Chapter 47: Quickened Heartbeat

He smirked and, in a light tone, started, "By the way."

...

As soon as Leonard spoke, Rosamond and Nathan's eyes left Sharon and turned to him. 

Puvis also paused and turned to look at Leonard. "Oh, spit it out. Don't dawdle."

Rosamond looked at Puvis with displeasure and murmured, "Dad, why are you being so mean to Leonard?"

"I-I'm not! He's just speaking too slow." Puvis protested. 

"You know you are," Rosamond muttered under her breath. 

Puvis said nothing. 

"I'm used to it, Mum."

Just when Rosamond hadn't intended to say anything else, Leonard voiced out innocently and pitifully.

Puvis's jaw clenched, and he glared fiercely at Leonard. 

"Dad, Leonard's all grown up now, but you're still so harsh with him. Can't you just care for him a little more?" Rosamond asked Puvis, her heart aching for her son.

Puvis tried not to roll his eyes when he saw Rosamond looking as if he had tortured Leonard. He bit his tongue so that Rosamond wouldn't continue yapping.