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.

two of them got into

back, they did not

they arrived home, Samuel took out his phone

had multiple missed calls

briefly before averting her gaze. Pursing her lips,

seatbelt and prepared to

grabbed ahold of her pale wrist

froze in shock. She stammered, “W-What did you

child.” Samuel’s voice was hoarse. “It doesn’t matter if the child’s a boy

as the child

had not liked

after seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly

stiff,

you out of your mind?”

Samuel frowned. “What?”

want a child now?” Kathleen’s expression was sorrowful. “Even I can’t stand being in this household, and you expect my

asked, “What do

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 would also drop everything and run to the mistress

not expected her to care

Day. You would constantly be with your other child, playing with them, and taking them to amusement parks. What would happen to my child then?” Tears started to fall from Kathleen’s eyes as she

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

of it made her

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

let her own child

dead than let them know that their father did

lips. “You’re

much? Aren’t you the one who made me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with Nicolette,” Kathleen said disdainfully. “I refuse to

car and entered the entrance

he stared after

to have children

Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

ladened with dishes prepared

plate of

had expended too much energy that day. Thus, she was going to eat more to replenish her

from the

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

to Nicolette? She left him so

off his coat. He proceeded

of

two of them

if the argument had

their meal, Kathleen prepared to wash the