He Never Noticed Me Until I Loved Someone Else novel Chapter 400

Looking at Grandpa Fuller's teary eyes, Stella didn't know what to say besides offering quiet comfort.

When it came to their own flesh and blood, parents always harbored hope for redemption, no matter how many mistakes their child made. He just hadn't expected his leniency to breed such a catastrophe.

"I truly regret it. If I hadn't been so overbearing back then, if I had just respected Benedict's choices, the Fuller family wouldn't have ended up like this. Jarrod could have grown up with his parents by his side."

Arthur Sr.'s voice was hoarse, tears of deep remorse tracking down his weathered face.

Stella sat by him quietly, letting him speak.

After taking a moment to collect himself, Arthur Sr. looked at the gentle, understanding woman before him. "Stella, do you resent me for choosing you as Jarrod's wife, and then failing to treat you with the care you deserved?"

Stella shook her head softly. "You've never treated me poorly these past few years."

Arthur Sr. let out a heavy sigh. "I was selfish. A three-year overseas posting was a long time, and I couldn't keep an eye on him out there. I was terrified he would end up like his father, falling for a woman with a mysterious background. So I picked a wife for him, hoping it would keep him anchored."

"I thought it didn't matter if there was no foundation of love, as long as it held him back. Because of that, I never really cared about your feelings."

He reached out and gently patted Stella's hand. "Stella, I was wrong. I never considered what you were going through. Thank goodness Jarrod fell for you, and the two of you built a real connection."

"Please don't blame Jarrod for deciding to divorce you. I raised him with an iron fist, forcing him to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Every choice he makes is what he calculates to be the 'optimal solution,' but he forgets to consider whether you can handle the emotional fallout."

A profound sorrow seeped into the old man's weary voice. "I used to be so afraid he would be like his father—reckless and blind the moment he fell in love. But yesterday, seeing Jarrod willingly throw his life on the line to keep you safe... I realized being like his father isn't a bad thing. At least he knows what love is. He's willing to risk everything for the person he cherishes.

"My whole life, I've done nothing but weigh the pros and cons, ruthlessly forcing everyone to follow my plans. And what did it get me? My eldest son driven to monkhood in despair, my second son growing up cold and unremarkable, and my youngest turning into a psychotic monster who slaughtered his own blood... This must be karma for my sins."

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