"Fine, don't mention her. Why are you so angry? It's not like she's my mom. What happens to her has nothing to do with me. Besides, I don't want you to get me a stepmom anyway." Shirley Lockwood's eyes reddened as she mumbled resentfully.
Hearing Rory's words, Archie Lockwood's heart skipped a beat, and his hands clenched even tighter than before.
He took a moment to compose himself before walking toward Rory. When he reached her, he sat down carefully beside her, pulled her into his arms, and whispered softly, "Rory, I'm sorry. Dad shouldn't have yelled at you."
Shirley Lockwood looked up at Archie Lockwood in surprise. "Wow! Pigs must be flying! Dad, are you apologizing to me?? My high and mighty dad is actually, truly apologizing to me?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Seeing Rory's shocked expression, Archie Lockwood frowned in exasperation.
