So Edwin was both headstrong and mindful of his sister.
Before Mark could get a word out, Edwin beat him to it.
âI messed up.
Iâll take my lumps.
But Iâm not sorry.
â
Rage quivered in Markâs chest.
Damn.
Years ago, Mark, unbridled, wouldâve spanked Edwin without a second thought.
But confidence eluded him now.
Just then, Zoey shuffled over, quaking.
Spotting her cherished grandson on his knees, her worry surged, and she tried to hoist him up.
But Edwinâs stubbornness rooted him in place.
A hazy memory crossed Edwinâs mind.
Lauraâs eyes, brimming with tears as he shredded her sketchbook.
She seemed on the verge of tears.
She was crying.
So him kneeling seemed trivial.
Zoey, failing to budge Edwin, whirled on Mark, her words a heated rush.
âWhat on earth did he do for you to treat him this harshly? By your logic, Cathy shouldâve faced worse, many times over, right?
Cecilia and the kids have weathered so much due to your past escapades.
You fret over someone elseâs child; what about your own?
Or are Edwin and Olivia not worthy of being your kids? Fine, Iâll take them away now.
Weâll steer clear of you.
But letâs get one thing straight, Mark.
Youâre no big shot now.
Clinging to past glories, expecting others to prop you up? Nonsense! Iâd be first to disown you.
â
Markâs smile was tinged with sadness.
âMom, youâre misunderstanding.
â
âThen clarify, will you? Weâve barely managed to bring the family together.
Ceciliaâs parents have been understanding, accepting her return to our home.
What have you done as a father, as a husband?
Sure, Laura needs support, but donât your own children need you?
Cecilia is strong and considerate, but thatâs no excuse to neglect her.
â
Zoey scoffed after her piece.
âMark, perhaps youâre better off alone.
â