Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

Chapter 404: Lighthouse

Others treated wealth, fame, careers, houses, secrets, or family as their treasure. But for Zoren, his only treasure-before Penny came back into his life-was the memories of her. They were the only good thing that had ever happened to him, and he cherished and recorded them so he would never forget her.

He had even built an amusement park inspired by their shared memories. So, the mere thought of someone peeking into his treasure and using it against him felt like a mortal sin. And yet, on the outside, Zoren appeared as calm as a lake.

"Maybe it was the vitamins," he said, lying flat on the bed, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. "I feel sleepy instead."

Instead of going out to get answers tonight, Zoren lay there in bed, his eyelids heavy, feeling like he would fall asleep soon. This was unusual. Normally, Zoren wouldn't sleep after someone tried to touch what was his. Even when he wanted to let it be, his mind and heart wouldn't let him.

But tonight was different.

The corner of his lips curled up. "Or maybe it's because I know she'll come here."

Slowly, Zoren closed his eyes as the quiet night lulled him to sleep. Though his mind remained active for a while, his body began to relax.

Eventually, Zoren fell asleep on his own, without fainting, without forcing it, and without taking any pills.

Despite the things he had learned that night, it still ended peacefully.

At the break of dawn, Zoren regained consciousness even before opening his eyes. The first thought that crossed his mind was...

'Strange,' he mused as his eyes slowly cracked open. 'I didn't dream of her tonight.'

Every day for the past twelve years, Penny had always appeared in his dreams. And in those dreams, Zoren was the only one growing up. Even so, they would still play and talk. These dreams happened every single time he slept or was unconscious. But last night, there was no dream of her.

If anything, he dreamt of... nothing.

As Zoren fully opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was a face hovering above his own. He blinked slowly, raising his hand to touch her face. He felt her smile as his thumb brushed her skin.

knee resting on the side of the bed as she balanced her body over him. "Wakey wakey! Time

softened, understanding now why he hadn't dreamed of her. Penny was no longer just in his dreams. She was here —

raising his

rose as she propped herself on the mattress, careful not to fall on top of him. His thumb gently stretched over her cheek, as if he were making

only to hear him say, "I know

"Renren, just get better so you can

an

"Who said you can't?"

then smiled subtly. "I can," he whispered, as if

care. His twisted thoughts were just

work that

she urged. "Time to

as Penny was about to push herself off the bed, Zoren swiftly caught her arm and pulled her down. His arm quickly wrapped around her as he took a

"Renren..."

minutes," he murmured, closing his

rested her hand on his side, puffing her cheeks as she let him hug her like a bear. She raised the foot she had

covering them. "Renren, when you get better, let's add

"Mhm."

blanket makes you huggable," she teased, raising her

no. You're perfect the way you are, but you should eat

know I'm thin. It doesn't

her back with his palm, enjoying the

thought I woke up early," he said.

here when you woke up. Did you sleep early?" "Hmm. Depends on what early means to you, but for my body clock, it's early." After all, he usually stayed up late working. "But I think I'll start sleeping earlier." "Hey... I can't do

the small

he kept his eyes closed. She giggled and repositioned her head again. This time, Zoren peeked