Entwined With the Villainous Guardian
Chapter 261: Ashamed

Chapter 261: Ashamed

Viviana struggled to answer. Thankfully, some other nuns called Sister Deborah and she left not before reminding Viviana to meet with Father Patrick.

Viviana wanted to sigh in relief. She is a human and cursed with original sin. What can she do? She didn’t want to embarrass herself and hurt others by saying that she is married to a Kastello. She dreaded seeing the despise in their eyes if she revealed that her surname is Kastello these days.

She should be relieved she avoided answering that question.

But something was stuck in her chest making her feel heavy. And it hurt as if something sharp went through her chest. She didn’t know what that intense feeling was.

Guilt, was it?

But what was he guilty about? To whom was she feeling guilty?

She felt the tender hands of Leander on her back and closed her eyes. With her eyes closed, she turned and hugged him. For some reason, she didn’t have the guts to look at his face.

"You’re back," she said.

He smelled tired. He must have come to meet her directly when he needs a shower.

"You didn’t tell me you’re here already," she looked at him.

She was standing on the first stair and he was standing on the ground, and yet she had to look up to meet his eyes. There were dark circles around his eyes and his lips were parched. There was a deep frown line between his eyes.

"You do not look well," she rubbed his eyebrow. "Go home. I’ll follow you. I have to...meet Father Patrick. He’s the one who..." She took in a deep breath. "He’s an important person."

"I’ll go with you," Leander said.

Viviana was frozen. She didn’t know what she can do.

"Isn’t he a special person? Wouldn’t he want to meet your husband?" he asked.

"That’s a fair point," Viviana’s thought slipped out. "But..." she bit her lips.

"You brought this candle to light it, right?" Leander asked. "Come on, let’s go," he held her hand and took his first step.

But then he stopped.

"Is this the stair you were left at?" he asked.

Viviana jumped. "In this exact spot," she smiled.

"I wish I could build a shrine here... Or I can take this stair and build a shrine elsewhere...Or..." he paused. "What? Not coming in?"

Viviana sighed. "Please don’t build a shrine for me. Nothing would irk me more. If I die, move on, and don’t think about me."

Leander clenched his jaws and looked at her. He didn’t look impressed. "Let’s go." He practically dragged her up the stairs.

Leander watched her lighting up the candle and saying a prayer. He wanted to ask her what she prayed for. Her eyes were clouded as if she was holding back her tears.

Is it about her mother?

He gently rubbed her back. She turned and smiled at him.

"You like this place?" she asked. "All these drawings and sculptures are at least three centuries old. Magnificent, isn’t it?" she said looking up at the ceiling.

"Oh, wow. I only noticed it now," he said looking up. He was staring at her face till then.

He’s not someone with a fine taste for art. But those paintings were soothing and pretty. It was also very... nostalgic.

Not as much as his wife though.

He could see that she was not very happy to let them meet him. Why would she? He knows who he is.

But something pushed him to meet Father Patrick. He was one of the staunch supporters of his wife when she lived here. He was the one who falsified her death in order to protect her.

He wanted to meet that man. What made him save her and protect her against the Kastello family?

He wanted to thank him.

"Look around here. I’ll go to the confessional," Viviana patted his arms and turned to leave.

"Isn’t it the box there?" Leander pointed at the confessional. "Where are you going?"

Viviana grimaced. "I’ll do the confessions to Father Patrick," she said.

Why does he know everything? Why isn’t he leaving her alone?

"I’m going with you," Leander said.

"For a confession?" she asked.

That threw Leander off balance. How many confessions should be made? Time won’t be long enough if he lists the sins he committed.

"No. I want to meet him," he said. He could see that she was not impressed. Her protective mode was on.

She still fears him when it comes to the people she loves.

Viviana sighed looking at the floor. She fiddled with her fingers as she was thinking what else she could do. It appeared that Leander is here on a mission. He won’t leave her be.

"Are you that ashamed, Melanie?"

Viviana winced hearing his deep voice whistling in her ear. "What?" she looked at him. He looked hurt.

Then it hit her. If she makes it obvious, why wouldn’t he be hurt?

But still, he should have some self-awareness, right?

Leander held her hand and walked her to a bench. He placed her hands inside his hands and looked at her.

"I saw those pictures, Melanie... Rows and rows of caskets, of young and old, all laid down...I know... I know what my grandfather did. I know what you are ashamed of. I won’t tell him my real name. Is that all right with you? I just want to thank him for giving you a smidgen of extra love and care in this place. That’s all I want. I will walk out of you think~"

Viviana covered his mouth to stop him from speaking further. She was not more ashamed of herself than ever.

What have I done?

"I’m sorry," she said. Not knowing what else to say. "I’m sorry I’m a coward."

Leander wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Do you want me to leave?" he asked. "Please, don’t cry. I cannot bear it."

"No," Viviana shook her head. "No," she stood up.

Holding his hand, she walked to Father Patrick’s quarters.

What was she ashamed of?

This man; her husband... He would hold her hand and take her everywhere. Was he ashamed to tell everyone that she is his wife?

No!

In what way is she suitable for him? And yet he never brought it up.

But with her hypocritical sanctimony, she thought she was better than him and was ashamed to let others know that he is her husband.

She is not proud of his job. But she is proud of the man she loves. And she will not be ashamed of him, ever.