The Night I Let Go novel Chapter 13

"Mom, did you just hit me for him?" Wendy held her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief.

Fiona had never laid a hand on her, not once in her entire life. But today, her mother had struck her for Zachary, her son-in-law, an outsider.

The realization hit Wendy hard, and an overwhelming sense of injustice washed over her. Her eyes reddened, and tears spilled uncontrollably down her cheeks.

"Wendy, I—" Fiona reached out, her voice tinged with regret, trying to find words of comfort.

But before she could say anything, Wendy shot a bitter glare at Zachary and stormed out of the house.

As she passed Zachary, she didn't hide the anger and hurt in her eyes, giving him one last venomous look.

"Wendy, where are you going?" Fiona called after her, but Wendy didn't look back and disappeared down the hallway in seconds.

Fiona instinctively moved to chase after her daughter but stopped short after a few steps.

She turned to Zachary, her eyes pleading. "Zac, please, go after her. I'm worried she might do something silly!"

"Alright." Zachary couldn't refuse her request. "Take care of yourself, Fiona." With that, he turned and walked out the door.

As Zachary stepped outside, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Facing Harold or even Wendy hadn't been his biggest challenge today. It had been dealing with Fiona.

Fiona had always been so kind to him, and he had dreaded the moment he would have to break the news of the divorce to her.

He had imagined countless outcomes, but none quite like what had just unfolded. Still, he had done it. The hardest part was over.

Harold would likely accept the situation. Fiona, even if she objected, wouldn't be able to change his or Wendy's decision in the end.

Inside the house, with both Wendy and Zachary gone, only Harold and Fiona remained. Fiona, still shaken, returned to the dining table and sat down, her face etched with worry.

She looked at her husband and asked, "Harold, do you really want to see Wendy go through a divorce?"

Harold replied calmly, "This is between the two of them. If they want a divorce, then so be it. We have no right to interfere."

Wendy had good looks and a refined demeanor, but more importantly, she had the skills to manage a company.

Even if she got divorced, with her qualities, finding another partner wouldn't be an issue.

In fact, she could very well end up with someone more suited to her, a partner who could not only match her status but also support her career ambitions.

Fiona's brow furrowed as she spoke. "I know you've never liked Zac, but it was my idea to have him stay home and take care of Wendy. You've seen how well he's looked after her these past five years."

Fiona sighed as she continued, "Zac's a good man. If it were up to me, I'd want them to work things out."

Harold said, his voice steady, "Children live their own lives. As parents, we shouldn't meddle too much. Let them figure it out."

Finishing his thought, Harold poured himself another drink and continued to sip quietly.

Fiona, disheartened, picked up her fork, but the food on her plate held no appeal. She muttered, setting her fork down, "You go ahead and eat. I'm going to bed."

Harold frowned but said nothing as Fiona rose and left the room.

…

On the other side, Zachary descended the stairs and began looking around the complex for Wendy. He knew her too well. Wendy would get upset and storm out, but she would never actually leave the neighborhood.

As expected, after a short search, he found her sitting by a flowerbed. Wendy was crouched on the ground, clutching her phone and wiping away tears.

Zachary had seen this scene countless times. Every time she argued with her father, Wendy would find a quiet corner in the neighborhood to cry. This time was no different.