Chapter 1711
Thaddeus just wanted to smoke a cigar to ease his discomfort, but when the cigar was taken away, his awkwardness only intensified.
“Bertha,” he began, “I understand everything you said. I may have been thoughtless, which was unfair to Lea. But for Lea’s sake, you can’t just say you want a divorce. Lea is still young.”
Seated next to her mother and nibbling on a slice of pizza, Lea began to interject. “Don’t use me as an excuse. I don’t care. If you two get divorced, I’ll stay with Mom. To me, that’s still a complete family.”
“You…” Thaddeus began.
Bertha gave Thaddeus a cold look. “Did you hear that? To your child, it doesn’t matter whether you’re around.”
Thaddeus, deprived of his cigarette and frustrated, thumped his thigh as he fell silent for a long while. When he finally lifted his head, he said, “How could I be so biased as to leave nothing for you and Lea? I didn’t want to say anything because I was afraid it would cause chaos if Sophia found out. Bertha, it’s surprising that after all these years, you still don’t understand me.”
Bertha frowned, feeling a bit confused. “What do you mean? Be clear.”
Lea, too, blinked her big eyes at her father, curious about what excuse he’d come up with next.
Thaddeus explained, “I’m planning to give all my visible assets to Sophia, but years ago, I began investing in numerous properties under your and Lea’s names. Those properties are no less valuable than the ones I’m giving to Sophia.
I arranged it this way because I know my children best. Sophia, who lost her mother at a young age, is sensitive and easily jealous. If she found out I was dividing my assets equally, she’d only resent you more, believing you were taking what was wholly hers.
I wanted peace in our home, so I hid your and Lea’s share. This way, we’d have fewer conflicts at home and a bit more tranquility.
I didn’t tell you because I know you’re bad at keeping secrets. You reveal everything on your face and I feared you’d give us away to Sophia.
I admit I favor Sophia sometimes because she grew up without a mother. Giving her more emotional support helps her feel secure, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love our two children equally.
Bertha, I love our Lea just as much as I love Sophia. How could you not understand that?”
As he spoke, Thaddeus became overwhelmed and lowered his head, sighing deeply.
He had spent his life being significant and influential, but now he was trapped by family affairs.
Thaddeus’ explanation left Bertha feeling totally surprised. She had no idea about his secret arrangements. She exchanged glances with her daughter, both feeling they might have wronged the old man.
“Thaddeus, you…” Bertha began guiltily. “You should have let me know earlier.”
Thaddeus rubbed his forehead in frustration. “How could I have known things would turn out this way? You’re even talking about divorce.”
