Entwined With the Villainous Guardian
Chapter 368: Another Promise

Chapter 368: Another Promise

Leander waited for Viviana to come back. She must have something serious to discuss with Leonardo. He found it cute. In a way, he felt a little empty too. In the past, she would have focused only on him. He used to be her world and she would leave everything else for him.

First, it was the baby, now it is her brother. Her world has expanded.

He felt happy for her. She is taking care of her business, attends parties and socializes, she does charity; she still cooks for him. She’s become more wholesome.

He was proud of her. He was proud of himself for recognizing her innate capabilities when he fell for her. She always had it in her although she was filled with insecurities. She has blossomed into an amazing woman.

Why wouldn’t he be proud of her?

That night, both Viviana and Leander read stories for Ziya. Ziya was keeping her eyes peeled open at Leander not willing to close them. After a while, she couldn’t stay awake and she fell asleep.

Leander slowly stood up and noticed that Ziya was holding his sleeve. It touched his heart. Ziya had no chance to know him and yet because of her mother, she knew enough about him to want him near her when she slept.

"Can we sleep with her?" Leander asked.

Viviana wiped the corner of her eyes and nodded. This is what she wanted to see. She was worried that Leander would not accept Ziya but it heartwarming to see the love between those two.

Leander picked up Ziya and they went to her room. Leander carefully placed her in the middle of the bed.

"We cannot continue where we left earlier," he said. His eyes were drooped out of sadness.

"We cannot," Viviana said.

She cried and he tried to placate her. When she was a little composed, it was late for dinner and so they went downstairs.

"You shouldn’t have talked," Viviana smiled cheekily. She was so in the mood then; she would have given him a good time while having a splendid time. Too bad.

Leander shrugged. He was a little disappointed he couldn’t taste her entirely but he didn’t regret talking to her. He would take her talking to him more than anything.

Viviana changed and went to bed. Leander had already changed and was on the bed. "Here," he patted his side. Ziya was still in the middle of the bed, and since it was a very big bed, there was enough space for two on one side of the bed.

Viviana placed a pillow by Ziya’s side and went to Leander. Leander helped her on his lap and hugged her close. Viviana closed her eyes and snuggled up in his embrace.

"I missed your scent," she sniffed his neck. She didn’t know whether he shaved or not but he had dabbed the aftershave on his chin. She rubbed her finger on his chin. "You didn’t shave..."

Leander kissed her finger with a chuckle. "I know you like this fragrance."

Viviana kissed his neck. "Leon Michaels..." she said. She didn’t know how to feel about that name. She was no longer angry about him appropriating her dead friend’s name though.

"Leo, for you, Melanie," he kissed her head.

Viviana said nothing. He gently caressed the back of her neck and maybe he felt the scar on her neck, he lingered there.

"Sugar is sick. I was planning on leaving home for tonight. The dogs would be missing me too..."

"Is Cinnamon acting up too or is there a change?" Leander asked.

There did come a day when his wife was not scared of his cats. He was content beyond words. She makes him feel like flying.

"Yeah, Cinnamon too. Now I feel bad," she said.

"Don’t be. They’ll be fine. They are drama queens but they are strong."

Viviana got drowsy being in his embrace. The familiar scent that gave her security only made her relaxed. She almost fell asleep.

"I asked your father for your hand in marriage," Leander said.

Viviana tried to open her eyes but she couldn’t. She decided not to try. "Isn’t it too late for that?" she asked.

Aren’t they married already?

Leander smiled. Of course, she would only speak her heart when she is half-asleep. She probably forgot that her husband was supposed to be dead and she needed to marry him again. Also, they never were legally married in the past. Writing in the family register is not the same as a legal marriage.

"I thought you would like the idea of getting married in St. Michael’s Church," Leander said. He was surprised she would be less enthusiastic about it.

"Father Flannagan got us married there, remember?" Viviana asked. She was too tired to speak but she expressed her position on this. "How many times should we get married in front of God? Once is enough."

She was satisfied with the simple ceremony Father Flannagan did. They both kept their marriage vows and what’s the need for another wedding ceremony?

Leander was disappointed she would refuse his proposal. "But I want to marry you again."

"If you want to, we can have a wedding ceremony elsewhere. No need for getting married in the Church again," she added.

Leander said nothing. He thought she might change her mind in a few days if he insisted. Or maybe she is right. They need not get married in a church again.

Viviana was silent for some time. Leander thought she was asleep but she broke the silence. "Are we really going to get married again, Leo?"

"Yes," Leander brushed her hair. There was no compromise in that.

He saw her lips curving up to a pure smile. She looked cute with her eyes still closed. "I can dream of a wedding dress..." she said.

"You can..." Leander kissed her cheek. It was obvious that she was excited.

"I have a lot to say to you, Melanie..." he said caressing her hair.

"...You never say anything important to me, Leo..." she said after a short pause. Leander leaned forward to have a good look at her face. The cute smile on her face was gone.

Leander pressed his cheek to her cheek. "I’m sorry...I thought I was protecting you, but... I was wrong...I am sorry..."

He spoke from his heart. He thought he handled everything the best way possible but if he had another chance, maybe he will do it differently. Hie eyes ended up on the locked drawer beside the bed.

She ended up suffering greatly because he did everything his way. He should have included her in his plans.

Viviana held his hand and pressed it to her chest.

"Are you here for good, Leo?" she asked. She was scared.

Can I really fall asleep?

"Will you be gone when I wake up?"

"I am." Leander kissed her. His eyes misted hearing her meek tone that encompassed her hurt. "I am staying for good, Lemon. I am not going to leave you again. I promise. I promise on everything holy."