Julian’s Stand-In Wife

His words pierced right through Diana’s heart.

So, her son wasn’t abandoning her.

He didn’t choose his rich father over his poor mother, either.

He simply thought that resistance might lead to more suffering. Given that he had experienced the pain of getting dragged into the adults’ conflicts, it was understandable.

Diana hugged Sean even tighter. She couldn’t bear to let him go. “Sean, I’m so sorry. I’ve been so busy with work and taking care of Betty that I’ve neglected you.”

He was also a child.

How could he possibly consider so many things?

He was clearly hurt as well.

Yet all he was concerned about was how to become stronger, so he could protect her and Betty.

Her son didn’t abandon her.

But her overwhelming joy quickly gave way to deep, aching sorrow.

Julian was wrong.

She wasn’t a great mother.

to bear so much at

Sean and Betty leave with Julian was the right

the

as if he were walking on eggshells all

options to choose

wouldn’t fear getting

Mommy will be fine. From now on, don’t think so much. Two- year-olds like you should be having trips to the beach, play with balloons and kites, roll around on grass, or

shouldn’t be like Sean, so

being this mature was

Diana’s heart,

even more than the

to her cheeks, and Julian thought

a huge gap between

couldn’t return to the

who had grown so tall, were

them by

to

course,” Julian said. He carried both children in his arms, and Noel grabbed

to leave, Sean suddenly said,

tracks. “What’s the matter? Did you forget

with you. In that case, you

Julian was stunned.