Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Hank tried to convince himself that his pain stemmed from seeing how well Sonny got along with Duncan. Sonny was his biological son, yet from now on, he'd live with Duncan. There was even a chance that Sonny might start calling Duncan "Dad."

As these thoughts spiraled, Hank felt a wetness on his face.

Raising his hand to his cheek, he realized his palm was damp with tears.

He was crying.

But why?

Deep down, Hank knew the reason. He just couldn't bring himself to admit it—not out loud, not even to himself.

Unable to process his emotions, he slumped forward, resting his head on the steering wheel, and let the tears flow freely. He sobbed, releasing the torrent of regret and sorrow that had been building inside him.

Once the tears dried, Hank pulled himself together. He had made a plan for the day, and despite the turmoil, he would stick to it. Starting his car, he left the Civil Affairs Bureau and drove toward the prison to visit Jessica.

eyes immediately landed on his swollen, red-rimmed

what's wrong? Why have you been crying? Your eyes are

concern and curiosity, though the latter had a darker edge. Jessica still harbored a deep grudge against Hank's mother, Mrs. Brown, and his sister, Chelsea. The two women had caused her nothing but misery. In fact, Jessica sometimes fantasized about something

would have stabbed Chelsea instead of Hank during that chaotic confrontation. Chelsea had been the puppet master behind so much of

voice was low and calm, lacking his usual arrogance. "No, my

Jessica. The way they

head, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Then why are you crying?

worry. While her relationship with her family was strained, they were still her parents. The pressure of her incarceration had already taken a toll on them,

they could. But over time, their visits stopped. The occasional package delivered by a third party was the only connection they

laughed bitterly when she heard

had "married well.” Her brother and sister-in-law were eager to enjoy the

stain