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?”

Joshua called out to him, he

to deal with the strange

you will not give Benny any more weird reading material even if he begs you for them. If my darling nephew grows up messed up, I won’t ever forgive

back to the

his walk back. His

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

helm of both their distinguished families, he and Gwendolyn had so many obligations that there were still aspects of raising a child

so occupied with Benedict’s physical condition that

more he thought about it, the more

found himself back

Benedict was in bed. The IV drip hanging above

foliage outside

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. I’m already five years old, and I don’t need you for everything. I

a prickling sensation

son. “Are you worried

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

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

the boy in a father’s

laugh out loud in front of me and Mommy, Benny. You can cry if 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

nestled his head against Cedrick’s chest. “Making a scene and throwing a

they feel, too,” Cedrick said. “You can cry in front of me, Benny.

me to cry so much, Daddy? Do you cry in

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

he had just felt for his child disappeared completely as a result of those

son, “Says who? I’ve never shed a tear to gain sympathy. That’s what your mother does. She always pulls that tactic when she wants to apologize to

wide, innocent smile.