Looking at Penelope's delicate face and her wide, innocent eyes, Wilfred fought back tears. He reached down and stroked her hair. "Tell Daddy—what's your birthday wish?"
"I want to be with Daddy forever."
"Daddy... are you going to divorce Mommy?"
Penelope's big eyes brimmed with hurt.
She was the younger twin, but she was remarkably bright. At three, she'd shown intelligence far beyond her years. By four, Wilfred had started teaching her calligraphy.
After a year of practice, she could already read many characters.
She must have found the divorce papers he'd hidden in his study drawer.
Wilfred couldn't hold back any longer. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
He knelt and pulled her into his arms.
"Then let me ask you something. If Daddy really divorces Mommy, do you want to stay with Daddy, or with Mommy and your sister?"
"I want Daddy!"
Wilfred smiled.
His battered heart finally found a sliver of comfort.
He took Penelope's small hand in his.
In that moment, his resolve solidified.
If Hildegarde wanted to be with her childhood sweetheart, if Hilary wanted Patrick to be her father—fine. He would give them what they wanted.
All he needed was Penelope.