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."

of her,"

Clarence bounced on her lap, her little hands patting her

Kylan said, heading to bring the car

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

concern flickering across his face as he noticed her wince. "Are you okay? Do you want to go back inside?" "No," Katrina

gave her hand a squeeze.

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

ever happened," she

cleaned up and had someone

trembled into a smile. "You did an

you okay

nodded resolutely. "It's our home. I won't let what

girl," Kylan said

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

the panda and smiled. "Thank

her mother's face with

said, feeling her heart swell

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

Clarence said, hugging

"Love you too, little

you too," he said warmly, kissing her forehead before carrying her over to Katrina. "Hey,

at the sight of her brother.

her. "How are you

okay. I'm doing

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

you like it. I thought it'd be perfect for snuggling up while you recover. Plus, it'll come in handy

her cheek. "I'm a sucker for soft, comfy

"I know-Kylan let us

with a playful grin.

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

handing her another gift. "This one's from

opened it and smiled brightly at the fluffy hoodie inside. "For

love it. Thank you

was even a replacement tea set for the one that had been broken. "You guys are amazing. Thank you

bear. "This is for

the bear and hugged it. "It's adorable. Thank you, Isabella. And thank you for holding down the fort at Kylan's work while he's been

a moment before nodding. "Of

Kylan and Aaron. A pang

Clarence doing?"

should come off

is," Isabella said,

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

added, "I don't like how she looked at Katrina the last time we saw

conversation, stepped over.

think Isabella's up to something. She's too invested in

folded his arms, his gaze sharpening. "I appreciate you looking out for Katrina, but I've

uneasy looks but nodded, trusting Kylan to protect his

investigation going?" Ryan asked

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

He glanced at Isabella who was standing seemingly awkward among the group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan. It's good

glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone, but Katrina's due for her

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