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.

reassured her. "Or... are you not going to listen

be gone for a short while. It won't

conceded, accepting the bill. "I'll just finish the snacks

care of Zoren. Ask the driver to take you so you

her apron, and prepared to leave. Meanwhile, Naylani watched her

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

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

fearing someone might walk in.

on the chopping board, where half-sliced strawberries lay. Her eyes slowly shifted to the kitchen knife, and she reached

"Mama?"

young son's innocent voice echoing through the kitchen. She turned pale

she called quietly. "Are you...

watching his mother behind the

"It'll be ready soon. Just wait

innocence. He watched his mother in silence while she chopped the rest

she accidentally cut her finger, her nerves and carelessness getting the better of her. She instinctively put her finger in her mouth and then went

was

and Naylani found herself holding her breath. Her shoulders grew more tensed, unable to look away from her finger

was watching

again, casting a glance toward the entrance where her son stood. Zoren blinked

clumsy," she said with a strained laugh, trying to break the overwhelming silence that clung to her like a shadow. "Why don't you wait for

moment before speaking. "Why