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?”

to him, he was already out of

deal with the strange

material even if he begs you for them. If my darling nephew grows up messed up, I won’t ever forgive

back to the

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

every waking hour of the past couple of years trying to save him. They spoiled him even more than they spoiled their

he and Gwendolyn had so many obligations that there were still aspects of

had been so

he thought about it, the

himself

door and saw that Benedict was in bed.

outside the window. His frail, pale face made Cedrick’s

the sound of the door being pushed open. When he 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

gave Cedrick a

his son. “Are you worried that I would

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

he said solemnly. “That doesn’t mean you’re not normal, Benny. Besides, I will never find you

his arms, enveloping the

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

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

to express how they feel, too,” Cedrick said. “You can cry

at him, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why do you want me to cry

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

just felt for his child

shed a tear to gain sympathy. That’s what your mother does. She always pulls that tactic when she wants to apologize

a wide, innocent