The Ex and Her Riches

Eugene was unperturbed. “His personality, surroundings, experiences, and the pain he’s facing in his young life have already determined who he will be. How can a journal influence any of that?”

Cedrick heard the implicit meaning behind those words. He clenched his fist beneath the sleeve of his military uniform, not deigning to respond.

“A person is known by the company he keeps,” Joshua argued. “Besides, a child is born a blank canvas. If he takes an interest in the things you show him and makes irreparable mistakes because of it, you will cause him harm.”

Eugene scoffed incredulously at Joshua’s accusation.

Cedrick, however, froze at what Joshua said about irreparable mistakes.

He recalled what he had heard in the ward and how certain Benedict had sounded in his childish voice.

“Even if you and Mommy are not mad at him, I’ll teach him a lesson in the future. Getting rid of someone means they won’t be around anymore, right? I just don’t want to see him. I want him to disappear.”

Benedict doesn’t like Charles. He hates him.

He wasn’t joking.

Cedrick felt anxious all of a sudden. He realized he did not know who his five-year-son was anymore.

The more he thought about it, the greater the pain he felt in his heart.

“I’m going back to the ward. I’ll leave this to you.”

Without another word, he turned around and swiftly left.

“Huh? Cedrick?”

called out to him, he was

was forced to deal with

to or not, Eugene, but you will not give Benny any more weird reading material even if he begs you for them. If my darling nephew grows up messed

strode back to the

walk back. His heart, too, was filled

They had been spending every waking hour of the past couple of years trying to save him. They spoiled him

at the helm of both their distinguished families, he and Gwendolyn had so many obligations that there were still aspects

only on that day that he realized he had been so occupied

he thought about it,

Cedrick found himself

and saw that Benedict was in bed. The IV drip hanging above him

outside the

saw Cedrick, he smiled. “Daddy, you’re back.” Then, he looked up at the drip. “The professor who came to change my medication said there’s only one bottle left for today. You can go deal with work first if you’re busy, Daddy. There’s no need to rush over

Cedrick a prickling sensation in

son. “Are you worried that I would be annoyed, Benny?” he

looking sorrowful. “I’ve been sick

solemnly. “That doesn’t mean you’re not normal, Benny. Besides, I will never find you annoying, and I’ll always

arms, enveloping the boy in a father’s

a tantrum. You shouldn’t have to pretend and be serious like an adult. Mommy and I will never abandon you. Even if you never get better, we will ensure that you spend the rest

Benedict nestled his head against Cedrick’s chest. “Making a scene and throwing a tantrum sounds like something Zendy would do, Daddy. I’m a boy. I won’t

they feel, too,” Cedrick said. “You can cry in front of me, Benny. I won’t make fun

mischievously. “Why do you want me to cry so much, Daddy? Do you cry in front of

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

his child disappeared completely as

long time before correcting his son, “Says who? I’ve never shed a tear to gain sympathy. That’s what your mother does. She always pulls that tactic

gave a wide,