Perseus commented, “He was definitely here to ask for money; he’s still eyeing the divorce settlement you got.”
“I know. I didn’t lend him any, and don’t you count on my money either.”
Perseus chuckled, “Keep your little nest egg! My mom will be here soon. I’ll get started on dinner!”
“It’s my first time meeting your mom. Shouldn’t I be visiting her instead?”
“It’s fine. She’s been living abroad for a long time and isn’t too particular.”
Just then, the doorbell rang, and I was surprised to see the tall figure at the door.
Instinctively, I exclaimed, “Ms. Edwards!”
Laura Edwards smiled and took my hand. “Why call me Ms. Edwards? That’s so formal! I held you when you were a child, though you probably
12:53 PM J
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don’t remember!”
“Aunt… it’s you! Perseus is your son?”
“You didn’t know? I thought you were aware! He insisted on returning here to pursue his career because of you!”
Now I think Henry was right. Perseus must have planned this all along. He probably approached Henry on purpose!
I playfully pinched Perseus’s side. “You’re so sneaky!”
Perseus yelped but refused to admit any premeditated plan.
I had a feeling something wasn’t right, but I had no proof.
Henry Johnson ended up completely bankrupt. Some employees hadn’t left yet, but Jessica Thompson was the first to flee.
I heard Henry crying, holding Jessica’s hand, “I have nothing left, just you and our son. You won’t leave me, right?”
That very night, Jessica took all the valuables and disappeared.
No one knew where she went.
She left behind a frail son.
As the boy grew, he looked less and less like Henry.
Henry came to me again, asking for money for a paternity test. He had no one else to turn to but desperately wanted to know the truth.
Perseus jumped in first, “Lend it, you have to lend it!”
I gave him a look.
But I lent the money.
I don’t know what the result was, nor did I ask Henry.
But I heard Henry fled abroad to escape his debts, leaving his son with the creditors, promising he’d return for him once he made money.
The creditors took turns caring for his son but never saw Henry return to repay his debts.
Frustrated, the creditors finally called the police.
Eventually, the police found Jessica and had her take the son away.
I saw Jessica at the police station. Since Henry was my ex–husband, the police asked me if I knew where he was.
Jessica spotted me and quickly turned away with her son, worried I’d speak to her.
Perseus said I’m too kind–hearted to say anything that might upset her.
But I couldn’t help but ask, “Who’s the child’s father?”
Jessica trembled, almost sprinting away with her son,
Henry’s creditors were in disbelief.
“Isn’t that kid Henry’s?”
“Wow! Henry’s taste in women is really bad! I suddenly feel a pang of sympathy for him!”
I wanted to argue that his taste wasn’t always terrible.
D
I wanted to argue that his taste wasn’t always terrible.
After all, he showed good taste when he chose me.
But he didn’t know how to appreciate it.
And I found someone who does.
You have to lose the wrong person to find the right one.
I still remember when I first discovered Henry cheated. I was devastated, feeling like my world had fallen apart.
But Perseus told me, “If things don’t go as planned, maybe fate has something better in store.”
I think he was right.
(The End)
