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.

she had loved me even a little, I wouldn't have looked for excitement elsewhere or cheated on

Kathryn pursed her lips and said, “I think my

with you, and she wouldn't have been so angry when you cheated.” Desperate for reassurance, Holden asked again, “Really? Did she love me?” Then he laughed

try

know she never

me because she needed

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

was angry because I embarrassed

couldnt stand my

left me for him.” “She would've cheated first, and she wouldn't

controlling others as she

just there to help

you, Kathryn.” Kathryn softly responded, “Dad, she did love me

brothers as much because

more successful, maybe she would've loved them

my blood was bad, that your brothers took after me and were therefore useless.” “She always said the daughters of the Farrell family were exceptional, but not all

just like regular people.” Only the

“Dad, Mom’s gone