Chapter 35

I never realized Bryant had such a penchant for holding grudges.

There was nothing for it but to steel myself and follow him, but before I could even attempt an explanation, Timothy turned around with a warm, welcoming smile. “Heard from Emma that you moved out, Jane?”

“Yes, Timothy.” Acknowledging it seemed the only way forward. If Grandpa got mad, I’d figure out how to smooth things over later.

But Timothy didn’t seem inclined to blow up at me. Instead, he shot Bryant an angry look, “Useless brat, you can’t even keep your wife!”

Bryant looked helpless. “Grandpa, be reasonable. It was her choice to leave. What could I do?”

“She left, and you didn’t think to go after her?” Timothy’s disappointment was palpable, “You’re just like your father. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

“Aren’t you the tree?” Bryant managed a small laugh.

“You bastard!” Timothy pretended to grab a coffee mug to throw at him but set it down again, struggling to find the right words. Finally, he just sighed, “Hungry. Let’s eat.”

Dinner was surprisingly harmonious.

kept piling food onto my plate until it resembled a small mountain.

put some meat on your

warm as the feeling

but my uncle and cousin would subtly monitor every bite I took. at their dinner table. I loved food, but even

bounty before

aura but was all warmth around me. “Silly child, why

shook my head, fighting back the tears with a polite smile. “You’re just so nice to me. It reminds me of my parents.”

“I never got to meet your parents. We should visit your home sometime…”

me, Timothy’s face turned stern, his voice harsh, “Shut up! With how little care you’re showing,

to argue, and I interrupted,

12

Chapter 35

“When did…”

was eight.” I interrupted before he could ask more, not to defend him before Timothy but to

there was an ache in my heart. The tears had fought back threatened

Bryant was only responsible for showing up to sign the papers. It made sense that he didn’t know about

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