Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1558

Keaton's head was spinning. "I'm not! I'm just trying to be realistic about the situation with you." Richard roared, "You call this realistic? It sounds to me like you've already cooked up a wicked plan to ditch her! How could you be so heartless? When you were still in your mother's womb, I told you that you must be a responsible person! The day you were born, I told you again that you would grow up to be an upstanding man who loves his country and protects his family! And what did you become? A deadbeat! You brat! You... you... I've spoiled you rotten! I swear I'm going to beat you to death today!" Richard picked up the disciplinary paddle, and Keaton shot up in terror. "Dad, what are you doing? Didn't you just tell the ancestors you'd never hit me again?!" Richard was seething. "Today, it's not me hitting you, it's the ancestors hitting you through me! I'd rather call you 'Dad' than not beat the sense back into you today!" Seeing his father was serious, Keaton stopped trying to explain and just ran. As he fled, he yelled, "Winona! Help! Winona—" At this point, only Winona could save him. Even his mom was no use! Richard chased after him with the paddle. "You little monster! Get back here!" Late at night, the father and son were in a frantic chase. One yelling 'Winona, save me!' and the other shouting 'You monster, stop!' What was a scene of fatherly affection just moments ago had devolved into chaos. The Huber family staff wanted to intervene, but when they saw the disciplinary paddle in Richard's hand, they didn't dare move. This wasn't just any object; it was a family heirloom passed down from the Huber ancestors, and only the head of the family could touch it. It was rarely used, but when it was, it meant serious trouble. The staff was frantic with worry, all feeling sorry for Keaton. One of the more quick-witted ones had already run to get Winona. "Ms. Newsom, please… please, you have to save Keaton! Mr. Huber is about to use the family discipline on him again, he's going to kill him, sniff…" Janelle and Winona both jumped up from the sofa in shock. "Why would he use the family discipline all of a sudden?" The staff member was out of breath, her eyes red. "I don't know! Mr. Huber is chasing Keaton all over the yard with the paddle, and he’s shouting that he’s going to beat Keaton into the next century!" Winona was stunned. Janelle frowned. "Those two were acting like a perfect father and son when they left. How did they become mortal enemies in such a short time?!" The staff member, terrified Keaton would be beaten, pleaded with Winona. "Ms. Newsom, the master adores you. He'll only listen if you intervene. Please, help Keaton. When the master uses the family discipline, he really will beat him half to death, sob…" Winona didn't have time to think and rushed outside. She was moving so quickly that Janelle hurried to follow. "Winona, slow down." Just as they stepped out of the main house, they heard Keaton and Richard's voices. Keaton was shouting at the top of his lungs, "Winona! Winona! Come out and save me! Dad, can't we just talk about this? Please stop chasing me." Richard was panting, his breathing heavy. "Don't you 'Dad' me! I’m going to beat the living daylights out of you!" Winona was speechless. She hurried forward. "Mr. Huber!" The moment Keaton saw her, it was as if he'd seen his savior. He dashed over with his long legs and hid behind her. "Emergency rescue!" Winona's breathing became ragged. "What on earth is going on?" Keaton sighed. "It's a long story. Just calm my dad down first. I'll explain everything later." Richard saw Winona and calmed down considerably. "Winona, step aside. He doesn't deserve your protection. Let me teach him a lesson and see if he dares to have such wicked thoughts again!"