Chapter 3514
“Dad, I’ll listen to my aunt. It’s late, so I’m going to bed. Tomorrow morning, I’ll go to Aunt Jane’s house with my aunt. You should get off work and rest early too,” Sonny said, sounding mature beyond his years.
Hank felt a warmth in his heart. Sonny was the only bright spot in his life. Despite their distance, Sonny still acknowledged him as his father, offering a small measure of comfort.
After ending the call, Sonny returned the phone to Serenity. “Dad wanted me to stay with him for a few days, but I refused. We’re going to visit Titus tomorrow. I don’t want to stay with Brother Lucas. He always bullies me, but now I’m not afraid of him because I’ve learned martial arts.”
Though Sonny wasn’t exceptionally talented in martial arts, his practice had made him stronger. His coach said that with continued practice, he’d be able to protect himself in the future.
Serenity reassured him, “If you don’t want to go back, you don’t have to.”
She patted Sonny’s head gently. “It’s late. Go to bed. We’ll set off tomorrow.”
“Good night, Auntie,” Sonny said, heading to his room.
After bidding each other goodnight, Sonny climbed into bed. Serenity tucked him in, leaving a small light on to comfort him in the dark.
Meanwhile, Hank sat quietly in his car, deciding to call it a day. As he drove back to his old neighborhood, memories of his life with Liberty flooded back. He remembered eagerly rushing home after work, a stark contrast to his current late nights.
His promotion and relationship with his secretary, Jessica, marked the beginning of his downfall. Wealth and status had led to his arrogance and eventual mistakes. Now, he was a joke in the neighborhood, especially after Liberty publicly destroyed their home’s decorations during their divorce. Though he had hoped for happiness post-divorce, he found only regret, while Liberty thrived.
Neighbors whispered about his misfortune, and his parents felt ashamed. Hank, however, had grown indifferent to their opinions.
When he returned home, it was dark and empty. No one awaited his return or warmed a meal for him. He longed for the care Liberty once showed, even though it had annoyed him then. Now, he realized its value.
The lights flicked on as Mrs. Brown emerged, offering him water. “Hank, you’re back early. Did you ask Serenity to bring Sonny over? Lucas is bored and wants to play with him.”
Hank coldly replied, “Sonny is going to Annenburg tomorrow and won’t be back until Liberty returns from vacation. He can’t play with Lucas, who always bullies him. And you always side with Lucas.”
His words carried resentment towards his mother, Mrs. Brown.
