Chapter 43. Uncaring Parent

Nathaniel’s POV

The journey back home was tiring. After the meeting, I had to stay back and talk to a couple of people. I didn’t accept visitors in my home that much, and I was too busy with meetings, so they were trying to make use of the opportunity to talk to me about their issues now.

And it was exhausting.

Mentally, emotionally, physically—I felt depleted. The weight of everyone's expectations was pressing harder than usual, and I didn’t have the energy to pretend to care more than I did.

Ferdinand hadn’t come with me on this one, so I had to sort myself out alone. I told him to stay back and ensure Rose was seen off properly if she chose to leave. Which I believed she did.

I had made peace with it. Better now than later, when Kael was used to her presence.

Still, there was a tightness in my chest I hadn’t prepared for. A small, stupid part of me had hoped she might stay.

I landed later in the evening, and the ride back