Ariel sprang to her feet with wide open eyes, completely taken aback as Leilani entered the room.
“What brings you here?!” Ariel exclaimed, unable to contain her surprise, uncertain of how long Leilani had been eavesdropping.
“You’re the bad guy, aren’t you?” Leilani continued in a composed manner, moving closer to where Ariel was standing.
“Stay out of my affairs, you imbecile. It’s none of your concern. How could you spy on us? Are you a stalker?” Ariel ranted, but Leilani simply smiled before crouching down to Trevor’s level.
“I don’t know what your Mom has told you about your Dad, but believe me, Trevor. They’re not true,” Leilani said with a faint smile on her lips.
Ariel’s anger shot up, “Get out of here before I throw you out myself,” she snapped.
Leilani then stood up, saying, “Remember, I’m the lady of this house, and you’re here today because of Trevor. Trust me, if you do anything foolish, I’ll have you kicked out for good,” Leilani threatened, her expression fierce.
Ariel’s brow furrowed, “Are you threatening me?”
“You can try me first,” Leilani replied before leaving the room.
She couldn’t make sense of Ariel’s behavior. She couldn’t understand why Ariel was so self-centered. Why was she only thinking about herself?
Leilani was lost in thought when Nelson suddenly appeared, startling her.
“Oh my goodness, you scared me,” she complained, clutching her chest.
“Why would you be scared in your own home?” Nelson asked with a slight chuckle as they both walked down the hallway.
“Stop it, Mr. Carter. It’s just us here,” Leilani said, rolling her eyes.
Nelson fell silent for a moment before asking, “Should we go out together one of these days?”
“Just the two of us? Why? What’s the occasion?” Leilani was taken aback.
“Does there have to be an occasion for me to spend time with my wife?” Nelson asked casually, causing a blush to creep up Leilani’s cheeks as she cursed under her breath.
“Are you attempting to ensnare me with your charm?” Leilani inquired, attempting to maintain a stern tone.
“What reason could there possibly be for me not to meet your standards as your man?” Nelson countered, gazing intensely at her face and drawing nearer.
Leilani parted her lips to respond, but found herself speechless. In a swift motion, she walked away from him and quickened her pace as he continued to call out her name.
Nelson smiled and shook his head, he had fallen for Leilani without even realizing it.
The next morning, the family gathered around the dining table for breakfast as Nelson emerged with his suitcase, ready to leave for work.
“Good morning, everyone,” Nelson greeted, his smile widening as he approached Leilani and gave her a peck on each cheek in front of everyone.
Susan beamed with adoration as she watched them.
“Why did you leave me alone in bed? I’ve told you before, you don’t have to help in the kitchen,” Nelson complained, pouting his lips and prompting Leilani to stand up.
Giggling, Leilani placed her hands on his chest and brushed off his shirt as if removing an invisible speck of dust.
“I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t want to wake you up. I knew you were exhausted last night,” Leilani explained, winking playfully as she helped him adjust his necktie.
Meanwhile, Ariel absentmindedly gripped her spoon, imagining it to be Leilani’s neck. She knew the couple’s affectionate display was meant to make her envious.
“You’re harming the poor spoon, Ariel,” Susan interrupted her thoughts, causing Ariel to release her grip and clench her jaw.
Leilani and Nelson couldn’t help but smile as they found themselves wrapped in each other’s arms.
“I am quite content with how things are progressing,” Nelson murmured in Leilani’s ear.
“I feel the same way,” Leilani whispered back.
“Perhaps you should return to the room if you two can’t get enough of each other, and let me have my breakfast in peace,” Susan playfully suggested, causing the couples to laugh.
Nelson’s attention then focused on Trevor, who was silently eating his food without acknowledging those around him.
“Good morning, Trevor,” Nelson warmly greeted, but the boy didn’t even spare a glance towards his father.
“Uhmm… I’m heading to work now. Would you like me to bring you something on my way back home? Perhaps some toys, cars, or soldiers?” Nelson offered.
Instead of responding, Trevor stood up and faced Susan, saying, “Thank you for the meal, ma’am,” before walking away.
“How can you expect the poor boy to feel when his father shamefully flirts with a woman in the presence of everyone?” Ariel spoke up with spite in her tone.
“And what does that have to do with anything? He is my husband and I am his wife,” Leilani retorted, her previous good mood evaporating.
“Listen young lady, let this be the last time you interrupt when I am speaking to the father of my child,” Ariel snapped, annoyance evident in her stance.
“He may be the father of your child, but he is my husband. I own him. I can demand his attention even in the middle of an important meeting. But in your case, you wouldn’t even dare try and even if you did, you wouldn’t have him again. Not in this lifetime or the next,” Leilani calmly and confidently declared, as if she had all the time in the world.
Turning to Nelson, she asked, “Am I wrong, sweetheart?”
“Of course not, honey. In fact, I’m glad you are starting to realize how much you mean to me. You know I would do anything for you, right? I can die for you,” Nelson replied, wrapping his arms around Leilani, who shook her head.
“No, my love. I cannot lose you. You know I cannot exist without you,” Leilani cried out as she brought Nelson’s face closer to hers and directly kissed his lips.
Nelson eagerly returned the kiss with just as much fervor.
Nelson fervently kissed her back, matching her desperate passion. One hand grasped her waist while the other drew her closer by her head. Like a starving man presented with a meal, his mouth consumed hers with fervor.
Susan couldn’t help exclaiming, “Oh my God!” Her eyes were bright with joy.
Meanwhile, two large tears spilled from Ariel’s eyes as she hastily exited the room, leaving them alone.
“You’ll regret this, Leilani,” she muttered furiously, barely audible.