Booked her? Since when do you schedule her time without my approval? All her ns should go


    through me." Lysander stated firmly.


    "Why should her n go through your approval?" Atticus challenged.


    "Because she is my woman!" Lysander dered possessively.


    Atticus retorted, "Mom is herself!"


    "Are you asking for a spanking?" Lysander''s face turned icy with authority.


    "You''re the one who deserves a spanking!" Atticus shot back.


    rmed, Thssa quickly pulled Atticus aside, pleading, "Enough, both of you. Atticus, go do your


    homework. I''ll go with your dad to meet this elder, and when wee back, we can spend time


    together. Okay?"


    "But Mom, Dad said you''re his. Aren''t you our mom too?" Atticus'' voice trembled with hurt.


    Thssa''s heart ached, a sour sting at her nose. Even her child could see her pain. She felt like a


    possession, devoid of autonomy, in Lysander''s world.


    But what could she do? She was caught in a life, not of her choosing, in a world where her own voice


    seemed to have little ce.