All Too Late

Kathleen was moved because Federick truly cared about Madeline.

“Federick, it’s great that you found Madeline,” Kathleen reassured the former as she took a step forward. “Let’s take her to the hospital for a quick checkup.”

“Okay.” Federick nodded his head in agreement.

He knew he should keep a lid on his emotions.

With Madeline in his arms, Federick turned to leave.

Resting her chin on her father’s shoulder, Madeline turned around to look at Kathleen.

She stared at Kathleen and Samuel with a pair of discerning eyes.

Then, she smiled at Kathleen.

Kathleen was surprised. She returned the smile after a moment.

The way Madeline quietly stared at her made her seem like a pretty little angel.

Consequently, Kathleen felt pained when she thought of the situation Madeline was in.

Soon, they arrived at the parking lot.

Federick helped Madeline into the car before turning to Kathleen and returning the coat.

“Kathleen, Mr. Macari, thank you so much.” There were two tear streaks on Federick’s handsome face.

“It was no trouble at all, Federick,” Kathleen replied. “As long as I was of help to Madeline, I would do all of it again.”

“Thank you.” Federick was truly grateful. “I’ll take Madeline to the hospital. Both of you must be tired. You should go home and get some rest.”

“Federick, can I visit Madeline tomorrow?” Kathleen asked. “She only ventured out alone because of the promise she made with me.”

“You’re more than welcome to,” Federick replied. “Kathleen, it wasn’t your fault. It’s the nature of Madeline’s illness. This is all on me. Due to my negligence, I seldom spent time with her.”

“Federick, I’ve heard many stories about autistic children. You’re doing your best with Madeline.” Kathleen comforted. “I’m sure she will get better.”

“All right.” Federick nodded slightly. “I’ll take my leave then.”

“Goodbye,” Kathleen said.

“Goodbye.”

Federick got into his car and drove off.

Kathleen turned around and passed Samuel the coat. “Put it on. Don’t catch a cold.”

Accepting the proffered coat, Samuel replied, “Let’s head back as well.”

Kathleen nodded in agreement.

them got into

the journey back, they

Samuel took out his phone and

had multiple missed calls

her gaze. Pursing her lips, she said, “You should go if you

she unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to get out of

pale wrist and

shock. She stammered, “W-What did

hoarse. “It doesn’t matter if the child’s a

long as the child is

he had not

after seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted a daughter of his

frozen stiff, and her

of your mind?” Kathleen could not

Samuel frowned. “What?”

in this household, and you expect my child to grow up

Samuel asked, “What

who keeps a mistress on the side! For the sake of his mistress, the child’s father would always return home late, that is, if he even comes home. He

her to care

with them on New Year’s and on Father’s Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

made her heart clench in

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

to let her own child

child that their father was dead than let them know that their father did not love

pursed his lips.

the one who made me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with Nicolette,” Kathleen said disdainfully. “I refuse

of the car and entered the

a sigh as he stared after

to

won’t Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

was ladened with dishes prepared by Maria. The

plate of food and sat down

much energy that day. Thus, she was going to eat

sound came from the door,

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

didn’t go to Nicolette? She left him

the room and took off

plate of food

two of them

the argument had never

finishing their meal, Kathleen prepared to wash