Chapter 56. The Greatness of a Father’s Love
Mr. Johnson chuckled softly. “Really? Wasn’t it you who loved to boast and compare? When Emma was young, you constantly compared her to your cousin’s child–comparing grades, achievements, and even appearances. While other kids were out playing, you made her stay home to study and do homework. When other parents took their kids to the amusement park on weekends, you refused, claiming it was a waste of time.
Once, I bought tickets to the amusement park in advance, hoping to take her for a fun day out. But you insisted I return them. Do you know how heartbroken Emma was? Do you know how much she envied her classmates?
You know nothing. All you care about is forcing her to study and recite. If she failed to memorize ten passages, you would tell her not to call you ‘Mom She dreamed of being a designer, but you dismissed her aspirations, tearing up her sketches and calling them childish
You imposed your ideals on her, burdening her with your unrealistic expectations, insisting she become a doctor because it’s a stable job with social ́status. It was all to satisfy your vanity!”
“Sam, I didn‘…I did not Catherine stammered, desperately denying the accusations. Each point he made laid bare the pressures she had placed on
their daughter over the years.
Her eyes glazed over as she clutched her head, trembling and shaking it in denial. She didn’t want to bear this weight. Yes, she tended to compare and
show off, but she was also Emma’s mother, wanting the best for her daughter, and hoping for her happinesst
Seeing her emotional turmoil, Mr. Johnson felt a pang of remorse but felt even more compassion for Emma. After enduring years under Catherine’s control, Emma still managed to smile warmly, despite her emotional struggles. He was grateful for that.
Perhaps his support had helped, but he felt he had failed his daughter. As a humble tailor, he lacked the financial means to support Emma’s dreams or
protect her from her mother’s expectations
But he understood Catherine too well. After decades together, he knew that any fleeting remorse she showed would soon turn into excuses. He needed to
apply more pressure, to break down her last psychological barriers and expose her flaws to the light, so she could truly reflect and recognize her wrongs
Sam closed his eyes briefly. “You must be envious of your cousin, who married a prestigious doctor, while you, though just as attractive, ended up with a
Tailor”
For years, he had endured her insults and disdain but had chosen not to quarrel. However, when it came to their daughter’s marriage, all his pent–up frustration erupted.
Catherine looked up at Sam, feeling a
ng a sharp pain in her chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she covered her heart with her hand. “Sam, you
This man, with gray at his temples, was in his fifties but still maintained a handsome and robust appearance. She had agreed to marry him for his looks, unlike her cousin, who had married a plain man. Yet, Sam was a tailor, while her cousin’s husband was a respected physician.
Initially, her cousin’s husband had shown interest in Catherine, but she dismissed him due to his appearance, leading him to settle for her cousin instead. Consequently, her cousin’s lifestyle far surpassed her own. Her cousin often flaunted her success, which only fueled Catherine’s frustration.
In her anger, she would lash out at Sam, calling him worthless and lamenting their modest life. Each time she felt slighted by her cousin, she vented her frustrations on him, and he silently endured it all..
Later, she pinned her hopes on Emma, wishing she would excel in school, attend a prestigious university, become a successful doctor, and marry a wealthy man–so she could finally stand proud in front of her cousin.
What she failed to realize was that true pride comes not from others‘ achievements but from one’s efforts. No one can bend your spine if you refuse to bow your head!
suppose you must hate me a lot, don’t you?” Catherine wiped her tears and choked out
Mr. Johnson walked over, enveloping her in his arms and stroking her back “Catherine, if I hated you, I would have divorced you long ago
Leaning on his shoulder, Catherine’s tears flowed freely. This man, whom she had criticized for years, held no resentment?
The quilt weighed heavily on her as she reflected on how she had wronged him. The more guilty she felt, the sadder she became
Mr. Johnson was at a loss. He always felt distressed when she cried, his heart aching for her. But for their daughter’s sake, he had to push through.
Looking out the window at the swiftly passing clouds, he couldn’t help but lament how fleeting life is. Who’s right or wrong in the grand scheme of things? Does it even matter?
White clouds drifted across the pale sky, time slipping away. He didn’t crave great wealth, all he wanted was for his family to be healthy and to bask in the warmth of each other’s company–a simple joy that is indeed a rare happiness in this world!
Just one sentence from Sam eased her wonies. She shot him an indignant look, and snapped, “You… you can divorce me now if yo
you
she became
Mr. Johnson was at a loss. He always felt distressed when she cried, his heart aching for her. But for their daughter’s sake, he had to push through.
Looking out the window at the swiftly passing clouds, he couldn’t help but lament how fleeting life is. Who’s right or wrong in the grand scheme of things? Does it even matter?
White clouds drifted across the pale sky, time slipping away. He didn’t crave great wealth, all he wanted was for his family to be healthy and to bask in the warmth of each other’s company–a simple joy that is indeed a rare happiness in this world!
Just one sentence from Sam eased her wonies. She shot him an indignant look, and snapped, “You… you can divorce me now if yo
you
chose for a lifetime.”
How else could I have endured your constant criticism?
want!” Mr. Johnson laughed heartily. “Who would have thought that you, nearly fifty, could still pull such a cute act? I chose you back then, and you are the one
Once she regained her composure, she returned to the main topic. “What about Emma? The poor thing is heading for her second marriage. How can! accept such indignity? When Emma returns from the West, I’ll take her to confront Luc. He abandoned our daughter, and I demand justice!”
“Have you lost your mind? If Emma no longer wants to be with him, it’s better to end things sooner. If you cause a scene, it will tarnish Emma’s reputation.
How do you think her colleagues at the hospital will view her?”
“But we can’t let her be wronged without justice.”
“As long as Emma leaves the Taylor family early, she’ll have a brighter future. Do you want her to continue living in the shadow of the Taylor family?”
“Of course not! But Emma is so young, and now she’s already a divorcée. I…”
Catherine felt a wave of distress and quilt wash over her. Mr. Johnson’s words struck her hard, reminding her that had it not been for her selfishness, Emma might have pursued her dream of being a designer instead of a doctor. She wouldn’t have met Lue at the hospital, nor would she be facing divorce.
What is there to fear about divorce? The scariest thing is to persist on the wrong path, to fear divorce, and to lack the courage to move on. Choosing to endure the status quo is the true ruin of one’s life.”
Thankfully, with Mr. Johnson’s reassurances, Catherine stopped pressing the issue and instead hoped for their daughter’s swift return. If the Taylor family Eidn’t appreciate Emma, then they didn’t deserve her. She was a remarkable person, and many men would value her.
Johnson, you’re right, Our Emma is such an accomplished woman, truly one of the best in her field! The Taylor family should feel honored to have had her,”
the western region, three thousand miles away, the autumn clouds were beautiful, a patchwork of color. The lakes shimmered, and the fields were dorned with brilliant blooming flowers, painting a picturesque autumn landscape. The western autumn was undeniably a paradise on earth.
cross this vast terrain, with streaming clouds and enchanting landscapes, sparkling rivers, magnificent meadows, and beautiful fields of flowers echoed he romance of autumn….
The day of farewell had finally come for the medical team and the teachers…
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chose for a lifetime.”
