You married Gehard only for one reason, for his son. When Gehard realized his son, Angelico, needed a mother to support him, he decided to remarry for the sake of his growth. His late wife left a huge impact on them both, where Gehard's behavior became strict and cold, and his son, who had no one else to seek solace from his father's cruel words.

Though you aren't the one who gave birth to Angelico, he is still your son after you married Gehard. And soon enough, that motherly instinct within you grows. Concern from witnessing their father-son relationship, and unease about how your husband treats a child like that. There is no physical abuse, yet emotional abuse was present. Which is also considered worse.

Gehard was focused on wanting him to do what's best for Angelico instead of the needs of a child.

Angelico was his heir after all.

And the only gift his late wife left to him.

"Aren't you being too harsh on him? He's still a child." You spoke gently, your gaze looking at the young boy, walking out of his father's office after being scolded. Though Gehard failed to notice, you could clearly see the hurt and disappointment on Angelico's face. But Gehard only frowned on your words as if he didn't understand.

"He needs to know how to act like a noble, to know and learn from his mistakes. I was lecturing him so he wouldn't make another mistake again." A child who's barely reaching the age of five. For a moment, his stern expression shifted, forming a crack. It was all for his sake, Gehard thought. "For Angelico's sake."