“Watch your mouth,” Sebastian snapped, followed by a soft cough. “Your mom and I met through letters. I thought I’d write them down, and when I’m gone, you could burn them for us. Something to hold onto.”
1/2
Chapter 9
+25 BONUS
There was a pause, then his voice softened. “I’ve been living with nothing but my memories of your mother–and my hopes for you.”
His tone shifted to blame.
“And let’s not forget–I called you. I told you to come home. I told you to leave Helena at the hospital. If you hadn’t dragged your feet, none of this would’ve happened.”
Jack’s voice grew defensive. “There was an unexpected situation. The company called, and I got held up.
“Besides, Dad… why did you hide your suicide attempt from me?
“All you care about is Mom. What about me?
“Were you really going to leave me behind to live in this world alone?”
His voice cracked, and suddenly he was sobbing.
The sound churned my stomach.
Pathetic.
What a pitiful display of father–son affection.
Stella must’ve noticed the shift in my mood. Her hand gently rubbed my back, a quiet attempt to comfort me.
I took a deep breath, forced the bitterness down, and shook my head at her. Mouthing, ‘I’m fine.‘
Suddenly, Sebastian asked Jack, “By the way, did you take care of the will and the poisoned medication when you got back?”
At those words, my whole body tensed.
I strained to hear every word.
My heart clenched.
