Liam peeked with one mischievous eye, ensuring his brothers remained serious before whispering shyly about pancake breakfasts decorated with cheerful smiley faces.
Noah spoke softly about enjoying an adventurous story involving a brave mouse, revealing simple pleasures Ethan never thought to ask about personally.
Mason hesitated before confessing he liked that nobody yelled today, a statement slicing Ethan deeper than any financial loss ever could.
The boys’ whispered truth echoed painfully, making him question whether the harshness came from past nannies or from the devastating silence he maintained.
Sarah brushed Mason’s forehead tenderly, praising gratitude gently, unaware Ethan watched with aching regret, wishing he understood his sons half as well.
“Amen,” Sarah concluded softly, prompting the boys to echo her word joyfully, breaking the delicate atmosphere with innocent energy filling the once silent room warmly.
Their laughter erupted instantly, transforming reverence into giggles until Sarah lifted her gaze and discovered Ethan watching, startling her into stiffened surprise immediately.
She rose quickly, smoothing her apron nervously while struggling to recover composure before addressing him respectfully with widened eyes and trembling uncertainty betraying her calm exterior.
“Mr. Sterling, we did not expect you until Thursday,” she admitted, her voice wavering slightly as the boys froze, sensing the sudden shift instantly.
Their bodies stiffened, retreating subtly toward Sarah’s legs, instinctively seeking protection from a father who never learned how to offer genuine comfort.
The simple backward step shattered Ethan’s composure, revealing a truth he had refused to face regarding the emotional distance he created inadvertently.
“The negotiations ended early,” Ethan explained, his voice rusty from disuse, surprising even himself with how foreign it sounded within his own household.
“Please, do not let me interrupt,” he added awkwardly, wishing he knew how to soften the palpable unease radiating from his bewildered children.
“We were just finishing their evening routine,” Sarah responded, maintaining respectful composure despite the tremor lingering beneath her steady tone while guiding the boys gently.
“Boys, say good evening to your father,” she instructed softly, though the command carried an underlying firmness that encouraged respect rather than fear.
“Good evening, Father,” the triplets recited in unison, their voices disciplined and mechanical, revealing the emotional distance separating them from his unsteady affection.
Ethan studied them closely, truly noticing their rocket-patterned pajamas for the first time, realizing he never even knew they loved space or planets.
“Good evening,” Ethan replied quietly, wishing desperately to ask about their stories, pancakes, or small joys but lacking confidence to bridge years of silence.
“Carry on,” he murmured, turning away stiffly, closing the heavy door behind him before retreating into the solitude he mistakenly believed protected everyone.
Instead of entering his study, Ethan collapsed on his bed, burying his face in his trembling hands as regret tore through him relentlessly.
See more on the next page
Advertisement
