Chapter 4 – Learning to Be a Father Again
Vanessa lost custody and faced criminal charges for child neglect and emotional abuse.
The mansion became strangely peaceful after she left.
But peace didn't erase fear.
Every meal remained a battle.
Sophie still waited for permission before taking a bite.
She still hid pieces of bread inside her pockets.
She still apologized whenever she laughed too loudly.
Richard realized healing couldn't be purchased.
Not with therapists.
Not with expensive vacations.
Not with gifts.
So he changed instead.
He canceled board meetings.
Missed investor dinners.
Turned his phone off after five every evening.
Together they planted vegetables in the backyard.
Cooked pancakes every Saturday.
Read bedtime stories every single night.
Months passed.
One evening Sophie accidentally spilled orange juice across the kitchen table.
She froze.
Waiting.
Richard quietly grabbed a towel.
Together they cleaned the mess.
Then he smiled.
"It happens."
She blinked.
"That's it?"
He laughed softly.
"That's it."
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For the first time...
She laughed too.
