Chapter 171: Meeting the Horaces [3]
Knox’s declaration hung heavy in the air, enveloping the whole room in saturated tension, seeping into every corner and spreading discomfort into everyone gathered inside.
His father’s expression, cold and stony, was betrayed by the slight flicker of his inner turmoil, cracking his highly guarded fortress of defiance and determination, displaying a tiny bit of uncertainty in his green-colored eyes.
Knox felt a pang in his chest. He could see his father conflicted despite the tough mask he wore on his face. He felt guilty, thinking that the reason his father looked unwell was because of him and his problems.
However, he hardened his softening heart and continued, "I understand your concerns, father. But Azrael is different from his...father. Please, if you can’t open your heart to accept us, just...let me go and live my life with him."
"After you did everything to get where you are? Are you not satisfied that you’re now part of our family? Isn’t that what you wanted the most?" Geraldine spoke disdainfully, her words like sharp needles hammered into his chest.
Knox was reminded of those times she mentioned, he felt saddened, but he never regretted what he said. He smiled, at the woman who never looked at him for who he was, but for whom he came from, melancholy.
He then spoke quietly, his words laced with emotions and fatherly devotion to his sole child, "I won’t let my child grow up like me, away from his father, and forever be called illegitimate and a fruit of some lustful mistake. Knoa...deserves more than that. And I believe I deserve it too – a family of my own, somewhere that I’m...truly belong."
"So, you’re willing to throw us out to pursue what you want," Geraldine sneered, shaking her head and giving her husband a look that say, ’I told you so.’
Althea, who was silent the whole time and just observing the situation, finally spoke, admonishing her own mother’s words, "Mom, Knox isn’t the one here thinking of leaving the family or not, it’s us, giving him that notion. If Dad opposes, he’ll leave, but if he gives his blessings, then Knox will stay."