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

Chapter 1723: The stories untold

Chapter 1723: The stories untold

"You should rest."

Penny sat on the edge of the bed, head turned toward the other side where Zoren was standing. She said it because, instead of joining her to rest, he seemed to be headed elsewhere.

Zoren met her gaze and let out a shallow breath, then sat on the other side of the bed.

"I know I should," he said. "But... I can't rest. Not when everyone else is willing to help me. I can't fail you — or everyone else. I can't waste a second, knowing I am putting everyone's lives on the line."

Penny smacked her lips before pulling herself further onto the bed, crawling to where he was. Once seated beside him, she looked him in the eye and smiled.

"Renren, you know... one of the things I learned from my dad is that not getting things your way isn't a sign of failure. It's part of the learning process," she said. "The only time you fail is when you give up. Because really... the opposite of failure isn't success. It's nothing. Nothing at all."

His eyes softened at her words, and her smile remained gentle. She clasped his hand and gave it a firm squeeze.

"So it's okay to rest. We had a really long day," she said sincerely. "And I'm just glad that we're safe, that First Brother and Dean made it back unharmed. Even Mint — I'm relieved she's fine, despite her bold stunt in confronting the enemy."

Her smile widened. "Isn't that already a victory? A small one, sure—but still worth celebrating. It's still worth acknowledging."

They were getting answers, finding clues — and most importantly, no one was getting hurt in the process.

Because in their first life, they didn't even get small victories. It was defeat after defeat, a downward spiral they couldn't control. But now, they still have control over some things, and they get to decide what to do next.

"It's okay," she whispered. "Let's just rest for tonight."

Zoren nodded, and with that, the two of them settled onto the bed. However, instead of lying down and falling asleep, they ended up leaning side by side against the headboard.

few minutes, silence stretched between

to rest," he

to him with a chuckle.

admitted in a softer tone. "It's not that I still have

you didn't

stared at each

had briefly discussed what to share before the meeting, Zoren still carried the weight of an entire previous lifetime. An hour or two of conversation couldn't possibly

He nodded mildly. "Did I mention that I was also

pouted. "But we already assumed that, didn't

now it's confirmed," he replied. "Just like you, Finn, and Jonathan - I was also

that was why the fake Naylani

"Everyone thought I was non-verbal,

how he had lived it... that wasn't something Zoren wanted. The last days of his previous life had been unbearable. Even he was surprised he lasted

to end his life... and take the

much to carry. So when he survived, he resented the world for letting him live. It took him a long time to find anything good in

as things seemed like they might turn around... Enzo

day... and knowing how he died in this life—" his voice dropped, "-it brought back every

think that's when my health started

Not because

injury to his head that day, but because of the shock. His brain had locked the memories away so he could go on living. Even so, his heart and deep in

suspected that before. But

just a theory anymore.

bitter scoff. "To erase

his eyes to meet

she returned, her voice calm. "I'm not the one to decide whether it's cowardly or not. But thanks to that, I met my ex-husband, married

love him. Had it not