His smile deepened in bitterness.
Zoey felt a surge of satisfaction post-tirade.
She presumed Edwin shared her triumph.
Fetching a stool, she settled before her grandson, fanning him, her voice softer now.
âWhat you did wasnât right, Edwin.
But itâs not entirely your fault you reacted that way.
â
She dabbed at Edwinâs brow, resolute.
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âIf youâre set on kneeling, you wonât do it alone.
â
Mark felt defeated by Zoeyâs barrage.
Indeed, Zoey disapproved of Edwinâs actions; she recognized his mistake.
But sheâd chosen to berate Mark first, and he had buckled.
As Zoey consoled Edwin, Mark felt increasingly powerless.
Cradling Olivia, he mustered a sardonic tone, âOlivia, after such an earful, you must be exhausted.
How about some milk?â
Zoey countered, âIn this heat? Constant milk will cause her internal heat to rise.
â
Mark conceded with a smile, âYou have a point.
â
He pondered momentarily, and then declared, âAlright, Iâll prepare dinner just for the kids.
Mashed potatoes and apple pie for Olivia, and seafood spaghetti for our stubborn young man.
Heâs been kneeling so long; he needs to refuel⦠Hey silly boy, can you at least give a timeframe for your penance? I need to time the cooking so itâs ready when you are.
â
Edwin remained mute.
âYou see how upset he is?â Zoey chided.
With Olivia in tow, Mark headed to the kitchen.
Theyâd barely taken a few steps when Cecilia returned.
Markâs gaze grew distant.
Olivia grasped her fatherâs face, planting a ki*s on his chin.
âMommy back⦠Dad⦠Daddy⦠Daddy downâ¦â
Mark was rendered speechless.
The white sports car pulled over in front of him.
Holding Olivia in one arm, Mark stepped forward and opened the car door.
Cecilia got out of the car and asked anxiously, âIs Edwin back home?â
Mark only nodded his response.