Chapter 320 Charles's Thoughts
Benjamin wasn't mad; he just thought, "Charles is not only a good actor but also quick-witted."
If Charles hadn't hurt Daphne before, Benjamin might have admired him.
"Benjamin," Charles said, putting down his spoon, his tone and expression perfect. "I've copied the book. Can you forgive my past mistakes?"
"Of course," Benjamin replied calmly. "Admitting and fixing your mistakes makes you a good kid."
Charles didn't care about Benjamin's words; he was focused on Daphne, almost pleading. "Daphne, Benjamin forgave me. Do you still blame me?"
"No, I don't," Daphne replied gently, her gaze slightly complex, "But please, no more lies, deceit, or false accusations towards others, alright?"
Charles nodded. "I understand."
"Good," Daphne said.
"Daphne," Charles called.
"Yes?" she responded.
"There's one more thing I lied about," Charles said, looking hesitant.
Daphne didn't rush to blame him. "What is it?"
"Can I tell you in private?" Charles asked, lowering his head but holding her hand. "It's about you. I don't want Benjamin to know."
Daphne looked at Benjamin.
Benjamin nodded, not making it difficult.
To Benjamin, Daphne was the only one who mattered. If Charles could confess, it would hurt her less.
As long as Charles didn't harm Daphne, Benjamin wouldn't interfere.
Daphne took Charles back to their place.
Seeing Charles looking guilty, she sat with him on the couch. "Go ahead; what is it?"
"I'm afraid you'll hate me after I tell you," Charles said, fidgeting.
"As long as you're honest, I won't hate or blame you," Daphne said, hoping Charles would improve. "Go ahead."
"Really?" Charles asked.
"Yes," Daphne nodded.
"Actually," Charles said, lowering his head, "the person who replied to your message that day wasn't Mark; it was me."
Daphne was puzzled for a moment. "Which day?"
"Yesterday," Charles said, looking particularly obedient.
Daphne thought back and remembered her conversation with Mark.
"He confided in me about our relationship, and I'm aware I disappointed you in the past. I'm sorry, Daphne," Charles said, tears brimming in his eyes, "Daphne, I apologize."
A tear slid down his cheek and fell onto his hand.
Daphne paused, and before she could react, Charles buried his head in her lap, crying with trembling shoulders.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he cried.
Feeling his tears on her hand, Daphne's aloofness melted.
She knew the crying Charles wasn't the mature, memory-holding Charles, but seeing him cry made her want to care for him.
Charles no longer owed her anything.
"There's nothing to be sorry about," Daphne said. "If you're apologizing for hiding the truth, it's unnecessary; you've already been honest. If it's for the past, it's even more unnecessary."
She patted his shoulder like he was a younger brother. "If it's about the past, it's even more unnecessary."
Between them, it was just a divorce and betrayal. He had already paid with his life, and she felt she owed him more than anything.
Feeling Daphne's warm hand, Charles gradually stopped crying, but his possessiveness towards her grew stronger.
"But," Charles said, sitting up from her lap, looking guilty.
"What?" Daphne asked.
"I lied to you about one more thing; it's about myself," Charles admitted, keeping his head down.
He decided it was preferable to disclose a partial truth on his own terms rather than risk Mark and Benjamin exposing him. This way, even if Daphne found out later, she wouldn't react too strongly.
"Go ahead," Daphne said calmly.
"This will definitely make you angry; you might ignore me," Charles said, his tone controlled, his acting perfect. "Can you promise me that no matter what I say, you won't leave me?"
"Okay," Daphne agreed.
Children needed love and guidance. Charles was no different. As long as he could recognize his mistakes and correct them, it was a good thing.
Charles felt uncertain. This was risky; Benjamin had said Daphne didn't like being deceived. He didn't know if she'd be angry or ignore him after he told her. If she did, he'd have to take a more extreme approach.
"Why aren't you saying anything?" Daphne asked.
"I'm afraid you'll be angry," Charles said, his acting half-true, his thoughts genuine. "I'm afraid you'll leave me and abandon me."
"I keep my promises," Daphne said seriously, without a hint of blame. "Since I promised not to leave you, I won't."
Charles was struggling, but it was all an act.
After a while, he pursed his lips and said slowly, "I'm not five years old anymore."
Daphne's eyes showed a hint of surprise, but it quickly faded. It seemed her previous suspicions were correct; Charles's mind had matured.
"Do you know how old you are?" Daphne asked.
"Seventeen," Charles lied. "When I went to Brian's medical base yesterday, he tested me and said my mind is around seventeen."
"Really?" Daphne's voice rose a bit.
Charles didn't perceive any disgust or disapproval in her eyes; his heart eased slightly. "Daphne, aren't you angry? I had clearly recovered but still deceived you."
"No, I'm not angry," Daphne said, feeling a bit relieved.
She had always trusted Brian's decisions and judgments, but seeing Charles with the mind of a five-year-old had complicated her feelings. She had wondered if he could recover by staying with her. Fortunately, he had partially recovered.
"What about your memory?" Daphne asked. "How much of your memory has returned?"
Charles hesitated for a moment and told the truth, "None."
"Not at all?" Daphne asked.
"No," Charles replied.
"Did you find out about your mental growth at Brian's, or did you know before going there?" Daphne asked again. She needed to find the key to Charles's mental recovery to help him fully recover.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
