Chapter 11
I used to wonder if Kaiden’s indifference and emotional coldness toward me were because he still resented me over Delaney.
I know what it feels like to be powerless against something you can’t control.
But I never pitied him.
”
After Nash was born, my feelings for Kaiden gradually faded. Numbly, almost as if on autopilot, I went through the motions, doing everything expected of the Fielton family’s daughter–in–law.
I pinned all my hopes on Nash.
I longed for someone in this family who was truly connected to me by blood.
In those early days, Nash became my only comfort.
But it was only two years before even that hope turned into a thorn lodged deep in my flesh.
Maybe Kaiden did love me.
But compared to his pride, his dignity, and everything else, he was just used to my care, used to having me around for everything.
Throughout our marriage, for whatever reason, he neglected me, shut me out, and took it for granted that a woman should sacrifice for the family.
None of that would ever change.
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No one is incapable of love, and no one is born not knowing how.
Only after losing something do people suddenly cherish it–it’s just regret, or maybe they simply haven’t found something better.
When you’re young, there’s nothing wrong with falling in love. When you’re older, there’s nothing wrong with letting go.
“Kaiden, have some dignity. Leave yourself a little self–respect.”
Kaiden had always been a proud man–he understood what I meant.
So, the last time I saw him was still at my place.
Recently, I joined another group tour, this time to Alaska.
Summer brought frequent rain, and I got caught in a few storms.
With everything else going on, inevitably, I fell ill when I got home.
When I finally woke up, aching all over in the darkness, it was Kaiden who helped me sit up.
Nash was leaning over the bed, his voice small and worried. “Mother, are you okay?
“Does anything hurt?
“Why don’t Father and I take you to the hospital?”
Kaiden tucked a pillow behind my back, explaining, “I saw you stumbling through the gate last night and knew something was wrong. I followed you upstairs and found you passed out at your door.
I called someone to give you a fever shot. How do you feel now? Still uncomfortable?”
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His voice was gentle as he handed me something with extra care.
It was a glass of milk, its color pale and soothing.
“You didn’t eat much tonight. Drink some milk. You’ll feel better.
“Valerie.” He called my name softly, and then, in that familiar tone, started to scold me, “You can’t take care of yourself at all. If Nash and I hadn’t been here today, no one would’ve even known you were sick. Valerie, come home with us, will you? Let Nash and I take care of you.”
I watched him fumble through those words and saw Nash at the bedside, nodding along with every word.
I smiled, reached out, and took the glass of milk.
The next moment, I let go.
With a sharp crash, the glass shattered on the floor, milk spilling across the hardwood in a pale, spreading pool.
I pointed at the mess, my voice slow and steady, “Kaiden, look. The glass is broken–it can’t be put back together.
“The milk is spilled, and there’s no way to gather it up again.”
And then, a few minutes later, my front door was suddenly flung open to a chorus of voices.
Nash ran to answer it.
A crowd bustled in, each person carrying bags big and small, quickly filling my small bedroom.
“Oh, honey, how did you get sick? I told you not to go out in the rain that day, but these people insisted!”
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“Sweetie, are you still feeling bad? I brought your favorite gummies–if the medicine tastes bitter, have one, and you’ll feel better in no time!”
As everyone chattered, they finally noticed the two strangers in the room.
Someone hesitated, asking, “And these two are…?”
I saw Kaiden and Nash stiffen, tension written all over them.
So, surrounded by friends, I smiled and introduced them from across the room, “They’re not important–just a friend and his son.
“You won’t see them again. They’ll be leaving soon.”
After all, Nash was still just a child.
He broke down instantly, standing by the door and wailing, “I don’t want to go! I want my mother!”
The noise startled Addie, who barked at him a few times.
The Fielton family’s people immediately stepped out from where they’d been waiting, scooped Nash into their arms, and helped Kaiden–unsteady on his feet–out the door.
Once, we weathered storms together.
But what’s spilled can never be retrieved, and rivers never flow backward.
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