Chapter 3897
“Dad!” Sonny shouted with excitement as he spotted Hank and ran toward him. Hank quickly stepped forward, scooping Sonny into his arms and showering his face with kisses, playfully rubbing their cheeks together in a display of affection. To anyone observing, it appeared that the two shared a close and loving bond.
In reality, Hank had been making a renewed effort to be a better father lately. After a few moments of father-son affection, Liberty approached, pushing Duncan in his wheelchair. Hank’s gaze lingered on Liberty; her complexion glowed, and her features were softened by a gentle smile that reflected her happiness. The tension and resentment she once carried were nowhere to be seen. She radiated contentment, and Hank couldn’t help but notice—after all, last night had been her wedding night, and it showed.
“Torry, Liberty,” Hank said, his tone unusually apologetic. “I’m sorry, Liberty. I asked you to bring Sonny in when we agreed to meet at the gate. Chelsea showed up, and we got into an argument. I lost track of time.”
“It’s fine,” Liberty replied, her tone calm. “It was just a few extra steps.”
She handed Hank Sonny’s small suitcase, filled with clothes and toys for his visit, as well as three neatly wrapped boxes.
“These are gifts Sonny picked out for you all,” Liberty explained. “I’ll come back in two days to pick him up. Just bring him to the gate then. In the meantime, please keep an eye on him, especially if your sister is still here with Lucas. Don’t let them fight.”
Liberty’s voice had a firm undertone. Although Sonny had been learning martial arts and was now stronger than before, Liberty still worried. The Brown family had a history of siding with Lucas, and she didn’t want Sonny to face any trouble.
the same unfair treatment again.” Hank nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry, Liberty. When I bring Sonny back in two days, he’ll be just fine. He’s my son—my only child. If I don’t protect him, who will? I know I messed up in the past.”
Hank’s expression turned somber as he reflected on his previous mistakes. During the times when Sonny and Lucas fought, he had consistently blamed Liberty for not teaching Sonny better, completely ignoring Lucas’s behavior. Lucas, spoiled by his parents and grandparents, had developed a bossy and entitled attitude. He often snatched Sonny’s toys, and even though Sonny wasn’t one to back down, he frequently ended up in tears when the adults sided with Lucas.
These incidents had been a continual source of conflict between Liberty and Hank, with arguments erupting every time Lucas bullied Sonny. Hank turned to Duncan and gave a polite nod. “Mr. Lewis.”
Duncan responded with a soft hum. Hank paused for a moment before asking, “Since you’re already here, would you like to come upstairs for a bit? Maybe have a glass of water?”
Liberty declined without hesitation. “No, thank you. Duncan and I need to head back. We’ll see you in two days when we come to pick up Sonny.”
Turning to her son, she advised, “Sonny, be good. Listen to your dad. Mom and Uncle Duncan will miss you and will come get you soon.”
“Okay, Mom! I’ll be good and listen to Dad,” Sonny replied obediently. Then, turning to Duncan, he grinned. “Uncle Duncan, you have to promise to miss me while I’m gone!”
Before anyone could respond, Sonny wriggled out of Hank’s arms and climbed onto Duncan’s lap. Wrapping his small arms around Duncan’s neck, he nuzzled close, his voice soft and playful. “You have to miss me…”
Sonny said, “No, thank you. Duncan and I need to head back. We’ll see you in two days when we come to pick up Sonny.” Turning to her son, she added, “Sonny, be good. Listen to your dad. Mom and Uncle Duncan will miss you and will come to get you soon.”
“Okay, Mom! I’ll be good and listen to Dad,” Sonny replied obediently. Then, turning towards Duncan, he grinned. “Uncle Duncan, you have to promise to miss me while I’m gone!”
Before anyone could respond, Sonny wriggled out of Hank’s arms and climbed onto Duncan’s lap. Wrapping his small arms around Duncan’s neck, he snuggled close, his voice soft and playful.
“You have to miss me a lot,” Sonny insisted, giggling.
Duncan chuckled and replied, “I’ll miss you every minute, Sonny.”
Satisfied with his answer, Sonny gave him one last hug before reluctantly letting go.