beta
its interesting to see how Cezar has grown into the man we know him now as. He has been taught that his father, the Pope, claims that abuse is how you show love to someone; to "correct" their behavior when theyre out of line. This in particular stays with Cezar because he remembers how his mother neglected him when he was young and how much she didn't care for him as a mother should. He thinks that being "cared for" (abused) is better than being neglected. and his father definitely knew that Cezar cared for Ruby so he used that to his advantage, to threaten him into doing what he wants so he can stay in power, and mold Cezar as the next in line as the Pope.
In his memories, he always thought he was doing everything for Ruby, enduring the pain and suffering under his father's hands. in his POV, it felt like Ruby wasn't even thankful - he felt betrayed even - for doing everything for her. He saved her because he saw himself in her.
In my opinion, I think he knew that his father was hurting him not out of love because he always used Ruby to his advantage, to make Cezar do what he wants. but Cezar never had the self-awareness to realize that he had become the very thing he hated the most, his father, and continued the cycle of abuse with Ruby.