Chapter 26

A mix of helplessness and bitterness appeared on Joseph's wizened face. He took out a cigarette and lit it up before inhaling deeply.

Timothy's expression changed slightly. He knew that Joseph only smoked when he encountered something difficult or painful.

After taking a drag of his cigarette, Joseph said slowly, "Timothy, you have to promise me something."

"Go on, Dad."

Flicking the ashes off the cigarette butt, Joseph continued with a pained expression, "We're from the bottom rung of society. Your mom and I have nothing to show for our lives. You and Tiana have suffered because of that, too.

"Now that you're back, all we want is for the four of us to live a peaceful, happy life together. We don't want any more trouble. I hope you can understand that.

"Lormford City may be a big place, but not many places can truly be home to our family. Your mom and I both don't want to see anything else happening to either you or Tiana."

Finally, Joseph shared the painful past.

"After hitti