“Daddy, it’s not like that.”
Terence came out and said, “If we hadn’t shown up when we did, you’d be raging at your son’s grave right now.”
Darren said furiously, “What nonsense are you spouting? Natalie, is this how Terence curses your son? Are you so eager to be with him that you don’t even care about your own child anymore?”
Lucas said, “When has Natalie ever not cared about Hanley? Hanley has been with us these past few days, and Natalie has been taking great care of him. And I was just stating a fact.
“If a simple fact makes you this defensive, then imagine this: two venomous snakes got into your son’s room. If we hadn’t arrived in time and broken down the door, would your son still be standing here for you to scold?”
Darren’s face was cold. “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Natalie said, “They aren’t talking nonsense. The day we went to pick up Hanley, if we had been a moment later, those vipers would have ended him.
As for the snakes, if you don’t believe me, you can ask your mother. Though I doubt you’ll get a straight answer from her. You can ask property management. I think they still have photos you can look up yourself. Some things can be cleared up just by asking a few questions. Why did you come here accusing a child without even asking?”
Hanley said, “Daddy, I’m sorry. I know you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, so I didn’t call you. I thought if I was good here with Mommy, it would be less of a burden for you. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you’d be so angry.
“But if it really wasn’t for Mommy and Lucas, I would never have seen you again.
“I’m really sorry. I was scared. I’m afraid of being alone in my room, and I’m afraid of snakes. So, I’m sorry, but I want to be with Mommy.”
Hanley’s eyes were red as he spoke, looking especially pitiful. Darren was stunned. What had he been blaming his child for?
Why was he in so much pain? It was because he was in a bad mood lately, so he took it out on his child, right?

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie)