27. Wife's Duty

Cedric couldn't believe his luck. He had anticipated a stern lecture or disapproval from his father, Gerald, regarding his closeness to Virginia, his stepmother. But instead, Gerald's embrace and words of encouragement left Cedric feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.

As Cedric replayed the encounter in his mind, he couldn't help but smile. Gerald had initiated a conversation, starting with casual topics about Cedric's life and emotions since the loss of his biological mother. It was a rare moment of vulnerability and connection between father and son.

When the conversation turned to Virginia, Cedric found himself at a loss for words. He stumbled over his sentences, unable to articulate the true depth of his feelings. But instead of suspicion or reproach, Gerald seemed to interpret Cedric's hesitation as natural reticence. To Cedric's surprise, his father embraced him tightly, a gesture that conveyed more love and acceptance than words ever could.

In that moment, Cedric realized