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.

of them got into

the journey back, they did not

home, Samuel took out

had multiple missed

her gaze. Pursing her lips, she said, “You should

her seatbelt and prepared to get out of

ahold of her pale wrist and said, “Let’s have

shock. She stammered, “W-What did you

hoarse. “It doesn’t matter if

as the child

had

seeing Madeline, Samuel suddenly wanted

frozen stiff, and her face was

mind?” Kathleen could not

Samuel frowned. “What?”

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

Samuel asked, “What do

child would have a father 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 the moment she calls. Can this be considered

not expected her to care about such

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 amusement parks. What would happen to my child then?” Tears started

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

made her heart clench

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

own child

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

pursed his lips. “You’re

me think that you would

Kathleen got out of the car and entered

he stared after

had no plans to

won’t Kathleen believe

Kathleen entered the apartment.

prepared

a plate of food

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

moment, a sound came from the

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

Nicolette? She left

and took off his coat. He proceeded to wash

plate of food and sat

of them were

was as if the

their meal, Kathleen