The Ex and Her Riches novel (Gwendolyn and Maverick)

Eugene was unperturbed. “His personality, surroundings, experiences, and the pain he’s facing in his young life have already determined who he will be. How can a journal influence any of that?”

Cedrick heard the implicit meaning behind those words. He clenched his fist beneath the sleeve of his military uniform, not deigning to respond.

“A person is known by the company he keeps,” Joshua argued. “Besides, a child is born a blank canvas. If he takes an interest in the things you show him and makes irreparable mistakes because of it, you will cause him harm.”

Eugene scoffed incredulously at Joshua’s accusation.

Cedrick, however, froze at what Joshua said about irreparable mistakes.

He recalled what he had heard in the ward and how certain Benedict had sounded in his childish voice.

“Even if you and Mommy are not mad at him, I’ll teach him a lesson in the future. Getting rid of someone means they won’t be around anymore, right? I just don’t want to see him. I want him to disappear.”

Benedict doesn’t like Charles. He hates him.

He wasn’t joking.

Cedrick felt anxious all of a sudden. He realized he did not know who his five-year-son was anymore.

The more he thought about it, the greater the pain he felt in his heart.

“I’m going back to the ward. I’ll leave this to you.”

Without another word, he turned around and swiftly left.

“Huh? Cedrick?”

When Joshua called out to him, he was already out of sight and earshot.

forced to deal with the strange old man

if you meant to or not, Eugene, but you will not give Benny any more weird reading material even if he begs you for them. If my darling nephew grows up messed up,

strode back to

mind was a mess during his walk back. His heart, too,

and Gwendolyn owed Benedict. They had been spending every waking hour of the past couple of years trying to

Gwendolyn had so many obligations

so occupied with Benedict’s physical condition that he had neglected his

it, the more uneasy

himself back at the

door and saw that Benedict was in bed.

outside the window. His

you’re back.” Then, he looked up at the drip. “The professor who came to change my medication said there’s only one bottle left for today. You can go deal with work first if you’re busy, Daddy. There’s no need to rush over to spend time with me. I’m

gave Cedrick a prickling sensation

and smiled at his son. “Are you worried that I would

lowered his gaze, looking sorrowful. “I’ve been sick since I was born.

“Everybody falls ill,” he said solemnly. “That doesn’t mean you’re

Benedict into his arms, enveloping the boy in a father’s vast, warm

shouldn’t have to pretend and be serious like an

father’s embrace, Benedict nestled his head against Cedrick’s chest. “Making a scene and throwing a tantrum sounds like something Zendy would do, Daddy. I’m a boy.

too,” Cedrick said. “You can cry in front of me, Benny. I won’t make fun of

twinkling mischievously. “Why do you want me to cry so much, Daddy? Do you cry in

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

just felt for his child disappeared completely as a

who? I’ve never shed a tear to gain sympathy. That’s what your mother does. She always pulls that tactic when she wants to

a wide, innocent smile.