The Love that Never Really Dies

Sebastian understood how Matteo was feeling. He did not compel his son to speak, but knelt down in front of him. I’m sorry,” Sebastian began. “I admit that I was violent and hot-tempered. But if I did not do what I did, your mother wouldn’t have obeyed me.” Matteo shifted his beady little eyes to look his father in his face. “You did all of that for Mommy to follow you?” “That’s right,” Sebastian answered. “As you can see, your mother is stubborn. If I did not pressure her, she wouldn’t have come with us. Forgive Daddy, will you?” He was not lying to his son. That was indeed his motive.

Matteo’s unclenched his fists, but he did not throw himself into his father’s arms for a hug as he normally would. Instead, he remained by his sister’s side and kept his distance from Sebastian. “Mommy became like that because you were mean to her. Daddy, if Mommy displeases you so, why won’t you just let her go? Wouldn’t you both be so much happier if you went your separate ways?” Matteo’s eyes were tinged red as he choked on the words. Sebastian was startled. The boy was right. Why didn’t he let her go? Since he hated her so much, wouldn’t it solve all of his problems if she were to disappear from his sight?

Raymond’s manor. When he arrived at the banquet, all he could think to do was to drag her out of there, and keep her under lock and key. No one else could see her except him. Sebastian felt as though he

despicable, Matteo loves him more than anyone in the world. Except for his mother, of course. How could bear to leave his father behind? Matteo fought back his tears and lowered his head. He allowed himself to be led into the shower and for a fresh change of clothes, as did his sister. Sebastian cared for both children that night. In the deep quiet of the night, they held a hushed meeting under cover of the quilt. “Matteo, I wouldn’t want to leave Daddy,” Vivian whispered. “Daddy is the only one who would

her mother’s treatment in his hands. Matteo was fuming too at being reminded of that. At the same time, his respect and love for his father increased. “But I think Mommy would definitely not forgive Daddy this time.” “Huh?” Vivian, whose eyes were shining bright with optimism, dimmed in an instant. If it were me, what would I do? Sasha did not manage to sleep at all that night. It could have been because she had