Chapter 413


    With the warmth in her eyes, Leandro was frozen in ce, but couldn’t help leaning in and kissing her.


    Seraphina had had more than a few drinks, but she was still sober. Seeing him lean in, she quickly


    turned her head and ducked behind him.


    Leandro, having missed his chance, showed no reaction on his face. Instead, he subtly reached out


    and tightly grasped her hand.


    This scene, witnessed by the crowd in the dining room, was yet another testament to their rtionship.


    For a moment, everyone seemed to have a clear understanding of Seraphina’s ce in the family.


    No matter how much resentment or unwillingness they felt, the truth was right in front of them.


    The family feast ended around nine. The remaining activities like drinking or dancing, were left to


    individual interests.


    Leandro’s cousins had no interest in such festivities. Led by Ferne, they left early, leaving only the older


    family members to sit in the garden, sipping wine and chatting.


    As a mother of a school-aged child, Seraphina naturally stayed with Valerio, telling him stories about


    the Thanksgiving tradition.


    Valerio, enthralled, begged her to tell him more and before they knew it, it waste into the night.


    It wasn’t until Conway decided to go sleep that everyone started to leave. Everyone made a point to


    say their goodbyes to Leandro and Seraphina, their attitudes surprisingly mild.


    Bruce was thest to leave. Before he left, he said to Seraphina, “Knowing that Valerio is your son


    makes me very happy.”


    12


    His cheeks were flushed with drink, his eyes bright as he looked at Seraphina. It was as though he


    could see through her, see another person entirely. Seraphina sighed softly, unsure of how to respond.


    “Your mother… she would’ve been very happy too, wouldn’t she?” Bruce added, a touch of sorrow in


    his voice.


    “Mom is gone.” Seraphina finally spoke. “She’s with my dad now, probably very peaceful and happy.


    So, you don’t need to worry, Bruce.”


    Bruce paused, seeming to take her words in. He sighed softly, not saying anything more before getting


    into his car with the help of his driver.


    Standing outside, Seraphina heard him instruct his driver to take him to his vi, not to the Reynolds


    Vista Retreat.


    His rtionship with Gloria, a marriage of many years, seemed to be nothing more than a tangled


    mess.


    It was a sad thought, how a marriage could end up causing such pain and anguish to both parties


    involved.


    How many couples in the world end up going down that same path?


    As Seraphina watched Bruce’s car drive away, Leandro quietly approached her from behind, wrapping


    his arms around her waist and leaning in to kiss her neck.


    –


    Tonight, Leandro too had had his fair share of alcohol. Having held back all evening, and now with only


    the two of them left in the garden, he no longer had to restrain himself.


    His kiss was hot, a clear indication of his intentions.


    Yet, Seraphina suddenly turned to face him, asking softly, “Did your mom and dad ever have a good


    time together?”


    Leandro did not expect this question. He frowned slightly, pausing before answering, “No.”


    “Never?” Seraphina questioned further.


    “Never.” Leandro confirmed.


    There was a cool detachment in his gaze as he spoke of this, as though there were no excess


    emotions involved.


    Taken aback, Seraphina was silent for a moment before continuing, “Not even when you were little?”


    “No.” Leandro repeated.


    For a moment, Seraphina didn’t know what to say. Being the heir of the Reynolds family, Leandro had


    been doted on by his grandfather, uncles, and aunts. But for a child, none of that could rece the love


    of parents. But if his parents were always at odds, always fighting, how could a child feel loved? So,


    Leandro had not been very happy when he was little, right?


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    Perhaps because Valerio resembled him so much, whenever she thought of Leandro’s childhood, she


    couldn’t help but picture Valerio. And with that thought, a sharp pang of pain struck her heart.


    After a moment, she reached up to loop her arms around Leandro’s neck, standing on her toes to kiss


    him. She had intended for it to be a quick peck, but as soon as their lips met, he pulled her closer and


    she found herself unable to pull away.


    On this night, a sleeping Valerio was once again temporarily forgotten.


    “Is it safe today?”


    Inside Seraphina’s bedroom, Leandro asked the question again.


    Breathing heavily, Seraphina red at him, “Why is that all you think about? Is it that much better


    without protection?”


    Leandro ran his hand gently over her lips, replying softly, “You’ll see how much better it is.”


    With those words, he once again imed her lips, taking this as her agreement.