Regrets

48

Aaron never thought the papers served to Marissa were significant. He was shocked when she was summoned to court.

That was when he became aware of the gravity of the situation. They both went to solicitors. Appointments were made, but a few reputed ones declined to take up the case.

"Mr. Biffrey, try to come to an agreement outside of court. Mr. and Mrs. Crawley will not back down, and their attorney will tear you apart. Ms. Witcombe is well-known in the chambers and an old acquaintance of the Crawleys. Given the information you provided, your defense is very weak," one of the solicitors suggested.

Marissa sent Heather an apology letter, but there was no response.

"I can't believe Heather will pursue this matter. She was never so stubborn. An apology should have made her content," Aaron replied.

He tried calling Rose and Zack many times but was unsuccessful. He tried social media, but his children were not active.

In desperation, he called Zack's office and made a telephone appointment as a patient.

"Zack."

Zack was about to cut the call, but Aaron pleaded.

"Zack, please do not cut the call. I got hold of you with a lot of difficulty."

"Did we not sever our ties a long time back, Dad? Sorry, Mr. Biffrey."

"Zack, your name change will not change the fact that you are my son."

"Come to the point. Let me guess, is it the lawsuit that made you contact me?"

Aaron felt ashamed.

"Zack, there is never a day that goes by that I do not remember you. I regret my mistakes."

"Good for you."

"Zack, do not be so heartless."

"Mr. Biffrey, the lawsuit has nothing to do with me. It is Mom and Dad's decision. Your mistress shouldn't have spread her lies around."

"She is my wife, Zack."

"I correct my words. Your mistress turned wife."

"Zack, your sister's future will be affected."

"What does Rose have to do with it?"

"Alissa, your sister."

"As far as I remember, I have one sister and a brother. I do not recall Mom having another daughter."

"Zack, Alissa is innocent in all of this. You are her elder brother."

He laughed. "That might be a joke. We do not share the same name or mother."

"Joseph Crawley is not even related to you, but you consider him your brother. Alissa is related to you by blood."

"Marissa, Alissa—all these are your relatives, not mine. You talk about blood, but you never asked about Rose once. You showed your priorities once again."

"I meant to ask about her."

"You are good at cracking jokes. My sister is well without your presence."

"Mr. Biffrey, you never thought about Mom when negotiating your divorce but are thinking about your reputation now."

"I thought of Heather. That is why I gave away your trust funds. I would have financially supported her. I admit I was under the Influence of Marissa and your grandmother.

"Please stop associating your relatives with me. My grandparents are dead, and the only surviving ones are my dad's parents."

This was like a jab to Aaron.