Chapter 5 Brother in _ law

Danis took a small step closer, his eyes softening as he looked at Chloe. "You don't have to answer them," he said quietly. "They're... not used to new people."

Chloe wiped her eyes quickly, trying to compose herself. She didn't want to seem weak, but the words from Verona and Daniella had stung more than she expected.

"I didn't mean to intrude," she said, her voice shaky. "I just wanted to talk to them, but... it seems like I don't belong here."

Danis studied her for a moment before nodding. "It's not about belonging. It's just... how things are here. Some of us take a while to get used to change."

Chloe looked at him, trying to read his expression. He was calm, distant, but there was a certain kindness in his eyes that she hadn't seen in anyone else.

"I never imagined it would be this way," Chloe admitted, her voice low. "I thought coming here would be... different. I thought I would be accepted."

Danis shifted slightly, glancing down the hallway before meeting her gaze again. "I understand. It's not easy, especially with everything that's happened. But don't let them make you feel less than you are."

Chloe's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and confusion. Why was he being so kind to her when everyone else seemed determined to make her feel unwanted?

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to hear that."

Danis gave a small smile, his eyes softening even more. "I'm not saying it'll be easy. But I think you're strong enough to handle whatever comes your way. Just... don't let them break you."

Before Chloe could respond, Verona's voice called out from a distance. "Danis! Where are you? Come on, we're waiting for you."

Danis sighed, but his smile lingered for a moment longer. "Take care of yourself ," he said, then turned and walked toward the voice, leaving Chloe standing there in a mix of emotions-confused, hurt, but also... strangely comforted by his words.

As she watched him walk away, Chloe couldn't help but wonder if things might one day change. But for now, she was alone again, still caught in the cold world of the Knight family.

"I've been looking for you ma'am" Lisa said as she hurried over to Chloe.

"Sorry, I got lost," Chloe replied.

"Alright, let me take you back to your pavilion," Lisa said with a smile.

Chloe simply nodded and followed Lisa quietly.

When they reached her pavilion, Lisa opened the door for her.

As the door swung open, Chloe froze. Nicholas was already sitting inside, his gaze fixed on her.

She hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. Lisa closed the door behind her and left without a word.

"What took you so long?" Nicholas asked, his voice calm but firm.

"I got lost," Chloe admitted.

"You're new here. How do you expect to survive if you can't even find your way back?" Nicholas said, his tone a little sharper than before.

"I've only just arrived. I'm not familiar with the place yet," Chloe explained, her head lowered.

The room fell silent, and Chloe couldn't help but break the quiet.

"What brings you here?" she asked, her voice small.

"I can be anywhere I want. This is my house. Don't question me," Nicholas replied coldly.

Chloe thought back to the way he'd stood up for her at the dinner table. For a moment, she had believed he might be different. But now, she realized it had all been an act.

"You'll be moving into the main mansion with the kids," Nicholas added, changing the subject.

"Can't I stay here?" Chloe asked, a hint of hope in her voice.

"No," Nicholas replied flatly.

"Have you met the kids?" he asked.

"Yes, I've seen them," Chloe answered.

"Good. Take care of them. Nothing must happen to them. Not even a scratch," Nicholas said, his tone unwavering. "You have to protect them, even if it means risking your life."

Chloe clenched her fists in frustration. She understood the importance of protecting the children, but his words made her feel like she was nothing more than a tool to be used.

"Did you hear me?" Nicholas asked, his voice sharp.

"Yes," Chloe whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Louder!" he ordered.

"I heard you!" Chloe said, her voice louder now, though still soft.

"Good," Nicholas replied, standing up. He turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, the power went out, plunging the room into darkness.

Chloe froze, dropping to her knees and hugging her knees to her chest. She murmured softly, her words barely audible.

Nicholas stepped closer, trying to understand what was happening. As he got closer, he finally heard her whispering, "Don't hurt me."

She was crying, her whole body trembling.

Nicholas crouched down in front of her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentler now.

"Please, don't hurt me," Chloe repeated, her voice filled with fear.

Nicholas's eyes softened. He could tell something deeper was going on. "I'm not going to hurt you," he said, his voice low and reassuring. " he tried to touch her but Chloe became more frightening.

I'm not going to hurt you!. He said again.

He reached out, gently pulling her into his arms. "Calm down. Take a deep breath."

Chloe's arms wrapped around him instinctively as she continued to sob quietly.

The power came back on, and Nicholas slowly pulled away from her. He looked at her closely, noticing her red, tear-streaked face.

He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her. "No one is hurting you," he said softly. "You're the one hurting yourself."

Chloe glared at him, her anger rising despite her tears. But she didn't say anything. The vulnerability she felt was too much to handle, and his words only made it harder to control the emotions bubbling inside her.