Chapter 2 If you keep holding her like that, she won't be comfortable

Chloe's eyes dimmed, slowly curling back her outstretched fingers. Memories of the past flashed through her mind, each one causing her body to ache.

The man on the sofa suddenly opened his eyes, a haze of anger in the dark depths, staring at her outstretched hand.

Chloe panicked, falling backward onto the floor: "I... there was something on your face..."

Caleb remained silent, his gloomy gaze fixed on her. Chloe swallowed hard. The only thought in her mind was to escape to the kitchen. Awkwardly standing up, she stammered, "I'll go check the soup-"

"Chloe." He unexpectedly called her back, his tone cold.

Chloe clutched her fingers tightly, vaguely aware of what he was about to say. Sure enough, each word from Caleb's mouth was firm, filled with warning and disdain: "Don't aspire for things beyond your reach. Remember your place."

It felt like something shattered inside her, but strangely, it didn't hurt as much this time. Chloe gently closed her eyes, nodding in acceptance: "I always understand, always know my place. You don't need to remind me."

Could she be unaware of Caleb's heart's absence of space for Chloe?

Chloe's actions were swift and agile. Caleb brought her to the hospital just in time to see Lily eagerly waiting at the door of her hospital room. Seeing Chloe, the little girl was overjoyed and excited, almost jumping up on the bed to greet her: "Auntie!"

Chloe took a few steps forward and hugged the child tightly. Lily still had a slight fever, showing a serious illness. Chloe worriedly touched her forehead and pressed her own forehead against it: "Are you still feeling unwell, dear?"

Lily smiled and shook her head, her chubby arms wrapping tightly around Chloe's neck: "It's been so long since you came to visit me... I thought you didn't want me anymore."

Chloe felt a pang in her heart, her nose tingling with the urge to cry. She shook her head repeatedly and showed the thermos in front of Lily: "Didn't you want soup, Lily? I made a new recipe for you today."

Hearing there was delicious food, Lily's eyes lit up like bright crystal beads. She sat up in bed, her sweet, innocent smile remaining on her face.

Caleb didn't enter the room, only standing at the door observing. Seeing the close bond between his daughter and Chloe, his anger flared up again, and he walked out to the hallway to light a cigarette.

At that moment, Lily completely forgot about her father. She nestled in Chloe's arms, obediently opening her mouth to be fed with soup. She inhaled the scent of Chloe's body and snuggled against her shoulder: "Every time I get sick, my dad gets all silly. Auntie, where is my mom? Dad said she passed away. Did she go to a faraway place?"

Chloe lowered her head, meeting the child's clear eyes. Her hand holding the spoon trembled violently as she shook her head: "Auntie... doesn't know either."

Lily frowned but didn't ask further when she saw Chloe's evasive expression. She quietly bowed her head.

Chloe couldn't bear to see the child sad and distressed. She set the soup bowl aside and hugged the child tightly, softly comforting her: "Lily is a wonderful girl. Your mother will definitely come back for you."

Lily sniffed, her small hand gripping the corner of Chloe's shirt. After a long pause, she murmured softly, saying words with no sound: "Mommy's scent is just like yours. If you were my mommy, that would be amazing."

Chloe didn't hear the child's words, staring blankly out the window. Outside, the leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, producing a soft rustling sound...

Summer had come again.

Lily was in the children's hospital. The bed was tiny, and besides the small sofa for two people, there was only a small chair for resting. Caleb occupied the sofa indifferently, not bothering with Chloe, his hand over his forehead, eyes closed to rest.

After feeding Lily the soup, Chloe picked up a book and started reading fairy tales to her. Halfway through the story, Lily fell asleep, her tiny hand still tightly gripping Chloe's sleeve.

A smile filled Chloe's eyes. She gently placed Lily's arm back under the blanket, tucked her in, and only then turned to look at the man lying on the sofa.

She didn't know if Caleb's silence meant he agreed to let her stay with Lily for the night, but Chloe cherished these rare moments. It had been over two months since she last saw Lily, and she didn't know when she would see her again after today.

Lily was asleep, but occasionally her lips would move, mumbling something. Chloe leaned in to listen and quickly heard the little one whispering, "Mommy!" Her face was full of grievance and sadness.

Lily had often asked Chloe before why her mother didn't want her anymore.

Chloe closed her eyes in sorrow, lowered her head, and kissed Lily's sweaty forehead. She stroked her little brow until the child was content and deeply asleep.

Returning to the small chair, sleep wouldn't come. The quiet made Chloe realize she hadn't eaten since the afternoon. Just as she arrived home, Caleb had brought her here... She looked around and saw many sweets on the cabinet near the bed, but she restrained herself and closed her eyes.

She couldn't sleep all night. Lily woke up multiple times, and Caleb couldn't soothe her. The child always reached out for Chloe to hold. Only after receiving Caleb's approving nod did Chloe dare to hold the child in her arms.

"Auntie." Lily's small mouth snuggled into Chloe's chest, whispering: "It hurts, it hurts."

"Let Auntie see."

Chloe carefully massaged Lily's shoulders and limbs, using just the right amount of pressure. The child felt comfortable and soon fell asleep on her shoulder.

The child's soft body was very comforting to hold. Chloe clung to this hug, unwilling to let go.

"If you keep holding her like that, she won't be comfortable." Caleb's deep voice rang out, like a bolt of lightning shattering her dream world.

Chloe bit her lip, gently placing the child back on the hospital bed. Sweat dripped from her body, and her shirt, wet from holding the child, clung uncomfortably to her chest.

Her white bra was faintly visible. Embarrassed, she clutched her shirt and moved aside.

Caleb adjusted the blanket for Lily. Seeing Chloe's fearful demeanor, he couldn't help but mock: "Don't worry, I'm very clear-headed. We will never repeat past foolish mistakes."

His words carried a lot of meaning, causing Chloe's face to immediately turn red. Lily was sound asleep, leaving only the two of them awkwardly facing each other in the dark.