The Latecomer Novels & Stories

His actions left me feeling so powerless. The family business was in the hands of managers. I came back to sort out some business, and to show the kids their old home: a visit that came sooner than planned. Bruce had it all wrong. The doorbell chimed right on schedule at ten in the morning. I swung the door open to find Bruce's assistant, Mark, waiting on the doorstep. "Miss Edward," Mark greeted me with a courteous nod. "I've been sent by Mr. Laurent to deliver your wedding gown."

After that, because Caleb's health was poor, I paid extra attention to every little detail and carefully raised him as he grew. He, too, always liked to snuggle in my arms and said, "Dad, I'll definitely repay you properly when I grow up." But three years ago, James entered our family's life as Daisy's junior and assistant. From then on, Daisy came home less and less often. Every time, she complained to me that James made frequent mistakes and was far less competent than I was when I worked at the law firm. Yet again and again, she still went out of her way to stay late and work overtime with him.

“It was Never Personal,you understand?It was about order,compliance “ I nodded slowly, compliance still being the only language I knew. I stood up and walked toward the window, the plush rug soft beneath my bare, dirty feet. The act of movement felt reckless. I glanced at him, noting the way his stance was relaxed, almost paternal. It was a terrifying kind of kindness, one that demanded gratitude for a reduced cage.