Patrick watched the signed divorce papers, barely concealing his glee, though his voice dripped with mock sympathy. "Ah, Wilfred, I hate to say it, but you really are being unreasonable."
"Someone like you—marrying Hildegarde in this lifetime? That was karma from a past life."
"If it were me, getting to be with Hildegarde? I'd be laughing in my sleep."
Wilfred looked up at Patrick.
"Then you got your wish. I hope you two are happy together."
He had no interest in wasting words on a man like Patrick.
Crouching down, he took Hilary's small hand. "Hilary, Daddy's leaving now. If someday you miss me, tell Penelope. Daddy will come see you."
"Save your crocodile tears!"
Hildegarde scooped up Hilary, her face hard. "Hilary is my daughter. Don't pretend to be the good guy here. Without you, I'll make sure she's happier than ever."
"She'll never think of you!"
"And Penelope—if you miss Mommy, you can come home anytime."
"That's right, I won't miss Daddy. I have Patrick-Daddy, and that's enough." Hilary pouted in agreement.
"Daddy..."
Just then, Penelope's voice rang out. Her small face was already streaked with tears. "Daddy, let's go. I don't want to watch them bully you anymore!"
"Mommy!"
In that moment, the little face was filled with determination. "Mommy, Daddy will take good care of me. Mommy, you have stomach problems. Without Daddy here, remember to take your medicine when it hurts..."
"You always sleep in and need Daddy to squeeze toothpaste for you. After Daddy's gone, you'll have to learn to do it yourself."
"And Daddy says you shouldn't eat cold food. So eat less of it from now on."
When she finished, Penelope took Wilfred's hand. "Daddy, let's go."
"Okay."
Penelope's maturity was heartbreaking. Wilfred nodded slightly, lifted her into his arms, and held her small body tight.
Walking out through the Pruitt family's front gate, he paused at the threshold. Without looking back, he said, "Next week. Family Court."
"Don't miss this appointment."
"Hmph, this man is so dramatic! He has no real skills, yet he acts like such a diva. Without you, Hildegarde, even if he were sitting on a mountain of gold, he'd burn through it eventually."
Patrick sneered. "Hildegarde, the divorce is for the best. A man who only brings you negativity doesn't deserve you. From now on, I'll take Wilfred's place and look after you and Hilary."