Lena's heart squeezed, overwhelmed by sadness.

This continued for the next few days.

Chris would visit while she slept and quietly leave as she woke up. He would bring a different meal daily, and the house would always be spotless, instantly lifting her spirits. He had been doing everything without disturbing her.

Then, one day, he made pizza. Thinly sliced pepperoni, the perfect temperature-it melted in her mouth. Tears flowed uncontrollably, breaking the barrier she had erected.

She rushed in and immediately saw Chris upon opening the door. She wanted to call out, but her throat felt blocked. Her mouth opened, but no sound emerged.

However, he halted and turned slowly. When their eyes met, he smiled gently.

Lena ran to him, crying, and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay, Lena," he said, patting her head. "It's all over now. You have me. You don't need to be afraid."

All she could do was cry. He allowed her to release her pent-up emotions, understanding she had held onto too much.

He took her shoulders and guided her back into the house when her tears finally subsided. They lay on the sofa, and she remained in his embrace, unwilling to be separated like a lazy kitten. Finally, she mustered the courage to share her past with him.

After narrating her story, she kept her head down. The house grew quiet, and her racing heart was the only source of sound.

Chris said, holding her hands, "So, did you hit me that time because of those memories?"

"Mm-hmm."

Chris paused for a moment before speaking softly. "Lena, I didn't mind what happened. I just felt sorry for you."

She bit her lip and glanced downward, struggling to speak.

"Even though he didn't succeed, the trauma he caused remains. I hate myself for not meeting you earlier. How different things might have been if I had been there to protect you!"

"Chris..."

"You need to heal from this trauma, but there's no rush," he said, smiling. "I'll always be with you and wait patiently."

"Sorry! I'm really sorry!" Lena cried.

He wiped away her tears and held her close. "You didn't do anything wrong. Why are you apologizing? It's Drake who should be in hell!"

She shuddered. The name "Drake" alone transported her back to that dreadful experience.

Chris heated up some food, held her hand, and led her to the table.

Sometimes, grand gestures weren't necessary to show love. All the love lay hidden in the freshly baked pizza.

Just as Lena was about to eat, her phone rang.

"Are you home, sis?"

She was stunned. "Alexander? Is something wrong?"

"Don't worry. I didn't skip school. I'm still here." His voice sounded a bit down. "I just wanted to ask how Nala is doing."

"Nala?"

"She promised to bring her doll to school to play with me on the day I was discharged from the hospital, but I haven't seen her... Did she forget about me?" he asked.

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