Chapter 180
Chapter 180:
Oblivious to Devin’s reaction, Karol kept grumbling under her breath. “That boss of yours is always arranging those pointless outings. If you want scenery, you can find plenty right in a garden without ruining your clothes like this.” Worry softened her last few words, dissolving into a weary sigh that lingered in the air.
A tight knot rose in Kailey’s throat as she forced a gentle smile, hoping to soothe her. “It’s okay, Karol. Being outside felt nice — the breeze was clean and refreshing p>
“Nice or not, you still have to think about the situation, don’t you?” Karol shot her a reproachful look, brows knitting together. “Go run a hot shower. I’ll warm up some milk for you p>
Surrounded once more by the comforting familiarity of home — and the quiet concern radiating from Karol and Devin — Kailey’s frayed nerves gradually loosened. Exhaustion dulled her thoughts, leaving her with only one desire: to crawl into bed and drift away. After finishing the warm milk in slow, absentminded sips, she retreated to her bedroom and slipped almost immediately into a heavy, dreamless sleep.
Unexpectedly, her mother appeared in her dreams.
In memory, her mother always carried a soft warmth — a woman who had poured every ounce of her devotion and tireless energy into protecting their family. During the first visit with her uncle, confusion had clouded young Kailey’s mind, and childish curiosity had sparked a bit of playful trouble. With endless patience, her mother had crouched beside her and explained, “He’s my brother — the person dearest to me in this world, just as you are. You should care for him the way I do, all right?” Too small to truly comprehend such weighty words, Kailey had simply blinked in uncertainty. After pondering with knitted brows, she had asked in a tiny, hesitant voice, “Will Uncle love me the way you do p>
Her mother’s face had softened into a tender smile. “He will. You’re his family too p>
How old she had been was impossible to recall now — four, maybe five at best. In those early years, all Kailey recognized were warm words like family and blood, never the complicated shadows hidden inside human hearts.
𝘐n𝗌𝘁а𝗻𝘁 𝖺c𝖼еѕ𝘴 𝗈n gа𝘭ո𝘰vе𝘭𝗌.c𝗈𝘮
The scene changed without warning. Blazing flames surged upward and dyed the heavens a furious crimson, as if some monstrous force had descended, swallowing everything she loved — her father, her mother, the house that once sheltered them. A fragile sob slipped from her throat as Kailey drew her knees tightly to her chest, instinctively shrinking into herself in a desperate search for warmth.
“Kailey, wake up. Kailey — it’s okay now. I’m right here p>
Gentle hands drew her out of the burning chaos and wrapped her in a careful, protective embrace. Through heavy lashes, Kailey slowly stirred awake, surrounded by a scent she knew by heart. Dazed eyes lifted, tracing the elegant line of his jaw as silver moonlight outlined his features. Her gaze fluttered once, and in a rasping whisper she murmured, “Kyson p>
“Yes. I’m right here.” A quiet breath escaped him.
Instinctively, she nestled closer against his steady chest, fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as quiet relief trembled through her voice. “It feels like I just saw my savior. Thank you for showing up when I needed you most p>