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.

deal with the strange old man

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, was filled with

of the past couple of years

the helm of both their distinguished families, he and Gwendolyn had so many obligations that there were still aspects of raising a child

realized he had been so occupied with Benedict’s

more he thought about it, the more

found himself back at the

bed.

at the foliage outside the window.

the sound of the door being pushed open. When he saw Cedrick, he smiled. “Daddy, 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.

words gave Cedrick a prickling

sat on the side of the bed and smiled at his son.

looking sorrowful. “I’ve been sick since I was born. I’m not a

he said solemnly. “That doesn’t mean you’re not normal, Benny. Besides, I will never find you annoying, and I’ll always be by your

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

and laugh out loud in front of me and Mommy, Benny. You can cry if you’re sad, make a scene, and throw a tantrum. You shouldn’t have to pretend and be serious like an adult. Mommy and I will never abandon you. Even if you never get better, we will ensure that

“Making a scene and throwing a tantrum sounds like something Zendy would

can cry

him, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why do you want me to cry so much, Daddy? Do you cry in front of Mommy to

Cedrick’s lips twitched.

just felt for his child disappeared completely as

sympathy. That’s what your mother does. She always pulls that tactic when she wants to apologize to me, which is how Zendy learned

wide,