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

journey back, they did

arrived home, Samuel took out

missed calls from

her lips, she said, “You should go if you have matters

and prepared to get

Samuel grabbed ahold of her pale wrist

in shock. She stammered,

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

as the child is

had

Samuel suddenly wanted

was still frozen stiff, and her

mind?” Kathleen could not believe her

Samuel frowned. “What?”

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

asked, “What

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

her to care about

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

She felt incredibly heartbroken.

thought of it made her heart clench in

Kathleen wasn’t stupid.

own child go through such

child that their father was dead than let them know that their father

his lips. “You’re

the one who made me think this way? You made me think that you would sleep with

got out of the car and entered the

as he stared after Kathleen’s

had no plans to have children with

Kathleen

Kathleen entered the apartment.

dishes prepared by Maria. The

helped herself to a plate of

that day. Thus, she was going to eat more to replenish her

the door, and Samuel walked

Kathleen was momentarily stunned.

Nicolette? She left him so

off his

he also grabbed a plate of food and sat down to

of

the

meal, Kathleen