On the phone, Paige was still sobbing, but Jeffrey was in such agony he couldn't even straighten his back.

It felt like his heart had been ripped out, and someone was torturing him with slow, methodical cuts.

The irony was, he was utterly helpless.

As Derek drove away, Karen's sobs finally broke into a loud cry.

"Dad, I trusted him so much. I thought he wouldn't let me down!" Derek glanced at his daughter with concern. At a red light, he reached out and patted her shoulder. "Karen, I've lived a long life and still can't always see people for who they really are. How could you? When two people have had good times together, that's not nothing. If it ends, don't dwell on the bad. You're the only one who suffers that way." Karen nodded, "I'm sorry, Dad, for disappointing you." Looking back, she realized she shouldn't have called her father in such haste.

Derek was getting on in years, with the usual heart and circulatory concerns. He didn't need the stress. But at the time, all Karen could think about was breaking up, ensuring there was no way back for Jeffrey.

Or for herself.

was afraid she'd soften, choose to trust

and I could give. Of course, we'd protect you. I'm not

right boyfriend in time, no rush!" Karen nodded again, dabbing at her tears

been brief, so

Suddenly, Karen tensed.

glance at her father, she decided

and Langston, a day at the amusement

mature demeanor, at heart, he was

casual black clothes, shedding his corporate air. He appeared more like a big brother,

I want to go on the merry-go-round! Over there, over there!" Abigail tugged excitedly

"Alright, I'll come with you." As she was about to walk away, she heard Everett's low voice asking Langston, "Do you want to

want to." "You should." "Then why ask me?" Everett smiled slightly, tapping his son's head. "It's just good manners." Looking up, Dorothy was already walking away with Abigail in her arms. Everett's gaze

terrified of those spinning amusement rides. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of

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