James looked at Henry with sorrow in his reddened eyes. "From now on... if you want to come back and stay, you're welcome. I won't drive you away... but this house will never be yours. Don't think I'm being cruel..."
Henry's heart ached as if it were being torn apart. Over the years, James had truly been kind to him. The bond between them, at least, was real.
Trembling, Henry lifted his head, "Dad, you'll always be my father!"
Unable to stay any longer, Henry turned and rushed out of the house in a frenzy. He didn't even stop for dinner, leaving the servants bewildered by his sudden departure.
James' eyes filled with unshed tears. Henry might not have been his biological son, but the emotions and connection they'd shared over the years… they were undeniable.
