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?”

he was already out

deal with the strange old man

to or not, Eugene, but you will not give Benny any more weird reading material even if he begs you for them. If

back to the

was a mess during his walk back. His heart, too, was

of the past couple of years trying to save him. They spoiled him even more

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

that he realized he had been so occupied with

about it, the

Cedrick found himself

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

at the foliage outside the window. His frail,

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 to spend time with me.

words gave Cedrick a prickling

side of the bed and smiled at his son. “Are

lowered his gaze, looking sorrowful. “I’ve been sick since I was born. I’m

falls ill,” he said solemnly. “That doesn’t mean

arms, enveloping the boy in a father’s vast, warm

you’re sad, make a scene, and throw 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

“Making a scene and throwing a tantrum sounds like something Zendy would do,

have the right to express how they feel, too,” Cedrick said. “You can cry in front of me, Benny. I won’t make

up at him, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why do you want me to cry so much, Daddy? Do you cry in front of Mommy to

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

for his child disappeared completely as

your mother does. She always pulls that tactic when she wants to apologize to me, which is how Zendy learned to play the

gave a wide, innocent