Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

— “Did your mother ever love me, Kathryn?” Holden asked, but before she could answer, he laughed bitterly.

“No, she didn't.

She never loved me.

Few people wanted to be with her, but I did.

She couldn't get Mr. Jimenez’s love, and she needed an heir, so she stayed with me.” Kathryn remained quiet.

She didn't know if her mother had ever truly cared for her father.

Maybe she had, maybe she hadn't.

But now, it didn’t matter—her mother was gone.

Holden continued, “I spent decades trying to warm her heart, but I couldn't.

I failed as a man, Kathryn.

little, I wouldn't have looked for excitement

things mosily to get back at her.” Kathryn pursed her lips

so angry when you cheated.” Desperate for reassurance, Holden asked again, “Really? Did

don't try to

know she

only had children with me because she needed an

option back then, she wouldn't have married me at all.” “When I cheated, it wasn't because

was angry because

stand my

if Mr. Jimenez had returned sooner and been willing to be with her, she would've left me for him.” “She would've cheated first, and she wouldn't

thought about herself, controlling

eyes, I was just there to help her

last bit was for you, Kathryn.” Kathryn

love your brothers as much because they

been more successful, maybe she would've loved

said my blood was bad, that your brothers took after me and were therefore useless.” “She always said

are just like regular people.” Only the direct bloodline truly stood

“Dad, Mom’s gone