Husband

It took Vera a long time to put the children to bed. James looked at his sister worriedly when she came out of the children’s room. “Go rest. We can talk tomorrow.” 

Vera nodded wearily. When she went to close the curtains in her room, she noticed Carlos’s men lurking downstairs. Vera knew that though they had successfully switched the children and explained away Carlos’s suspicions, Carlos remained doubtful. Carlos was too shrewd and cunning. From now on, Vera had to be even more careful. She couldn’t afford the slightest screw–up. 

Vera slept uneasily. Despite lighting a scented candle to help her sleep, she was still awakened by nightmares. In the end, she gave up on sleep and lay there until morning, then got up to make breakfast for all of them. She wanted to keep herself busy so she wouldn’t think. 

“Mommy, I’m sorry.” Samuel suddenly appeared behind Vera. 

Startled, she turned to see Samuel standing there. Vera rushed over to pick him up. “Why are you up? It’s still early.” 

To Vera’s relief, Samuel’s neck was fine now. The marks were gone, and there was only a bit of swelling. It would disappear after with one more application of medicine today. 

Samuel reached out and touched Vera’s neck. The marks were better after a night, but they were still visible. Samuel burst into tears. “I’m sorry, Mommy. It’s all my fault…” 

“Nonsense, kiddo.” Vera understood what had happened. Samuel had Catherine call her for help when Neil was kidnapped. That was how Vera ended up meeting Carlos. Samuel disguised as Neil because he was afraid she and Neil would end up in Carlos’s hands. If someone was to be blamed, it was Carlos and Averie. 

“I’m fine, Samuel. Besides, I should thank you. Thanks to you, I found out that Neil is alive. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have been reunited. What a smart cookie you are. You’re such a warrior. What a big heart you have. I’m so proud of you, Samuel,” Vera told him. 

“Really?” Samuel asked through his tears. He sounded more cheerful. 

“When have I ever lied to you?” Vera asked. 

James had heard the commotion and came to take a look. He saw them hugging. 

Samuel had always been clever and meticulous. He must have noticed Vera wearing the scarf last night. He hadn’t asked because he didn’t want to say anything before Catherine. 

“Uncle James.” Samuel did blame James slightly. “Didn’t you go save Mommy? Why didn’t you protect her?” 

“You ungrateful little brat.” James rubbed Samuel’s head, feeling guilty and helpless. Samuel was too young to realize how formidable Carlos was in Hiyon. 

“Samuel, be good. Don’t take that tone to your uncle. He did his best,” Vera chided softly, looking gratefully at James. 

“Sorry, Uncle James,” Samuel apologized obediently. 

“Samuel, I hope you won’t resent him,” Vera added. It went without saying who “him” referred to. Vera knew it might be difficult. It was something she couldn’t do, yet she hoped Samuel could do it. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

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