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

Chapter 749: Can’t live like this anymore

Chapter 749: Can't live like this anymore

[TRIGGER WARNING: THIS Chapter CONTAINS DISTURBING AND GRAPHIC CONTENT. READ WITH CAUTION.]

Silence was the absence of sound, but for Naylani, this silence was the loudest, most deafening, and sharpest. It was overwhelming and earsplitting. Although a single gulp was enough to ease her hearing, the heavy air and her growing awareness of every small sound lingered.

"Madam?"

Naylani blinked and flinched, her gaze flickering to the helper working in the kitchen. The servant tilted her head slightly, looking at her madam standing by the entrance.

"Are you hungry, madam?" the maid asked with a simple smile, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached. When she stood in front of Naylani, she studied her. "I'm still preparing the food, but I can make you something quick."

"..." Naylani pursed her lips, taking a large gulp as she forced a smile. "I'm... I'm fine."

"Are you sure, madam? I can make you something."

Naylani nodded, gripping the side arch of the entrance. "I need a favor," she said quietly, almost as if she feared someone might overhear her. "I need you to buy something for me in the market — in this particular store."

"Madam?" The helper furrowed her brows. "But the store is very far, and I'm the only one here today. I can't leave you and the young master alone."

"But I need you to buy it," Naylani whispered, her shaky hand reaching into her pocket before handing the helper a bill. "Can you?"

The helper glanced at the bill, then looked up at her madam. Reluctance flickered across her eyes; she knew she shouldn't leave since there weren't any other helpers today. It was also nearly time for the young master's snack.

make his snacks," Naylani reassured her. "Or... are you

for a short while. It won't take all day." "..." The helper pressed her lips together, still reluctant. However, Naylani had always been kind and considerate to her. It was rare for Naylani to

the bill. "I'll

"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of Zoren. Ask the driver to

helper smiled and nodded. She returned to the kitchen, removed her apron, and prepared to leave. Meanwhile, Naylani watched her from

breathed out, leaning her side against the entrance. She gulped again, closed her eyes momentarily, and then pushed herself away from the wall, heading

food the helper had been preparing for her and her son, she paused. Her lips quivered, and her hands trembled. She clenched her teeth, looked away, and

fearing someone might walk in.

the chopping board, where half-sliced strawberries lay.

"Mama?"

echoing through the kitchen. She turned pale in almost an instant, her shaky eyes

quietly. "Are

placed a hand on the doorway, watching his mother behind the counter. "Are you making

nodded with a forced smile. "It'll be ready soon. Just wait

innocence. He watched

Naylani hissed as she accidentally cut her finger, her nerves and carelessness getting the better of her. She instinctively put her finger

was

The running water sounded unbearably loud, and Naylani found herself holding her breath. Her shoulders grew more tensed, unable to

was watching without

a glance toward the entrance where her son stood.

a strained laugh, trying to break the overwhelming silence that clung to her like a shadow. "Why don't you wait for Mommy in the family room, hmm? This

before speaking. "Why did the helper leave,