Thaddeus eyed his daughter deeply. âDo I need someone else to tell me whatâs going on? Iâve seen how that man treats you these past few years. Why are you doing this to yourself?â
Sophia bowed her head and continued chopping the vegetables. âDad, I can handle my own business!
I know what I want!â
Thaddeus was frustrated. âAre you saying I shouldnât interfere now? If I hadnât intervened earlier, would that man still be with you? If he had any sense of self-respect, he would have left you long ago! Canât you be a bit more courageous to face reality and find a man who truly loves you?â
âEnough!â Sophia angrily threw the vegetables she was preparing onto the floor. âDonât say another word! Marcus and I are perfectly fine! We love each other! I wonât leave him, and I wonât allow him to leave me. Iâd rather die than have Marcus not by my side!â
âYouâ¦â Thaddeus was at a loss with his stubborn daughter. All parents would become terrified by their childrenâs threats of self-destruction.
He had initially considered the advice of his wife, Bertha, and his other daughter, Lea. If possible, he was willing to let Marcus return to the Blanchet family.
Not for anything else, but to repay the kindness Ellinor once showed his wife by saving her life.
Thaddeus always believed in returning the favor.
But his own daughter was the biggest obstacle.
Never mind. He didnât want to argue anymore. âYouâre not in a calm state right now. Think about what Iâve said when youâve cooled down. Iâm leaving.â
With that, Thaddeus waved his hand and left, fearing that staying would only provoke Sophia more and that she might do something drastic.
The kitchen was full of potential weapons, and he couldnât bear to think about the consequences if anything happened.
Sophia watched her father leave in anger, and only then did her emotions settle down. She bent down to pick up the vegetables she had thrown on the floor but noticed that Marcusâ bedroom door was open.
She quickly looked up and saw Marcus sitting in his wheelchair at the doorway, watching expressionlessly.
When did Marcus come out? What did he hear?
Sophia felt guilty. âUh⦠Marcus, youâre awake?â
Marcus hummed in response. âHmmm. Are you making dinner?â
Sophia forced a smile. âYeah⦠while you and Tristan were sleeping, I went out and bought a bunch of groceries. Iâm preparing something delicious for you guys,â
Marcus nodded faintly. âHmm, youâve worked hard.â
Hearing Marcus acknowledge her efforts made Sophia feel at ease. Maybe he wasnât angry anymore.
âItâs no trouble. I enjoy cooking for you and Tristan. I feel like it gives our life a homely touch.â
âHmm.â
Marcusâ response was minimal, revealing no noticeable emotions. He maneuvered his wheelchair out of the room and into the living room.
Tristan, who seemed like he had just woken up, rubbed his eyes and followed his father, heading to the couch to play with his toys.
Watching the father-son duo behave normally and thinking back to her argument with her father made Sophia worry. She couldnât help but feel uneasy.
âMarcus, did my dadâs loud voice wake you up?â
Marcus turned his head towards her, âYour father was here?â
His face remained calm, showing no signs of pretense.
Sophia replied uncertainly, âOh, he was here for a bit and left after we talked thought his loud voice might have woken you and Tristan up.â