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," Kylan

helped Katrina sit on a bench while Clarence bounced on her lap, her

heading to bring the car

in the sun," Katrina said softly, her eyes closing

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

gave her hand a squeeze. "I can

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

nothing ever happened,"

gently. "I cleaned up and had

lips trembled into a smile.

you okay

"It's our home. I won't

my girl," Kylan said

the sofa, Clarence toddled over with her stuffed

hugged the panda and

mother's face

you too," Katrina said, feeling her heart

balloons, and an assortment of gifts. Clarence

Clarence said, hugging him

you too,

"Love you too," he said warmly, kissing her forehead before carrying

her brother. "Good

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

okay. I'm doing much

her a present. "I brought you flowers, but I bet Kylan's going to give me a death glare for it." Katrina laughed lightly. "Thank you, Ryan." She carefully opened the gift, her eyes lighting up at the sight of a soft teddy bear blanket.

snuggling up while

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

know-Kylan let us in on

to Kylan with a playful grin. "You

noticed Katrina giving him a teasing look. "Stop staring at me like that,"

forward, handing her another gift. "This one's from

the fluffy hoodie inside. "For

I love it. Thank you so

set for the

a stuffed bear. "This is

adorable. Thank you, Isabella. And thank you for holding down the fort at Kylan's work while he's

moment before nodding. "Of course. I'm glad you're

eyes flickered toward Clarence, who was playing with Kylan and Aaron. A pang of guilt swept over her-she hadn't intended for the little girl

Clarence doing?"

softly. "She's doing really well. Her bandage should come off tomorrow.

Isabella said,

had noticed Isabella's frequent calls and texts to Kylan when they were still back at the company and couldn't shake off their suspicions anymore. Harry, who had noticed the signs later than everyone else, leaned toward Ryan

Katrina the last time

their conversation, stepped over. "Alright, you two-what's

admitted, "We think Isabella's up to something. She's too invested

"I appreciate you looking out for Katrina, but I've got it handled.

exchanged uneasy looks but nodded, trusting Kylan to protect

going?" Ryan asked when they

gazed at his wife surrounded by their friends. "There's no lead yet. It seems that the burglar who wanted to harm Kate disappeared in thin air. But I will catch

seemingly awkward among the group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan.

will." He went to scoop up Clarence and glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone, but Katrina's due

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