Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 24

Chapter 24 Getting AngryAfter the charity work had ended, Sophie escorted Kathleen out of thecharity home.”Does your hand still hurt?” Sophie asked.Kathleen shook her head and replied, “Itdoesn't hurt anymore.”Sophie noticed Kathleen's dejected mood and consoled, “Everyone was likeyou when they first volunteer here. Even though they might not have encountered situations wherethe children were having episodes, they felt the same way as you when they heard about theparents.”Kathleen bit her lips and asked, “What are the chances of recovery for these children?"“Thechances are slim. Even if they've recovered, there are still possibilities for them to be triggeredagain.” Sophie sighed and continued, “As of now, there's still no definite explanation as to why thishappens. There's no cure for it as well."Gloomily, Kathleen said, “Ms. Campbell, I don't know how toexplain my feelings. After seeing those children and their parents, I'm worried that my own child willbe like this too. Am I being very selfish? The first thing I thought about is myself after witnessingwhat happened.”Sophie patted her shoulder and said, “You silly child. It's normal to feel this way.When you get pregnant in the future, you just have to make sure that you're feeling happy at alltimes. Everything is fine if you give birth safely. Stop overthinking."Feeling happy at all times? I wantto but I'm suffering.That was the reason why Kathleen was feeling upset. She was worried that hersuffering would affect her child. With a gentle tone, Sophie said, “You're a kind-hearted person. Godwill not mistreat you.”"Ms. Campbell, I really like this place. Can I continue to volunteer here?”Kathleen asked.Sophie nodded and replied, “Of course! We will always welcome you.” Thank you!”Kathleen was delighted upon hearing that.Just then, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front ofher.Federick got off the car and said, “Kathleen, I'm here to apologize to you."Puzzled, Kathleenasked, “Federick, how's Madeline?""My mum's looking after her. Don’t worry, my mum hasexperience taking care of Madeline,” he explained.Feeling relieved, she nodded."You guys cancontinue chatting. I have something to deal with, so Ill take my leave now.” With that said, Sophieturned around and left.Federick looked at Kathleen and asked, “May I treat you to a meal?"*I'msorry, Federick. My family is waiting for me to dine with them at home,” she explained.”It's okay.”Federick was worried that she might misunderstand, so he continued, “I'll send you back home then.We can chat in the car.""Okay.” Kathleen nodded.Federick opened the passenger seat's door andsaw some children’s picture books on the seat. Embarrassed, he said, “I'm sorry. I forgot that I putsome books here."Federick planned to move those books to the backseat.Kathleen was afraid itwould be too troublesome, so she suggested, “Federick, you don't have to move them. I can sit atthe back."With a faint smile, Federick said, “Okay, that works too. These books are quiteheavy.”Kathleen smiled and got into the backseat.Soon, Federick got into the car as well andfastened his seat belt. He asked, “Where do you stay?”She told him the address of the Macariresidence.He was stunned for a moment before regaining his composure and said, “Okay, gotit."Kathleen noticed some books in the backseat as well, so she took one and asked, “Federick, whatare these?"Federick’s lips curled upward and replied, “These are some picture books published bymy company. The one you're looking at is a story I've written for Madeline. An illustrator drew thepictures for me."Kathleen found it to be a good read and said, “This is interesting."With a smile,Federick replied, “Really?"“However, why is the story not completed?” Kathleen asked in confusion.”lwas going to publish the sequel this summer, but the illustrator got into an accident and couldn“tdraw anymore. I couldn't replace another illustrator to replace him, so the sequel has to be delayed,” heexplained Kathleen nodded at his words."Federick, is there a reason why you're looking for me?” sheasked out of curiosity.”l just wanted to ask if you'll be volunteering here next time,” Federick askedcalmly.Kathleen nodded and replied, “Yes, as long as I have the time for it."Federick was relievedupon hearing that. “That's great! Autistic children don't really interact with anyone since they're tooimmersed in their own worlds. If there's a way to pique their interest in interacting with others, theremight be a chance to cure this disorder.”Kathleen continued to listen to him.”"Madeline actuallyreacted to your words today. Will it trouble you if I ask you to communicate with her moreoften?”Kathleen gently replied, “Of course not. Federick, you don't have to be so polite whenspeaking to me. It's my pleasure to help out.”Federick would not let Kathleen help out with nothingin return, so he offered, “That's good to hear! Feel free to let me know if you needanything."Kathleen asked, “Federick, can I have this book?"“You can have it if you like it.” Federickhappily gifted her the book.Kathleen wrapped the book in her arms and said, “Okay, I'll take itthen."Soon, they arrived at the entrance of the Macari residence.While looking at the magnificentmansion, Federick was reminded of that family.Kathleen was worried that Federick mightmisunderstand. “Federick...”"With a gentle smile, he said, “I know that the Macari family took you inafter what happened to your parents. Don't worry, I did not misunderstand anything. I won't goaround talking about this either."Kathleen breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Thank you.”I'll takemy leave now.” Federick drove away with a wave of his hand.Kathleen watched as he droveaway.She took a deep breath.At that moment, a cold voice sounded from behind. “No wonder thedriver did not manage to pick you up. It's because someone has already sent you back."Kathleenturned around in shock and looked at Samuel with a pale face.At this hour, shouldn't he beaccompanying Nicolette after getting off work? Why would he be home?“It was on the way, soFederick sent me home.” She headed into the mansion while holding tightly to the book.Samuelblocked her path. He was emanating a cold and dangerous aura.With a cold voice, he said, “Did youmeet that man at the charity home? He sent you back after only meeting you for the first time.Seems like you're still doing well in the dating scene."Dating scene?She bit her lips and said,"Samuel, you don't have to be cynical about this. That man is Federick Evans. He used to be myneighbor. We've only met each other again at the charity home today. His daughter hasautism.”Samuel’s darkened gaze landed on the back of Kathleen's hand. “What happened to yourhand?"“It's none of your business.” With that said, Kathleen strode away."Stop there!” Samuelgrabbed her wrist and yelled, “Tell me! How did you get hurt?"She was a fragile person, and so washer skin.”l already told you that it's none of your business.” Kathleen did not want to explain it tohim. There was no need to do so.She got more distressed every time she saw him.Samuel refused toget a divorce, so she did not want to interact with him.She was afraid that getting angry all the timewould have an effect on her child.Samuel threatened, “You know that I can order someone to endthe charity home right this instance, don't you?"