Chapter 26

“Is it too late to take that back?”

Calista grinned, pulling away from the hug. “Too late. Now you owe me an explanation.” She walked into the bedroom to fetch the ointment.

As she carefully treated Henry’s injury, he recounted a chapter of their shared past. For a brief time, they had been neighbors. However, Henry's health had been fragile, confining him to his room most days.

“I used to sit by the window and watch you playing outside,” Henry began. “I longed to join in, but my mother was overly protective. She wouldn't let me go outside.”

“One day, I opened the window slightly, and I saw you below, picking up a leaf.”

“When you noticed me, you smiled and handed it to me through the window.”

The memory stirred something in Calista, softening her expression. “I remember that. It really happened, didn’t it?” A moment later, her brows arched in surprise. “Wait, Henry—don’t tell me you fell for me because of a leaf?”

Henry chuckled sheepishly. “I guess I’m easily pleased.” His smile faded, his tone growing serious. “Later, when my father was transferred, I begged my parents to take you in after hearing about your family's struggles. But I was too late.”

“If only they had adopted you then,” he murmured. “At least you could have been spared so much pain.”

Calista gently pinched his cheek, making him blink in surprise. “Any hardship I endured was worthwhile,” she said softly, “because in the end, I have you.”

Henry’s face lit up with a grin. “You always know how to make me happy, wifey.”

Chapter 26

Without warning, he swept her into his arms. Startled and blushing, Calista squirmed. “Henry! What are you doing? It’s the middle of the day!”

Meanwhile, Ken was roughly shoved into a car by the estate's security team and dropped off at home, with strict instructions to remain there.

When Uncle Johnson learned of the incident, his temper flared. “Ken, haven't you caused enough trouble? Yesterday was supposed to be your wedding day with Viola, and you were nowhere to be found!”

“She’s been crying constantly, and if I hadn't managed to delay the ceremony, the Browns would have severed ties with us!”

Ken slumped against the wall, exhausted. “Dad… Calista married Henry. You knew, didn't you?”

Uncle Johnson sighed heavily. “I told you to stay out of their business.”

Ken’s fists clenched, bitterness welling up. “Am I even your son, or is Henry?”

Uncle Johnson rolled his eyes in frustration. “When Calista loved you, what did you do? Nothing. And now, on the verge of marrying someone else, she’s moved on. So stop the nonsense and focus on your life.” He gestured firmly. “You’re staying home tomorrow, no exceptions. Understood?”

“Why?” Ken asked flatly, though he suspected the answer.

Uncle Johnson rubbed his temples. “Because tomorrow’s your wedding day. Everyone important will be there, and if you ruin this, there will be consequences.”

Marriage. The word felt heavy, suffocating. Ken knew arguing would be futile, so he remained silent, letting bitter thoughts churn within.