Calebâs POV:
A sudden jolt surged through my chest.
Could it be�
I turned around, and there stood Eduardo, his expression etched with anger.
It was evident he had overheard Zoe and Carlosâ conversation.
His usual demeanor contorted into a mask of livid fury, his body trembling with indignation.
Fuming, Eduardo strode towards me, his glare piercing.
âCaleb, whatâs going on here? I came to see my grandchildren and learn about my daughterâs whereabouts, but instead, Iâm met with this unexpected revelation!â
His visage was twisted with anguish.
Carlos and Harlan stood by, stunned.
I couldnât bring myself to share the pain Iâd endured.
How could I explain this?
If I fabricated a lie, Zoe would swiftly unravel it.
Yet, divulging the truth risked accusations of infidelity.
Deep down, I held firm to the belief that I remained faithful to Debra, but lacking evidence left my integrity hanging in the balance.
Caught in a wrenching dilemma, I found myself silenced by the weight of my predicament.
But my silence only confirmed Eduardoâs suspicions of my wrongdoing.
Without hesitation, he seized my collar and delivered a punishing blow.
Agony coursed through me, but I refused to retaliate.
Instead, I allowed Eduardo to knock me to the ground.
As I lay there, the azure sky above, the unforgiving earth below, and the fists raining down upon me, I couldnât help but feel the echoes of Debraâs pain that fateful morning, driving her away from our home.
âCaleb!â
Carlosâ cry snapped me back to reality.
Eduardoâs countenance remained clouded with discontent.
It was evident that his assault failed to assuage the anguish his daughter endured.
His actions, fueled by frustration, served as a mere outlet for his pent-up rage.
As Eduardo raised his hand again, poised to strike, Carlos intervened, pleading, âMr.
Clarkson, thereâs been a misunderstanding.
I know Caleb-heâs not capable of such actions!â
Fueled by fury, Eduardo shrugged off Carlosâ grasp, bellowing, âAnd why wouldnât he be? Have you not noticed how little effort Caleb has put into finding my daughter since her disappearance?â
Carlosâ expression froze upon hearing this.
âButâ¦â
Despite his shock, Carlos persisted in his struggle to come to my defense, a testament to the trust he held in me.
However, Eduardo preempted any opportunity for Carlos to intervene, bluntly Laying bare his concerns.
âIâve repeatedly sought answers about my daughterâs whereabouts, but Calebâs apparent lack of urgency leaves me questioning his fidelity to her.
â
âI assure you, itâs not as it seems.
.
â
Carlos, sensing the weight of my earlier indifference, found himself at a loss for words.
He had intended to come to my defense, yet the memory of my aloof expression left him speechless.