chapter 5

Fiona—a sharp and powerful woman—caught my meaning instantly. I could hear her voice trembling with rage through the phone. "That utter bastard!"

The call ended. Soon after, Leander hurried out of the guest room. "Olivia, you know how the paparazzi are—they just make stuff up. Don't take it the wrong way."

But I noticed how refreshed he looked and let out a cold laugh. "Really? Because from where I'm standing, your concern for Ms. Snow seems pretty genuine. No wonder the stories wrote themselves."

Leander knew he was in the wrong. Guilt was written all over his face. "I know I shouldn't have brought Juniper home. But I just couldn't turn my back on someone who's sick. Please don't be angry. I'll have someone take her home soon."

He reached out to hug me.

I took a step back, my expression cold.

He looked hurt, the light in his expressive eyes dimming instantly.

I felt nothing. "Juniper comes looking for you, and the very next moment, the media goes into a frenzy with their coverage. Are you telling me she had nothing to do with it?"

"Juniper is a simple person. She wouldn't do something like this. It must just be a coincidence," Leander argued, instinctively jumping to her defense.

My heart sank even deeper. I clenched my fists so tight my nails dug into my palms. "Fine. Then explain this—how did Juniper get into our gated community? Who gave her the access code?"

Leander's face went pale instantly. His voice grew quieter. "That... that was all in the past."

I see.

So my marital home had once been their love nest.

I stayed silent, staring at him like he was a complete stranger.

He hung his head, then spoke with resolve. "I'm heading to the company now. I'll have my team kill the hype. Don't worry. I'll make this right."

Just as he finished speaking, a tearful voice suddenly came from the staircase. "Leander, this isn't your fault. It's me. I shouldn't have gotten sick, shouldn't have caused trouble for you both. I'll just go."

Juniper stood on the stairs. I had no idea how long she'd been overhearing. She was crying, her delicate face wet with tears, her whole body trembling. Then, suddenly, she missed a step and tumbled all the way down.

"Juniper!" Leander's voice cracked in panic. He rushed back, scooped her up, and laid her on the sofa, his tone a mix of scolding and concern. "That was so careless. What if you'd been seriously injured?"

"Leander, I… I didn't want you to get scolded," Juniper stammered between sobs, forcing a smile for him. "I just want you to be happy."

Leander shuddered violently. He looked up at me, his eyes full of conflict again. "Olivia, would it be okay if I took care of Juniper first?"

"Of course," I said with a smile. Then my gaze turned icy. "I don't even mind giving you two the marital home." I turned to leave.

Finally realizing how serious this was, Leander hurried to block my path. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong. You're my wife. Nothing and no one comes before you. I'll go to the office now and handle this media mess. Nothing else is important. Please, don't worry and don't be angry."

On the sofa, Juniper was crying so hard she was on the verge of passing out. Leander couldn't help but glance her way several times. In the end, he gritted his teeth, turned, and walked straight out of the house.

The moment Leander was gone, Juniper's delicate, innocent act vanished. She wiped the tears from her chin, stood up, walked over to me, and let out a scornful laugh.