As a woman, I was in the opinion that when a man had failed the woman who loved him dearly and gave him a child, he should spend the rest of his life with the child to make up for his mistake.
After all, one could only learn from one’s mistakes by facing them and shouldering all the consequences that followed fearlessly.
Anthony stopped massaging me. “He doesn’t have a choice.”
After a brief pause, he changed the topic. “Let me put it this way. If we’re on the brink of death, who would you choose between me and our children? You can only pick one.”
I thought he was insinuating something and immediately tensed up. Pulling his hands away, I turned to face him and replied firmly, “That day won’t come again.”
Chuckling, Anthony wrapped his arms around me and asked, “Just assume it did happen. Who will you pick? Me or the kids?”
Realizing it was a joke, I relaxed visibly. As I pondered about it, I swayed my body, causing Anthony to sway along with me on the couch. “I’ll pick the kids. They are still young and have a long way to go. We’re getting old now, so it doesn’t matter if our lives end now. If something happens to you, I’ll leave with you!”
Without knowing it, I had my arms wrapped around Anthony’s neck like a koala bear. Winking at him, I tried to fish for praise.
My answer was satisfactory. Though I had picked the kids, we would end up together. There was no way he’d seethe in jealousy at my answer.
Anthony didn’t seem surprised at all. “I thought the same, too.”
The grin on his face widened as he explained, “That’s the exact reason why Jared needs to leave. With him here, you’ll never be Summer’s top priority. Scar, my ranking in your heart doesn’t matter. But those whom you prioritize should prioritize you too. That way, even when I’m no longer by your side, you won’t be the children’s second choice.”
What’s wrong with him? He’s making me tear up. He is playing the bad guy and wants everyone to prioritize me. Isn’t he afraid that the kids will detest him?
“But Summer will love you less for that.”
As though he was coaxing a child, his voice turned gentle. “The person who gave birth to me and those who brought me up hated me. It doesn’t matter if someone else shares their sentiments. I just want you to be happy.”
“Why are you so considerate…” My voice was thick with tears. It seemed that a simple gesture would make tears roll down my cheeks.
“To me, that isn’t enough,” Anthony revealed with a long sigh. He tightened his grip and continued, “It was because of me that Jared had six whole years to take Summer away from you. I shall get back everything that belongs to you.”
I snuggled in his arms silently, not daring to utter a word. Even my breathing was controlled.
It took a long time before I could calm down completely. I decided to look for an appropriate way to clear the air between Anthony and Summer.
I was about to part my lips when someone knocked on the door. Knock! Knock!
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing Summer, who walked in.
“Daddy, Mommy, are you going to sleep soon? Can we talk?” she asked carefully.
It was obvious why she was here—to help Jared.
Besides her own plans, this was the first time Summer took the initiative to help someone else. As her mother, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“Looks like it’s tough to repair our relations!” I stared at Anthony and whispered.
Though our family was usually harmonious and happy, if something were to happen, the kids knew they had to get their father’s approval first.
Calmly, Anthony removed his hands from my shoulders and straightened his figure on the soft. Parting his lips, he told her, “Come, have a seat.”
Summer nodded and came over to sit on the couch on Anthony’s left. After brief contemplation, she took a deep breath and looked up.
When There Is Nothing Left But Love
“Daddy, Mommy, I was wrong for not informing you about the club beforehand. I should’ve asked for your opinions. I’m sorry for acting rashly. It was all my fault, so I shall bear all the responsibility. I promise you it won’t happen again,” she apologized sincerely.
It was obvious that she had learned from the painful mistake.
Nevertheless, one had to think logically. Summer was still young, so she could gain more experience in the future. Thus, that wasn’t Anthony’s priority.
Children were supposed to trust and depend on their family, and a family should go through all obstacles together, but perhaps the years of mathematical equations had worn away her emotions.
She could analyze a problem rationally and find the accurate answer easily, but she wasn’t experienced with the ways of the world.
Anthony was unfazed, and it seemed like he wasn’t satisfied with her explanation.
He treated both Summer and Audrey the same, for he loved me. Though Jared used to be his best friend and was important to Summer, he couldn’t bring himself to forgive Jared.
Summer and I waited for Anthony to speak. However, as the air turned awkward, it was obvious he wasn’t going to say anything.
I didn’t want to disappoint Summer. Before I could part my lips to say something, Anthony pressed down on my hand and frowned, signaling me to not cause more trouble.
“Now that you know your mistake, it’s not too late for you to change. Mommy and Daddy trust that you can do better in the future,” Anthony replied. It was clear that he wasn’t about to mention Jared.
However, though it wasn’t spoken out loud, his name resonated in everyone’s heart.
Jared’s name was like a rope hanging between the two of them. They were holding both ends, secretly tugging but refusing to be the first one to loosen their grips.
“Mm.” Summer nodded. She hesitated, wanting to plead for her teacher’s forgiveness, but Anthony’s stern look had stumped her.
The silence was really tormenting. I couldn’t take it any longer. Putting up an act, I stood up and headed for the wine cabinet. “Want a drink so you can sleep better tonight?”
“Sure,” Anthony replied indifferently.
I took two glasses and uncorked a bottle of wine. Without looking at their figures in the living room, I said, “Summer is still young. I’ll ask Mrs. Eriksen to prepare a glass of warm milk for you. You shouldn’t be drinking wine.”
“Got it, Mommy,” came Summer’s soft reply. I could barely hear her from where I was standing. Just like Gregory, she felt stressed out when facing Anthony alone.
Drinking wine was just an excuse to lighten the mood. Worried that the tension might heighten, I only poured a little wine before returning to them.
Just as I handed one glass to Anthony, Summer rose to her feet.
“I’m done. I shall take my leave now,” she told us.
“Oh? That soon?” I was surprised.
Why is she leaving before stating her purpose?
Summer pursed her lips and smiled. “I’m a bit tired today.”
I couldn’t force her to stay. “All right, then. Go to bed if you’re tired. You can wake up later tomorrow. Remember, we’ll always support you. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve always been excellent, so there’s no need for you to prove yourself, okay?”
“I know what to do. Thanks, Mommy. Good night!”
“Good night.”
Having said that, Summer turned and walked out of the room before shutting the door lightly.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.