Chapter 12
Leonard stood in the center of the kitchen, and the cold marble countertop reflected the somber expression on his face.
Susan stood quietly to the side, not daring to even breathe too loudly.
So, all these years, she silently did all this and never said a word?” he asked in a hoarse voice.
Susan nodded cautiously. “She never let us intervene. She said that you had a sensitive stomach, so store–bought soups were too harsh for you. She said that she had to watch the heat herself.”
Leonard’s fingers tapped the countertop unconsciously.
For six years, every time he came home from a social gathering, no matter how late it was, there was always a warm bowl of soup waiting on the table.
He had never once considered that it had been Jennifer’s effort, staying up into the night to prepare it for him.
Neil said, “Mr. Faron, should I try to…
“No need.” Leonard turned and walked toward the stairs. “Everyone, go rest.”
As he passed by the master bedroom, he heard Samantha’s even breathing coming from inside. She shifted in her sleep, and the silk bedding rustled softly.
Leonard stood at the doorway, and for some reason, he suddenly thought of Jennifer.
Back when they were newly married, he had no interest in a woman chosen for a business union. So, he often used various excuses to stay out late, sometimes not returning at all.
yet, no matter when he came home, she was always there in the living room, quietly waiting for him.
Jennifer had always been a light sleeper and was easily woken up by the faintest sound.
Sometimes, when he returned in the middle of the night, he would find her curled up on the couch asleep. The TV would be turned on, but at the lowest volume.
At the time, he felt nothing for her at all. Even when he saw her like that, he didn’t spare her a second glance and would go straight into his room.
And yet, Jennifer had done it for years.
It wasn’t until later that he began to pause when he saw her, even covering her with a blanket once in a while.
When did everything change for them? It seemed like it started around when Samantha came back.
He had begun to spend more and more time handling things for Samantha. And gradually, he came home less and less.
Once, Samantha said she wanted to meet the children, so he brought them over.
That seemed to be when they started to interact with Samantha more and more, until they would be with Samantha most of the time.
Jennifer hadn’t remained silent. She had angrily questioned him, “You’re my husband, Von and Yan are my children. So why is it that you’re always fussing over someone else?”
Then, she paused for a moment, and her eyes filled with tears. “With the way things are now, I can’t even tell anymore. Who do you actually consider your wife? Who is actually the mother of your children?”
But back then, all he cared about was the newly returned Samantha. Her words only made him feel like she was being unreasonable.
So, he coldly replied, “Did you forget? If you hadn’t interfered back then, Samantha would have been the real mistress of this house.”
Jennifer had frozen in place, and her eyes were filled with unspeakable disappointment.
At that moment, as he looked at her pain and disbelief, Leonard felt something stir within him.
But Samantha was the one he truly loved, so in the end, he ignored Jennifer standing there and turned away without any hesitation.
After that, Jennifer never brought it up again. It was as if the argument never happened.
He had been quite satisfied, thinking that Jennifer was being sensible.
With that thought, he somehow felt compelled to push open the door to the children’s room.
Yannick and Yvonne were fast asleep.
On the bedside table was a framed photo of them with Samantha, with all three smiling brightly. It seemed like Jennifer’s photo had vanished at some point. He stared at the empty spot on the wall where Jennifer’s photo used to hang.
For some reason, a hollow emptiness started to spread in his heart.
He didn’t return to the master bedroom. Instead, he went alone to the guest room.
The moon was shining coldly outside.
From the liquor cabinet, he pulled out a bottle of whiskey and took a swig straight from the bottle.
The sharp burn scorched his throat, but it couldn’t quench the restless turmoil churning in his heart.
