Chapter 4 Lily's whimpering awakened Caleb

This naïve excuse had been used so many times. Nathan understood her thoughts well. Clenching his fists, he didn't want to force her anymore. He gently patted her head: "Get some rest."

Chloe bit her lip, glancing at him: "I still want to make breakfast for Lily."

Nathan frowned, his face showing doubt. Seeing Chloe's pleading look, he sighed: "Take a nap. I'll do it for you."

Chloe's lips curved into a smile, and she nodded gently: "Thank you, brother."

Nathan's steps faltered. Chloe realized her mistake, but the words couldn't be taken back. After a while, Nathan turned slowly, his heavy gaze falling on her.

"When I came home yesterday, I found an empty room. I called you, but you didn't answer." His face showed deep sorrow, avoiding her eyes. "It was just like six years ago. Chloe, I'm really afraid you'll abandon me. Do you know how I lived that year?"

Nathan was Chloe's stepbrother. Her parents divorced when she was very young, and her stepmother named her.

Her stepmother was kind, far from the harsh stepmothers in stories. She treated Chloe like her own daughter, loving and cherishing her as a priceless treasure.

Chloe's childhood was the happiest time of her life. Her father and stepmother, though both remarried, had a good relationship. She grew up in a warm, harmonious family. Nathan always protected her, standing up for her when others bullied her, placing himself in front of her as a shield.

Thus, Chloe didn't experience the pain and hurt of a broken family. Instead, she was lucky to live in a loving environment.

When she was four, and Nathan was six, her stepmother passed away.

Chloe didn't know why her stepmother died. She only vaguely remembered the constant smell of medicine in the house.

After her stepmother's death, her father seemed to age overnight. He sat in a daze before his wife's memorial.

That day, Nathan sat with her on a small chair, gripping her hand tightly and saying, "Will I... die like Mom?"

Chloe didn't understand the meaning of "death." When she did, she faced her father's death.

Her father lay motionless on the cold bed. Though he was still her kind father, he would never open his eyes to look at her again. No matter how much she cried and screamed, he wouldn't look at her.

For the first time, Chloe understood the terrifying meaning of "death." That day, only Nathan stood by her side, his warm hand clasping her trembling fingers.

At that moment, Chloe knew Nathan was her only kin.

Lying in bed now, Chloe remembered Nathan's words. She shouldn't have any delusions about Caleb. That cruel man always reminded her to "accept reality."

Thinking of Nathan's pitiful expression when he said, "I'm really afraid you'll abandon me," she felt guilty. Nathan had become sensitive after his illness, relying more on her. But his male pride wouldn't let him accept it, so he created a barrier, struggling with his conflicting emotions.

Eventually, illness and insecurity had driven him to this state-

Chloe sighed, turned over, and closed her eyes to rest. Suddenly, she heard heavy, loud noises, like something heavy falling.

Alarmed, Chloe quickly put on her slippers and ran out. Nathan's health was already bad, and losing sleep last night might trigger his illness.

The living room was unchanged. The noise came from the kitchen. Chloe felt a sudden fear, her heart racing, but she still entered: "Nathan?"

Nathan stood in the kitchen, head down, his hair covering his dark eyes. His whole body exuded a strange, terrifying aura.

The scene was too familiar, bringing back messy, painful memories.

Chloe's steps slowed, and she thought of retreating. But Nathan quickly noticed her. When he looked up, his eyes burned with a fierce, violent flame.

Terrified, Chloe turned to run. But Nathan's tall frame caught up in a few strides, grabbing her ponytail and pulling her into his chest with a firm grip.

"Nathan!" Chloe cried out in pain, her heart pounding as she covered the back of her neck to soothe the stinging pain of her scalp. She bit her lip and shook her head: "Nathan, snap out of it."

Nathan's dark pupils stared at her intensely. His demeanor returned to its former calm, rational state, but his eyes remained clouded and hard to read, and a strange smile played on his lips: "How can I be rational? Just thinking about you being over there, making soup for that bastard, makes me... Chloe, how low do you have to sink before you let go?"

His voice was loud, echoing through every corner of the house, causing Chloe's ears to ache immediately.

Before she could explain, Nathan had already thrown her forcefully to the floor.

Chloe was very thin, with barely any flesh on her bones. Her shoulder blade hit the cold tile hard, and tears quickly streamed down her face. The pain rendered her speechless, leaving her clutching her arm and trying to lift herself up.

Again... Who could save her this time?

Nathan paid no heed to her miserable state, lifting his foot and stomping on her back with all his might: "Why won't you look at me? What does Caleb possess that I lack? Huh?"

Chloe let out a faint groan as he stomped on her. Instinctively, she tried to protect her head and face. She couldn't afford to get injured-if she got hurt, she couldn't work, and if she couldn't work, where would the money come from?

Despite the pain, she held onto this thought.

Blows rained down on her back, stomach, and arms. Nathan's kicks and punches were relentless.

Each strike landed with full force. Chloe covered her face, unable to look at him, repeatedly telling herself that the man before her wasn't Nathan. He wasn't Nathan.

Thinking this way seemed to lessen the pain slightly.

Nathan, as if possessed by a demon, continued to curse and beat her without mercy.

Chloe couldn't hear his words. The pain overwhelmed all her senses, leaving her numb, with only the hope that it would end soon.

-

Lily's whimpering awakened Caleb. The little girl opened her eyes and immediately scanned the room: "Where's Auntie?"

Caleb frowned and looked around, noticing that the thermos on the table was gone. His gaze darkened as he approached the hospital bed.

He gently picked up his daughter, soothing her: "Auntie went home to prepare breakfast for you, Lily."

"Really?" Lily's disappointment vanished, replaced by a bright smile, her dimples showing as she hugged Caleb's neck. "I knew Auntie wouldn't lie to me. She's always the best to me."

Caleb said nothing, his sharp eyes scanning the room again.

He dressed Lily properly and, seeing that it was already past ten-thirty, asked worriedly, "What do you want to eat? I'll go buy it for you."