“Don’t be so mean, dad.” Zuko was stubborn.

“Mean?” Zephyr scoffed. “I’m only telling the truth! Zuko, you’re the Hamerstons’ first son. Are you setting this example for your brother? You want the younger generation to learn this nonsense from you?”

“Dad!” Zuko took a deep breath, trying to suppress his emotions, and explained properly, “Firstly, I don’t know that woman. The annual meeting ended late. I was caught off guard when she threw herself at me!

“Secondly, I’m not admitting to any of the scandals in the past!”

Zephyr raised his eyebrows. “So, these women were desperate?”

Zuko nodded confidently.

“You—”

“Dad, I still have a third point.” Zuko paused for a moment. A glint of seriousness flashed through his eyes when he looked up again. “E-Even if I really have a girlfriend, it’s nothing wrong!”

“What did you say!?” Zephyr was stunned.

Zuko thought he would just say whatever he had been holding back once and for all. “I know you and mom are still holding onto the promise with the Thompsons for me to marry their daughter. I hope I’ll hold onto that too. But she’s no longer with us. She has disappeared for 18 years! Why are you guys so stubborn?”

“Shut your mouth!” Zephyr was shocked, furious, and emotional.

Cordelia quickly approached, held, and comforted him while patting his chest softly.

“Stop it, Zuko!” Cordelia blamed him. “Your father is right about you. Why did you talk back? You said that it’s fake news, but you’ve been hanging out with them lately. That’s how they managed to get those pictures. We didn’t accuse you!”

“Mom…”

Cordelia’s voice was shaking as she said, “Also, we didn’t find her body. She merely went missing! Uncle Nicholas has been looking for her all these years!”

“Why must you lie to yourself?” Zuko felt an ache in his heart. “They would have found her if she was still alive!”

“Zuko!”

sensible!? Must I keep the marriage promise? You guys would condemn me every time such news came out! Are you telling me that I can never find love since

rendered

Zephyr was so furious that he wanted to slap him, but she softly

was indeed correct. However, for some reason, she couldn’t shake off the guilt

and Linda’s first pregnancy had ended up as a

grew within her, contrasting

a loss for how to overcome it. She felt unsure about how to change her

although she did not say it out loud, she

Haven’t we had clues all these years?” she said

do, but we can’t find her!” Zuko raised his

cup. A loud clang echoed

Zuko stood aside quietly.

been a good

father and son

look exactly like Zephyr—their temper was

their

moment, a wave of complex emotions washed

could work as hard as the young people in the office. Now that she saw Zuko being like this,

vivid, but she could

Zephyr and Cordelia stepped back to

of his face

gloating. “You dare to offend

him and

playing the game. “Perhaps they’re too close with the Thompsons. That’s why

asked, “Toph, do you think Pammy

while replying, “I’ve already forgotten about that a long time ago. I don’t even remember

he was only a little past

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255