Chapter 879

[ 516 words ]

Chapter 879:

Without thinking, I almost walked over to carry her back to the bedroom. But after taking a step, I forced myself to stop, suppressing the overwhelming urge. I was afraid she would wake up. More than that, I was afraid to look into her eyes.

If those clear, gentle eyes met mine, the wall I had carefully built between us would crumble in an instant.

I looked away and headed toward the children’s room.

The room was silent. Ruby and Silas slept peacefully in their little beds. I could hear their soft breaths.

Ruby had kicked her blanket aside, leaving one tiny leg bare.

I walked over, carefully pulled the blanket back over her, and tucked it snugly around her.

She shifted slightly, turned onto her other side, and slowly opened her sleepy eyes.

The moment she saw me, she mumbled softly, “Daddy…”

My heart melted at once. I bent down, gently rubbed her back, and whispered, “I’m here. Go back to sleep.”

Ruby murmured something I couldn’t make out before drifting back to sleep.

A𝗰ti𝗏e c𝗈𝗺𝗺𝘂ո𝘪𝘵y 𝗈n 𝘨𝗮l𝗇о𝘃е𝘭𝘀.c𝗈𝗺

Within moments, her breathing became slow and steady again.

I stayed beside her bed for a little longer before standing up. I made sure Silas’s blanket was tucked securely around him as well, then quietly slipped out of the room. After checking on the children, I went back to the living room.

Lianne was still sleeping on the sofa, exactly as I had left her.

I stood beside her and silently watched her.

Moonlight poured through the windows, gently illuminating her face and highlighting her delicate features. Her eyelashes quivered from time to time, as though she were trapped in a nightmare.

I couldn’t stop myself any longer.

I leaned down, carefully slipped my arms beneath her, and lifted her into my arms.

Instinctively, she nestled closer against my chest, her cheek brushing the collar of my shirt. Then, all at once, her body grew rigid.

She had woken up.

Lianne slowly opened her eyes. Confusion filled them at first, but it quickly gave way to happiness mixed with unease when she realized it was me.

Her voice sounded hoarse as she asked, “Ethan… you’re finally home.”

I said nothing. I carried her into the bedroom, then gently lowered her onto the bed. She pushed herself upright and caught hold of my sleeve, refusing to let go. Her eyes stayed fixed on me as she asked softly, “Are you… leaving again?”

Without meeting her gaze, I walked toward the wardrobe. I deliberately kept my tone distant as I said, “I only came back to pick up a few things. I need some time by myself to sort out my thoughts. I won’t be staying here.”

Panic flashed across her face.

Her fingers tightened around my sleeve, and although she tried to stay calm, her trembling voice betrayed her. “Ethan… are you abandoning me and the children?”

I kept my back to her, unable to face her. I couldn’t bring myself to see the tears gathering in her eyes or the fear written across her face. I knew that if I did, every wall I had struggled to build would collapse. I forced myself to sound indifferent. “I just need some time alone.”

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