Loving DAD 1161

+25 BONUS 

In the flickering firelight, Thomas’s eyes gleamed like a skyful of stars–clear, fathomless, and impossibly bright. His handsome features, brushed by the golden glow of the flames, seemed almost unreal, as if he were a figure sculpted from light and shadow. 

“No need. Even if I tried, I wouldn’t be able to sleep.” 

Sharon’s gaze lingered on his face. 

“Your insomnia,” she asked softly, “it’s still not better?” 

He gave a quiet, almost indifferent reply. “No.” 

She hesitated, then ventured, “Is it because you think too much? Too many things weighing on your mind?” 

She knew the feeling. She had slept soundly once, back when her heart was light. But after too many nights of worry, insomnia had crept in like a shadow that never left. 

Thomas didn’t deny it. “Maybe.” 

Sharon’s voice softened to a near whisper. “Do you want to talk about it?” 

For a while, he said nothing. The only sound between them was the soft crackling of the fire. 

Thinking she’d overstepped, Sharon quickly added, “It’s fine if you don’t want to- 

But before she could finish, his voice broke through the quiet. 

“Would you forgive someone who hurt you?” 

Sharon thought for a moment. “That depends. What kind of hurt?” 

He looked up suddenly. “What about Carter? Would you forgive him?” 

She met his gaze, her expression calm. “I won’t forgive him. But I don’t hate him anymore, either.” 

After Kelly’s lies were exposed, Carter had indeed tried to make amends. And Sharon, pragmatic as she was, hadn’t refused what was due. 

Five years of marriage–she told herself–even a housekeeper would have walked away with more than nothing 

Everyone carried a scale in their heart. She accepted what he offered, but she never saw it as mercy. It was his conscience, nothing more. 

In the end, love always came down to conscience and relying on a man’s conscience was the most foolish thing of all 

She would use it, yes–to reclaim her future, her power, her dignity. But she would never live on anyone’s pity. 

Thomas listened quietly, his expression unreadable. When he finally spoke again, his voice was faint, as thought the words weighed too much. 

1/2 

Chapter 11G1 

+25 BONUS 

“I once helped someone… and in doing so, I hurt another person–someone who meant a great deal to me. If I hadn’t helped that first person, her life wouldn’t have been changed because of it.” 

Sharon blinked, startled. No wonder he had asked about forgiveness. He was speaking of himself he was no different from Carter. 1 

She said softly, “Things aren’t always absolute. If you realized your mistake early enough, maybe she’ll still forgive you. 

Thomas’s gaze darkened. “I’ve been trying to make it up to her. But I don’t know… when she learns the truth, will she ever forgive me?” 

Sharon’s brows knit slightly. “She doesn’t know yet?” 

He shook his head. The firelight caught in his eyes as he looked straight at her. 

“No. I haven’t told her. Do you think… I should?” 

Sharon was silent. 

She didn’t know the full story–didn’t know who the other woman was, what kind of pain was involved. To give him advice without understanding would be reckless, even cruel. 

After a long pause, she murmured, “I’m sorry, Thomas. I can’t answer that for you.‘ 

Her honesty was quiet but sincere. 

Thomas’s lips curved faintly. “Fair enough. I don’t even know what I should do myself–how 

you?” 

Sharon hesitated, then said, “Since you already understand that you were wrong, then before you decide to tell her, do everything you can to make it right.” 

He looked at her steadily. 

“And if that person were you,” he asked, “would you forgive me?”