The Greatest Regret

The fifth year of my marriage to Silas marked a turning point I would never forget. Our son, Yael, was kidnapped.

The ransom was set at ten million dollars, an insignificant amount for Silas, yet his response chilled me to the core. “No rush. A Gardner needs to experience some hardships to grow.”

Ten million meant nothing to him, but Yael’s life meant everything to me. I dropped to my knees, tears streaming down my face, and begged him relentlessly, pleading for Yael to be brought home as soon as possible.

Silas, however, remained unmoved.

Three days later, Yael was returned to us, but the cheerful boy I knew was gone. He had been so traumatized that he could not speak.

Far from showing concern, Silas coldly remarked, “Yuna said Yael keeps telling everyone at school she’s a fatherless child. Let’s see how he spreads lies now.” His words cut through me like a knife.

I picked Yael up in my arms and whispered softly in his ear, “Don’t be afraid, Yael. Mommy will take you away from here.”

“Madam, the young master is back."

I rushed downstairs, my heart pounding wildly.

In the living room, little Yael Gardner sat blankly on the sofa, his eyes empty and lifeless. He had lost weight, and his face was as pale as a sheet. His once lively, bright eyes were now dull and dim.

"Yael!" I ran over and hugged him tightly, tears streaming down my face.

Yael stiffly let me hold him, showing no reaction at all.

I cupped his little face, my heart aching as if it were being torn apart. "Baby, Mommy's here. Don't be afraid."

However, Yael just stared at me blankly as if he didn’t recognize me.

Fighting back tears, I carefully examined his body. Other than some bruises on his wrists and ankles, there were no obvious injuries. I gently stroked his hair. "I’m sorry, it’s Mommy’s fault for not protecting you."

Yael remained silent like a delicate porcelain doll.

My heart was burning with anxiety. I turned to Watson and ordered, "Quick, get the car ready. We're going to the hospital!"

At that moment, Silas Gardner happened to push the door open and enter. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit, his tie meticulously arranged, as he exuded an air of aloof arrogance. There wasn’t the slightest trace of worry about his son’s kidnapping.

He glanced coldly at the two of us and curled his lips into a mocking smirk. "What’s the fuss? The kid’s not missing an arm or a leg. Do you really have to make such a scene?"

I looked up at Silas, utterly exhausted. I couldn’t understand how he could say something so cold-blooded about his own flesh and blood.

Nevertheless, I didn’t want to argue with him. I just held Yael tighter in silence.

Seeing that I ignored him, Silas frowned slightly, his tone becoming even harsher. "Look at you, acting as if the world’s ending. Yael’s just a bit shaken up. If you keep babying him like this, you’ll only spoil him."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Silas, there’s something seriously wrong with Yael. He hasn’t said a single word, and his eyes are completely lifeless. He’s nothing like the lively, adorable boy he used to be. I’m taking him to the hospital for an examination."

Silas waved dismissively, irritated. "You’re overreacting. Boys are supposed to toughen up. This experience will teach him a lesson and stop him from running his mouth at school."

I stared at him in disbelief, my anger nearly exploding. Forcing myself to stay calm, I said coldly, "Are you saying you deliberately didn’t rescue Yael just to punish him for what he said at school? He’s your son, for God’s sake!"

Silas sneered. "What, are you trying to tell me how to raise my own son? Yael runs his mouth too much, saying ridiculous things like Yuna is a fatherless bastard. This time, he’s learned the hard way that words have consequences."

I held Yael tightly, my heart wrenching in pain. So that’s why Silas didn’t save him—because of Lily Taylor and her daughter.

I looked at Silas like he was a complete stranger.