Billy sat alone in his bedroom at Maple Grove, methodically stacking Lego pieces into what was supposed to be a castle. Par à five year dit his det worked with surprising precision, though his expression remained unusually somber.
This morning, he had barely opened his eyes before his father had taken him from Betty’s apartment. The sudden change left him confused and amat Since arriving at the mansion, he’d kept to himself, quietly playing with his Legos while trying to make sense of his complicated feelings
In Billy’s memory, Mom always told him: “You need to be understanding, sweetheart. Don’t make Daddy angry. He’s very busy with work and probably doesn’t have time to play with you. Don’t be upset with him, okay?”
Back then, despite the distance between them, he still adored his father. He’d dream about Dad taking him fishing or teaching him to throw a baseball- things he’d seen other fathers do on TV. But whenever he actually faced his father’s stern expression, no matter how desperately he craved that attention, he would instinctively withdraw.
But recently, things had changed. The divorce arguments between Mom and Dad had become increasingly intense. He had witnessed Dad hurt Manx multiple times–not with his fists, but with his words and actions.
No matter how much Billy yearned for his father’s love, he had learned to abandon this hope.
The bedroom door opened, and Henry entered. His tall figure stood in the doorway as he surveyed the room. His gaze fell on Billy’s half–finished castle, his expression unreadable.
Billy glanced sideways at the man, then muttered under his breath: “Dad, you’re a grown–up. You probably don’t like kid stuff, so you don’t have to sit
here…”
The corner of Henry’s mouth twitched slightly as he thought to himself that this passive–aggressive approach was clearly something the boy had learned from Sophia. Like mother, like son.
Ignoring the boy’s attempt to distance him, Henry brazenly sat down beside Billy. With one sweep of his hand, he knocked over the castle the boy had carefully built.
“It’s not built properly,” Henry stated bluntly. “I’ll help you rebuild it!”
He completely disregarded the indignation in Billy’s eyes and instead pulled the boy into his arms. The feeling was strange–he couldn’t remember the last time he had held his son this way.
‘I don’t want to play anymore,” Billy protested, squirming to break free.
‘Don’t you want your mother back?” Henry asked casually.
Billy immediately stopped struggling, his eyes sparkling with hope. “Mom’s coming back?”
Henry didn’t answer the question directly. Instead, he held the small boy tightly and began organizing the Lego pieces.
First, we need a solid foundation,” he explained, his large hands skillfully arranging the colorful blocks. A proper structure needs the right support, or it will collapse under pressure.”
Despite his initial reluctance, Billy found himself captivated by his father’s technique. His father’s hands moved with surprising skill, building a castle that was both beautiful and sturdy.
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Henry had never shown off his architectural license to his son before.
“This corner needs reinforcement, Henry pointed out, guiding Billy’s small hands. “See how it stands more firmly now?*
Billy nodded, his eyes revealing a hint of reluctant admiration. Building with blocks was actually quite easy for him.
The door suddenly opened, and a rush of cold air entered the room as Sophia stepped inside. She paused at the doorway, clearly shocked by the scene before her–father and son intently building a Lego castle together.
“Mrs. Harding, may I take your coat?” The maid who appeared beside her spoke with a level of respect she had never experienced in this house before.
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Chapter 96
Sophia nodded absently, her eyes never leaving the pair on the floor. Seeing this scene, something lightened in her chem. Her prevines an dissipate, replaced by complex emotions she couldn’t quite define:
The moment Billy spotted her, his face lit up with joy. “Mom! he exclaimed happily, trying to jump from Henry’s lap and run to her
Henry’s arm tightened. “We haven’t finished yet,‘ he said firmly. ‘You can’t abandon a project halfway, Good men complete what they start
Sophia stood motionless, watching this interaction with conflicted feelings. When she first married Henry, she never imagined sering sich a warm barely
scene.
After all, Billy wasn’t Henry’s biological son.
What man would willingly love another man’s child? She had never blamed Henry for his coldness toward Billy. In fact, she had expected it. The imny was that despite Henry’s distance, Billy had developed deep feelings for him–an attachment visible in the boy’s longing for his father’s approval.
She had always been caught in a painful contradiction. On one hand, deep inside, she hoped Henry would show Billy a little fatherly love, just a tiny bit would be enough. But on the other hand, she worried that if Billy became too attached to Henry, the eventual separation would only cause more pain for everyone involved.
“I’m hungry, Billy announced, still trying to wiggle free from Henry’s embrace.
I’ll make you something- Sophia began, automatically moving toward the kitchen.
“No need, Mrs. Harding,” a maid quickly interjected. “I’ll prepare something right away. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
Sophia blinked in surprise. The staff had never been this attentive before. Typically, unless Henry was present, they pretended not to see her or Billy.
She settled into an armchair, watching Henry and Billy with a puzzled expression. What game was Henry playing?
Had his paternal love suddenly exploded overnight?
Henry’s gaze remained fixed on her, so intense it almost had physical weight. He seemed to be studying every detail of her face, every subtle change in her expression.
‘Dad, what are you staring at?” Billy complained, noticing his father’s distraction. “Your eyeballs are about to pop out!”
Henry immediately snapped back to attention, his face instantly resuming its serious expression.
‘I have a mission for you,” he told Billy, his tone suddenly businesslike. “If you complete it successfully, I’ll take you to see my office tomorrow.”
Billy’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? What’s the mission? I promise I’ll do it perfectly!”
Henry leaned down, whispering something into the boy’s ear. Whatever the secret assignment was, it made Billy’s face fill with determination.
“Don’t worry,” he promised, thumping his small chest with his fist. “I’ll definitely get it done for you.”
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