He knew that his head was wrapped in gauze, but what was so funny about that?
Besides, what was wrong with a man not shaving his beard? Was it hilarious?
He looked at Adina gloomily and noticed that she was pursing her lips, trying to hold in her laughter.
Did this mean that he had confessed to Adina with such a hilarious appearance last night?
âMommy, you find dad funny too, right?â Harold tugged on Adinaâs arm as he laughed and asked.
Dukeâs expression darkened.
Adina cleared her throat and said, âHal, donât laugh at your dad like that.â
âYeah, I canât laugh at Dad, or else heâll beat me up after he recovers.â
Harold stuck his tongue out and hid behind Adina.
Duke was at a loss for words.
When did he beat this brat up? Harold really knew how to create rumors and ruin his reputation! Duke cast a glance at Adina and explained, âAddy, I never beat the kids. Iâm telling the truth.â
âYes, Dad never beats us. He just punishes us by making us stand at attention.â Harold made a face.
âWe would have to stand for two hours. Our legs hurt.â
George also nodded. âThis does happen.â
Adina looked at Duke.
Duke was speechless.
He felt so guilty that he dared not look Adina in the eyes.
âAlright, George, take your brothers and sister out to play,â Mrs. Winters smoothed the situation over and said, âAddy, I brought some chicken soup for Duke. Please take it out and get the caretaker to heat it up.â
Adina knew that Mrs. Winters might have something to discuss with Duke, so she immediately picked up the soup and took the children out.
Once the door of the ward was closed, Mrs. Winters finally sat down by the bed and asked, âHowâs your injury?â
âIt was Earl Winters.â
As soon as Duke said that, Mrs. Winters froze.
She had expected her other son to be involved , but she still found it hard to believe when it came out of Dukeâs mouth.
She clenched her fist and muttered, âHow can it be? Early promised me that he would change. How could he do such a thing?â
âMom, only you would believe him. He also used your trust and found a chance to hurt me,â Duke firmly said.â This is the last time, Mom. This is the last time that Iâll allow you to trust Earl Winters. I donât want there to be a next time.â
Mrs. Winters chuckled in resignation. Her lips were bitter.
When she received a call from Earl yesterday, she really thought that her son wanted to get along with the Winters family, and she believed that he was truly fond of Melody.
She took Melody to see the pink alpacas. She even took some photos of Melody feeding the alpacas and sent them to Earl. Earl must have secretly criticized her for being foolish after he received those photos.
She had put Duke in danger because of her trust in Earl.
Both of them were her sons.
Mrs. Winters closed her eyes, held back her tears, and slowly said, âDuke, donât worry. I wonât see your brother again⦠No, he isnât your brother. Since your father passed away, he no longer had ties with the Winters family. Even if itâs for the childrenâs sake, I wonât trust him anymore.â
When Duke saw the tears at the corners of Mrs. Wintersâ
eyes, he slowly sighed.
Some things were just a twist of fate.
It was a twist of fate that he and Earl, twin brothers, would end up like this today.
Since things had gotten to this point, they should just accept it.
âMom, Addy and I are about to be engaged. Please prepare for the engagement party.â
Mrs. Winters instantly widened her eyes. âAre you serious?â
âOf course, I am.â Duke flashed her a smile. âI proposed, and she said yes.â