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.

me even a little, I wouldn't have looked for excitement

did those things mosily to get back at her.” Kathryn pursed

wouldn't have been so angry when you cheated.” Desperate for reassurance, Holden asked again,

don't try to

she never

only had children with me because she needed an

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

because I embarrassed

couldnt stand my

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 have cared whether

controlling others as she always

was just there to help her have

and the last bit was for you, Kathryn.” Kathryn softly responded, “Dad,

brothers as much because they werent driven or

been more successful,

that your brothers took after me and were therefore useless.” “She always said the daughters of the Farrell family were exceptional, but

just like regular people.” Only the direct

sighed, “Dad, Mom’s