When Love Breaks by Jack

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.

piling food onto my plate until it resembled

put some

smile was as warm as

would subtly monitor every bite

bounty before me, my eyes welled

was all warmth around me. “Silly child, why

head, fighting back the tears with a polite smile.

your parents. We should visit your

at me, Timothy’s face turned stern, his voice harsh, “Shut up! With how little care you’re showing, Jane’s right to dump you! She

I

12

Chapter 35

Bryant asked, “When did…”

eight.” I interrupted before he could ask more, not to defend

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