Chapter 114

Vanessa always felt like an outsider when it came to Leander's relationship with his grandfather. Watching them interact felt like peeking in on a private world she couldn't be part of. From what she saw, it honestly seemed like his grandfather was hoping Leander would make the first move to fix things. But... considering the way Richard and the rest of that family treated Leander, suggesting a reconciliation felt almost absurd. If her own dad was anything like Richard, she'd probably cut ties even harder. A father like that didn't deserve the title. Leander stared blankly at a spot on the table, like he wasn't really there. Lost in his thoughts. Vanessa didn't say anything. She quietly walked over to clear the dishes. Out of nowhere, he reached out, wrapping his arms around her from behind, resting his face on her back. His voice was low and rough. "Don't move. Just let me stay like this." She could feel his warmth and the strength of the hold around her waist. Even though she didn't