Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 116

*Smack! Smack! Smack!*

Three sharp blows from the ruler left Adrian's palm red and stinging, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. He dared not let them fall, knowing well that his great-grandfather, a retired high-ranking military officer, despised tears. "A man can bleed, but he must never cry," the old man always said.

Adrian knew that if he cried, the punishment would only worsen.

The old man, stern and unyielding, asked again, "What did you do wrong?"

Choking back his tears, Adrian's voice trembled as he replied, "I shouldn't have let Mom's relatives in. If they hadn't come, Mom wouldn't have been hurt. I promise it won't happen again."

Marshall, standing by with the ruler in hand, struck again. This time, Adrian received seven more blows, leaving his small hand swollen and red as a beet.

Finally, the tears he had fought so hard to contain began to fall, large and silent. He bit his lip to suppress any sound, fearful of letting his great-grandfather hear him cry.

After a long pause, the sound of a cane striking the floor reverberated through the room, followed by the old man's voice, filled with disappointment.

"You failed to see the bigger picture. You were manipulated, and it cost your family. Your father may be ruthless, but you are foolish!"

Adrian bowed his head, remaining silent.

The old man, his voice now calm, said, "Stay here and reflect. Rise only when you understand."

...

Marshall entered the room.

He placed the ruler down and began to massage the shoulders of the elderly man, who, despite his age, still had a sharp gaze.

"Sir," Marshall implored softly, "it's snowing heavily outside. If the young master stays kneeling out there, he'll fall ill."

The old man barked back, "What of it? Should he not be punished for his failures? He is to be the heir of the Montgomery family, yet he was played like a fool."