The sky was filled with countless twinkling stars, with faint traces of ink-colored clouds etched overhead. Framed by a cluster of stars was a round moon, its pure, white light dappling down, merging with the white light of the street lamp.
Yet, the street lamp’s light seemed to give off some coldness, while the moonlight brought an inexplicable warmth. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn noᴠelfire.net
A small smile lifted the corner of Henry Hudson’s lips as he softly said, "Charlotte, it was too crowded at home earlier, so there were things I couldn’t discuss with you directly. But now, the more I think about it, the more I feel I should say it."
At his words, Charlotte Thompson closed her eyes for a moment. She responded softly, "Go ahead, I’m listening."
As her words fell, a faint smile lingered on the corner of Henry’s mouth, his voice lighter than the breeze.
"Charlotte, you probably don’t know this, but when you and Jordan were cooking in the kitchen, the every word Grace spoke to me involved the word ’Dad’."
"Every time she mentions her so-called ’Dad’, a wave of delight lights up her eyes. I’ve seen this expression on your face, too. It’s sheer joy that comes from the heart."
As she listened, Charlotte unconsciously tightened her grip on her phone, her heart bracing for what she suspected was coming.
She nodded slightly, listening as Henry continued.
"While Hank and Cyrus may not visibly show it, I do know for a fact that they, too, yearn for a father’s love."
Henry leaned back in his chair. The scabbed wound on his abdomen occasionally throbbed painfully, but his facial expression remained unchanged. There was, however, a hint of sadness in his gaze that was difficult to detect.
"Charlotte, I understand your concerns. I had Jordan with me today, and even though he didn’t say it explicitly, I have a good guess about what you’re worried about."
He paused a moment, his voice soft as he asked, "The children’s biological father, it’s Justin Battleson, isn’t it?"
At this, Charlotte pressed her lips into a thin line and nodded without denying it.
"Charlotte, if he truly loves you, perhaps you could try being with him. I haven’t had many encounters with Justin, but when I have, I’ve felt hostility from him. But even then, I think entrusting your life to someone like him might not be a bad idea."
"After all, the children know that Justin Battleson is their biological father."
"Perhaps you should consider both them and yourself in this."
Once the words fell, Charlotte’s body abruptly stiffened. She opened her mouth, a hint of confusion in her eyes, but no words came out.
Every word from Henry struck her as surreal.
She was well aware of the depth of Henry’s feelings for her, now and always.
That was why, when Jordan had asked her that question in the car, she wasn’t unwilling to answer ...
She had just been using avoidance to solve her problems.
But what she hadn’t expected was for Henry upon his return, to help her make a decision.
A mix of emotions surged within her, her knuckles whitening as she clutched her phone.
She tilted her head upwards, her gaze complex.
Henry paused briefly before allowing a soft chuckle to escape from his throat, his voice rough.
"Charlotte, I’ve said all I needed to say. The rest is up to you. You don’t need to worry about me anymore. Just always remember, I will forever be your good friend, and your strongest support."
A gust of wind blew over. As she listened to Henry’s slowly and steadily delivered words, a sour sensation welled up in her nostrils. Yet, she still couldn’t utter a word.