Chapter 131

Katrina smiled softly as Clarence sat between her legs on the hospital bed. She was reading a colorful picture book to her daughter, who excitedly pointed at the animals and tried to name them. Katrina was healing steadily, though she still bore the marks of the attack- her bruises had shifted to dark purples and yellows, and bandages covered parts of her arms and legs. Clarence, too, had bandages on her arm, though the ones on her head had been removed. Despite everything, Clarence was in high spirits, giggling as she got another animal name correct. She wasn't having nightmares and found comfort in the familiarity of her mother's presence.

Kylan entered the room with a bag of food, a grin lighting up his face. "Well, look at my two favorite people up and at it!"

Katrina chuckled. "We're ready for a treat, and Clarence is doing really well."

"That's great to hear." He pulled the little hospital table closer. "I brought food because hospital meals are, well, not ideal." Katrina gave Clarence a playful squeeze. "Daddy is treating us, sweet girl!"

Clarence clapped her hands. "Yaaay!"

Kylan unpacked the food and sat down with them. Katrina smiled at the spread, a rare treat of fast food. "I'll help Clarence." She picked up a chicken nugget and fed it to her daughter. "Go ahead, honey, eat up."

Clarence giggled, munching happily. "Thank you!"

Katrina ruffled her hair affectionately and took a bite of her fries. "Mmm, just what I needed."

Kylan sipped his drink. "Good. I got milkshakes for both of you too, a special treat."

Clarence held her cup with both hands, sipping eagerly through the straw. "Yummy, Daddy!"

Katrina laughed. "A solid ten out of ten."

"Seems like it," Kylan said with a grin, though his mood shifted as his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, frowning slightly. It was another update from Isabella, his coworker, who seemed overly attentive since the incident. Isabella had been unusually interested in his absence from work, sending constant updates. Kylan texted back, politely asking her to stop for now, only to receive another reply from Ryan saying the group planned to visit today.

"Heads up," Kylan said with a wry smile. "The gang is dropping by to see you."

Katrina grinned. "It'll be nice to see everyone. I've missed them."

"It'll be good for you to have company," Kylan agreed. "But no overexerting yourself, okay? Rest when you need to."

She looked at Kylan seriously. "You and Clarence should be resting at home now."

"No," Kylan said firmly.

"But-"

"We're not leaving you," he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.

Katrina sighed but relented. "Alright."

Just then, Dr. Lee walked in. "Good morning, Mrs. Ross. You're showing excellent signs of recovery. If you're ready, you could go home today."

Katrina's eyes widened. "Really? Can I?" She turned to Kylan with hope.

Kylan smiled warmly. "Yeah." He stood up, already gathering their things. "Where do I sign?"

"This way," the doctor replied. "I'll also prepare a prescription for her medications."

Katrina lifted Clarence off the bed, setting her on her feet. "Want to go home, sweetheart?"

Clarence nodded enthusiastically. "Please!"

"Let's get moving then," Kylan said as he packed their belongings.

After Dr. Lee removed Katrina's IV and patched up the needle marks, Kylan carried Clarence and wrapped an arm around Katrina's shoulders. "Thank you, doctor," Kylan said before kissing Katrina's cheek. "Let's go home." On their way out, the doctor cautioned, "Be gentle with her. Her ribs are still fragile, so no strenuous activity and plenty of rest."

care of her," Kylan

Katrina sit on a bench while Clarence bounced on her lap, her little hands patting her

said, heading

here in the sun," Katrina said softly, her eyes closing briefly as she enjoyed the

in her car seat before helping Katrina into the front. "Let's get you home," he said, concern flickering across his face as he noticed her wince. "Are you okay? Do you want to go back inside?" "No," Katrina replied firmly.

hand a

stop at the pharmacy for her medications, the family finally arrived home. As Kylan guided Katrina inside, she froze, her breath

like... nothing ever happened,"

had someone fix the

into a smile. "You did

you okay

resolutely. "It's our home. I won't

girl," Kylan said proudly, kissing

sofa, Clarence toddled over with her stuffed panda. "Here, Mommy," she said sweetly. "Get

and

her mother's face with kisses. "Love

too," Katrina said, feeling her

Harry and Emily, and Aaron and Maine arrived at the hospital. They came bearing flowers, balloons, and an assortment of gifts. Clarence

you, Uncle Aaron!" Clarence said,

"Love you too, little

hugged him tightly. "Love you too," he said warmly, kissing her

her brother. "Good to

"How are you feeling? Though, I guess that's a silly

"It's okay. I'm doing

worried. It was painful to hear how badly you got hurt." He then handed her a present. "I brought you flowers, but I bet Kylan's going to give me a death glare for

be perfect for snuggling up while you recover. Plus, it'll come in handy when the

to her cheek. "I'm a sucker for

know-Kylan let us

Kylan with a playful grin. "You told

Katrina giving him a teasing look. "Stop staring at me like that," Kylan muttered, his voice soft but

forward, handing her another gift. "This

at the fluffy hoodie inside. "For comfort," Max

Thank you so

a replacement tea set for the one that had been

a stuffed bear. "This is for

thank you for holding down the

for a moment before nodding. "Of course.

flickered toward Clarence, who was playing with Kylan and Aaron. A pang of

doing?" Isabella

doing really well. Her bandage should

Isabella said, her tone

at the company and couldn't shake off their suspicions anymore. Harry, who had noticed the signs later than everyone else, leaned

at Katrina the last time we saw her. Like she's hiding

their conversation, stepped over. "Alright,

but finally admitted, "We think Isabella's up to something. She's too invested in all this, and

arms, his gaze sharpening. "I appreciate you looking out for Katrina, but I've got it handled. Let's not jump to

uneasy looks but nodded, trusting

going?" Ryan asked

wife surrounded by their friends. "There's no lead yet. It seems that the burglar who wanted to harm Kate disappeared in thin air.

group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan. It's good to be

and glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone, but

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