Chapter 123

I asked Savannah to take Briar out to play while Leo and I settled on the couch, ready for a chat.

I shot Savannah a quick look, signaling her to keep an eye on things around us.

Savannah caught on immediately and reached out to Briar, saying, "Hey Briar, wanna come play with me?"

Briar nodded shyly and took Savannah's hand, heading off to play.

I had noticed that Leo seemed to have something on his mind, but with Briar around, he hadn't said anything.

I turned to Leo and asked, "Leo, does Renee not come home much?"

Leo's face froze for a moment before he regained his composure. "She's just really busy with work, you know? So I'm the one handling things at home. It's understandable."

It seemed like it wasn't just about being busy with work; there might be more to the story.

I decided to dig a little deeper. "Do you take care of Briar all by yourself? Does Renee help out at all?"

Mentioning the child brought a hint of bitterness to Leo's face, and he shook his head. "No, you know how busy she is."

"But now that Briar is growing up, there are things I can't teach her as a man. I want Renee to come back and help, but every time I ask..."

He trailed off, but I understood what he meant.

Leo looked at me with envy. "I really admire your family. Your kids have both parents around, and at least they get complete love."

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. Every family has its own struggles. Mine isn't any easier than Leo's.

"Actually, my family has its own challenges. Brandon is busy with work and rarely comes home. I was sick recently, and when Brett was little, it was the nanny who took care of him."

"I totally get how you feel because I also think Brett missed out on our presence."

Leo nodded. "But now you're better, and I heard Brandon's career is back on track?"

I nodded. "Yes, he recently closed a deal with an overseas company. It's a busy time, so he can't be home much."

"But it's good that Brandon cares. Renee doesn't even have that. She doesn't even call."

I sighed. "It's tough. I went back home recently because of some issues he had. Sometimes I think about divorce, but for the sake of the kids, I try to make it work."

Leo was taken aback, his eyes widening. "Brandon? What issues? He seems like a good guy."

I looked at him, surprised he didn't know about Brandon's recent scandal.

"He just had some issues, you know how it is when men get money... But I'm not talking about you, Leo. You're a good man."

He nodded. "I'll talk to Brandon. How could he mess around when you were sick at home?"

I waved it off. "It's in the past. He promised it wouldn't happen again, so I'm giving him another chance."

Leo nodded. "Marriage is about making it work. As long as he changes, it's fine."

I didn't respond. If Brandon could change, pigs would fly.

I looked around. The house was spotless, thanks to Leo.

"Leo, do you clean the house yourself?"

Leo nodded. "I don't have much to do, so I clean up after work and help Briar with her homework."

"After work?"

I caught that Leo was still working. "You still work? Renee makes good money."

"I remember when we weren't sick, you lived in a big house. Now it's a villa."

Leo smiled wryly. "Renee doesn't leave us money. We moved, but we still need money for daily expenses. She doesn't think about these things, so I have to work to support Briar and myself."

I nodded, unsure what to say. This was the life Leo chose. I wondered if he regretted it.

"By the way, Leo, where do you work now? Maybe Brandon can help you get a job at his company. You were good at your job."

Leo waved it off. "No need. I work as an accountant at a small company. It's easy, and I can pick up and drop off Briar."

Since he said that, I didn't push. "That's good."

"Leo, I wanted to tell you, we're planning to take Briar to Suncrest City soon. I'll get her passport and buy her a ticket."

Leo's eyes lit up. "Thank you so much."

I couldn't fully trust Leo, but I knew he loved his child.

"No problem. We're family. Briar is like my own child."

Leo thanked me, and just then, Savannah came back with Briar.

Briar was giggling on Savannah's back. They seemed to have bonded.

Leo quickly stepped forward. "Briar, you shouldn't be on her back. Get down!"

Savannah laughed. "It's fine. I used to carry weights twice Briar's size. This is nothing."

Briar clearly enjoyed being on Savannah's back and didn't want to get down.

I said, "Leo, let them play. Savannah loves playing with kids. Briar's been cooped up and needs to have fun today."