“She's right, Dad,” Joyce chimed in solemnly.
Jonathan rubbed his temples. “I know you don't want me to go to jail, but this isn't for me
to decide. Besides, you know what Stanley's like. Do you think he'd let me off? No, I bet he
can't wait to make us suffer.”
“I know that.” Caitlin nodded as her eyes turned misty.
Jonathan turned to her. “That's why I have no choice but to do time. Don't be sad, okay? I
started this whole thing, so it's only right that I take responsibility for it.”
“You might say that, but what would Joyce and I do if you go to prison?” Caitlin began to
get worked up. “Who's going to protect us if you're not around? Wouldn't it be much easier
for Stanley to hurt us then? He might even force Joyce to get an abortion once he puts you
behind bars!”
Jonathan's expression clouded over as he heard that.
Clearly, he hadn't considered this.
Aware that he was taking her words seriously, Caitlin reminded him again, “That's why you
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcan't go to jail, Jon.”
“But if I don't, Stanley isn't going to let me off either. “We can't outrun the law,” Jonathan
insisted while looking down and clenching his fists in frustration.
Still, he had no regrets.
Had God given him another chance to start over, he would've chosen to beat Stanley up
again.
To him, Stanley was an absolute tyrant, and after putting up with him for over ten years, it
was about time he got what he deserved. Jonathan had finally avenged his own daughter
and family.
Hence, he didn't regret his actions—even if it meant getting locked up as a result.
“You're right. We can't outrun the law.” Caitlin sighed.
She knew this, and that was why she had decided to give up her life in exchange for peace
within her family.
Now, she was only worried that Stanley wouldn't be happy taking just one of their lives.
If that's what he thinks, I'll drag him down to hell with me.
With that in mind, Caitlin gripped her fists and came to a decision.
Next to her, Joyce kept her head low and sat in silence. No one knew what she was
thinking.
“By the way, what were you still doing at home? Have the people Nat and Mr. Thompson
sent not arrived yet?”
“They have.” Joyce nodded.
“Then why didn't you leave with them?” Jonathan asked, frowning.
Caitlin looked up at him. “We're not going.”
“What?” Jonathan froze briefly before a thought came to mind. “Is it because I haven't
gone back? You don't have to wait for me at all. You can leave first, and I'll come and find
you when I'm done taking care of things here. It's more dangerous if you stay.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
“It's not dangerous.” Joyce shook her head. “Dad, nothing is dangerous as long as we're
together as a family.”
“It's not dangerous.” Joyce shook her head. “Dad, nothing is dangerous as long as we're
together as a family.”
“But... But it's exactly as you guys just said. No one will be able to protect you if I go to
jail, and Stanley could do whatever he wants with you. That's why I'd rather you two leave.
Even if I do end up in jail, at least I wouldn't have to worry about him doing anything to
you!” The man stomped his foot in exasperation and took out his phone. “No, I have to
call Nat and ask her to get someone to take you both away.”
“Don't.” Caitlin stopped him in his tracks. “Listen to us, Jon. We're a family. We have to
stick together no matter what happens. I know you care about us, but this isn't what we
want. If we were to get out of here and leave you behind, we'd only be more unhappy. Do
you understand?”
“She's right, Dad.” Joyce stood up and took her father by the hand. “We'll go through
everything as a family. It doesn't matter what happens; as long as we're together, we can
get through anything—including Stanley.”