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

Katrina sit on a bench while Clarence bounced on her

here," Kylan said, heading to

the sun," Katrina said softly, her eyes closing

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

gave her hand a squeeze. "I can

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

nothing ever happened," she

had someone fix the place while you

smile. "You did

you okay staying

home. I won't

Kylan said proudly, kissing her

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

and

her mother's face

feeling her heart

flowers, balloons, and an assortment of gifts. Clarence ran to them, arms wide open. "Hello, sweetheart!"

Uncle Aaron!" Clarence said,

"Love you too,

as Clarence hugged him tightly. "Love you too," he said warmly, kissing her forehead before carrying her over to

her brother. "Good to see

chair beside her. "How are you feeling? Though, I guess

"It's okay. I'm doing

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 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. "Oh,

like it. I thought it'd be perfect for snuggling up while you

cheek. "I'm a sucker for soft,

let us in on that

a playful grin. "You told everyone

mentioned a thing or two." He then noticed Katrina giving him a teasing look. "Stop staring

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

smiled brightly at the fluffy hoodie inside.

I love it. Thank you so

replacement tea set for the one that had been broken. "You guys are

"This is for you," she said with

hugged it. "It's adorable. Thank you, Isabella. And thank you for

for a moment before nodding.

playing with Kylan and Aaron. A pang of guilt swept over her-she

Clarence doing?"

well. Her bandage should come off tomorrow.

is," Isabella said,

at the company and couldn't shake off their suspicions anymore. Harry, who had noticed the signs later than everyone else, leaned toward Ryan and whispered, "There's something off about

she looked at Katrina the last time we saw

overhearing their conversation, stepped over. "Alright, you

to something. She's too invested in all this,

you looking out

exchanged uneasy looks but nodded, trusting Kylan to

the investigation going?" Ryan asked when they were left

seems that the burglar who wanted to harm Kate disappeared in thin air.

Isabella who was standing seemingly awkward among the group. "You might want to consider our suspicions, Kylan. It's good to be vigilant around her. Even the PR move she did

to scoop up Clarence and glanced at the group. "Sorry, everyone, but Katrina's due for her medication

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