Nelson adored the animosity radiating from Ariel’s countenance at that precise moment and was tempted to applaud Leilani. It promised to be far more intriguing than what he had envisioned.
However, Ariel was well aware of what she had signed up for and was resolute in not backing down. Never!
It was then that Leilani caught sight of the charming little boy standing beside Ariel.
“Aw, what an adorable child,” Leilani cooed, crouching down with a wide smile.
“What’s your name, little buddy?” she asked.
“Trevor,” replied without interest, looking anywhere but at those around him.
“I’m Leilani. You can call me Lani for short,” Leilani said sweetly, unfazed by the boy’s aloofness.
Nelson observed Trevor’s attitude and realized that this might prove to be more challenging than he had initially thought. The boy seemed to have no interest in being there at all.
“Shall we proceed inside?” Nelson suggested, leading the way.
Leilani attempted to take Trevor’s hand, but Ariel swiftly grabbed her son’s hand and gave Leilani a disdainful glare.
Keeping her silence, Leilani simply smiled, but she noticed how Trevor pulled away from Ariel’s grasp. Frowning, she glanced at Ariel and noted the hostile expression she gave her son.
However, she chose not to comment and instead caught up with Nelson, linking her arm with his.
They reached the living room, where Susan was already seated, patiently awaiting their arrival.
“Aunt!” Ariel exclaimed excitedly upon entering the room. She rushed towards Susan, attempting to embrace her, but Susan quickly moved away, causing Ariel to lose her balance and fall onto the couch.
Leilani quickly covered her mouth to suppress her laughter. Nelson couldn’t hold back his smile, while Trevor simply looked away.
“What were you trying to do? Hug me?” Susan scolded, her anger palpable in her tone and expression. “As if you deserve to be hugged by me.”
Embarrassed, Ariel rose to her feet, looking pitiful as she fidgeted with her fingers.
“I’ve never seen such audacity in all my years. How do you have the nerve to return to this place after what you’ve done to my son?” Susan’s voice was raised this time.
Trevor’s eyebrows furrowed as he unintentionally locked eyes with his mother, who quickly averted her gaze.
What’s happening here? He wondered.
“Enough, Mom, please,” Nelson pleaded, moving closer to hold onto Susan.
“Yes, Mom. We can discuss this later. There’s a child present,” Leilani interjected in a rational tone. Susan took a deep breath to calm down.
Then she turned to Trevor and as soon as she saw him, her expression softened and a slow smile graced her lips.
“Come on, dear. Come to your grandmother,” she coaxed Trevor, tears welling up in her eyes. Trevor hesitated at first, but seeing the genuine happiness in Susan’s eyes, he slowly approached her.
Susan crouched down to his level, her arms open wide. As Trevor leaned into her embrace, he couldn’t help but think that even his supposed father never greeted him, let alone welcomed him with open arms.
“Oh, my dear. It’s not your father’s fault that you’re just meeting us today,” Susan whispered tearfully into Trevor’s ear.
Trevor pulled away from the embrace, staring at Susan with disbelief.
He was about to say something when Ariel abruptly interrupted their moment.
“Let me take Trevor to his room, Aunt,” she said nervously, quickly taking Trevor’s hand and leading him toward the staircase.
“I’ll show them to their room. I’ll be right back,” Leilani volunteered, but Nelson grabbed her hand, his eyes full of concern.
“Be careful around her, Lani,” he said earnestly.
Leilani experienced a sentimental sensation in the spot where she was being grasped, causing a slight smile to spread across her features. But in an instant, she regained awareness of her surroundings.
Properly clearing her throat, she swiftly removed Nelson’s hand from hers and spoke calmly, “You don’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself,” she said firmly.
Then, she offered Susan a reassuring smile before walking away. Watching Leilani ascend the stairs, Susan couldn’t help but express her concerns to Nelson in a tearful tone.
Nelson immediately went to her side and embraced her, promising, “Don’t worry, Mom. Leilani is a strong woman. I chose her to be my wife for a reason.” He flashed a comforting smile before pulling her in for a hug.
Meanwhile, Ariel had quickly tucked her son into a guest room and closed the door behind them.
“Do you see what they’re doing?” She began, kneeling down before Trevor.
“Trevor, those people will blame everything on me. They’ll concoct lies and try to turn you against your own mother!” She whispered urgently, tears already welling up in her eyes.
“But you, my dear, are my only hope. You’re the only one who can help me regain my rightful place. So please, don’t believe whatever they say. Not your father or your grandmother. Promise me, okay?” She implored, her despair evident in her voice.
Trevor had never seen his mother look so pitiful, begging him with such desperation.
He gazed at her for a moment before venturing, “What did Grandma mean when she said it wasn’t my father’s fault that I’m just now meeting my family?”
“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Trevor. She’s trying to manipulate you. She wants you to think that I’m the bad guy,” Ariel retorted firmly, rising to her feet.
Suddenly, the door creaked open and Leilani’s cold voice cut through the tension. “Aren’t you the bad guy?”