On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 76

“In your dreams,” Jessica snarled through gritted teeth.

She took Amy’s hand and started to walk away. But Amy pulled back, still holding onto her father’s hand. “Mommy, I think Daddy’s right. It’s wrong to hit people. You should say you’re sorry.”

The words shattered what was left of Jessica’s heart. She knelt down. “Amy, I’ve told you before: we don’t start fights, but if someone tries to hurt us, we fight back. If she hadn’t tried to hit me first, I never would have laid a hand on her.”

Amy’s brow furrowed. She seemed to think that made sense, and her expression grew conflicted.

“It’s because of kids riding their skateboards carelessly around Kensington that your great-grandma got hurt,” Jessica added gently. “She’s stuck in bed right now because of it.”

That settled it. Amy immediately switched sides. “Daddy, I think Mommy is right. She shouldn’t have to apologize.” She let go of Lance’s hand. “Come on, Mommy. Let’s go home.”

The two of them walked off, heads held high, leaving Lance standing there, his face as dark as a thundercloud.

Daniel Gates approached him cautiously. “Lance, look, this was our fault. Don’t be angry with Jessica. And that time Melissa’s dog bit her… that was Melissa’s fault too. I’m sorry for all of it. Please pass my apology on to Jessica, and don’t let this cause a fight between you two.”

Daniel quickly ushered his wife and son away.

Lance stood alone. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a figure disappear into a bamboo grove nearby.

“Who’s there?” he called out, striding over, but all he found were a few fresh ashes on the ground.

Amy blinked. “But I like Mom Catherine.”

“She is not your mother,” Susan corrected her sharply. “You have one mother. Any other woman is to be called ‘auntie.’”

Amy pouted, clearly unhappy.

Lance picked her up. “It’s what she’s used to. It’ll take time to change. Instead of blaming Amy, maybe you should ask Jessica why someone else was able to make her daughter so attached to them in just six months.”

Jessica appeared in the doorway. “I’m sorry, I actually don’t know the answer to that. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”