CHAPTER 65: CHAPTER 65: GUARDING MY BROTHER’S LOVE

The cup in her hands was warm and slightly hot to the touch.

The rich aroma of milk tea wafted into her nostrils.

The kitten in her arms licked its fur, and then gave her a little lick too.

Beside her was a cheerful little bird.

"Serena, do you know where my brother’s snacks are kept?"

"In the storage cabinet."

"Are there any fruits?"

"There’s cherries in the fridge..."

"Great!"

Like a diligent little bee, Cora Rivera ran barefoot, back and forth.

She brought snacks.

Washed the fruits.

And placed everything on the carpet, leaning against the sofa as she sat on the floor.

Serena Sinclair was still pondering how to explain the events of the night to Cora Rivera.

The TV suddenly came on.

Cora Rivera picked out an animated film and started it, casually ripping open a bag of potato chips.

The cheerful music was accompanied by the sound of crinkling wrappers.

The lively girl in front of her was filled with animated expressions, smiling brightly with the unfolding plot.

It seemed like just an ordinary night.

As if nothing had happened.

She was just staying over at Wyatt Hawthorne’s for a night.

And she was there to keep her company.

Nothing more, nothing less.

The anxiety in Serena’s heart was released, leaving her instantly relaxed.

When Wyatt Hawthorne entered, Cora Rivera was clutching a bag of potato chips with a bowl of fruits at her side, absorbed in the animated film.

Serena Sinclair had already fallen asleep on the sofa, her sleeping face serene.

"Bro, I..."

Cora barely began to speak before Wyatt gave her a look that stopped her.

Turning back, she seemed to only just notice Serena was asleep.

With her task completed, Cora left decisively.

Before she even stepped out of the elevator, she received a large transfer from Wyatt.

[Bro, you’re too generous!]

[Next time, I’ll give you a 20% discount!]

[Message retracted by sender]

[Thank you, Bro! I’m committed to guarding your romance!]

Wyatt dropped his phone and went over to kneel in front of the sofa.

Serena wasn’t sleeping soundly.

Even in her dreams, her brows were furrowed.

But when the characters in the animation spoke, her brow would relax.

Wyatt picked up the remote and increased the volume by two levels.

Seeming like she hadn’t yet bathed, Serena was still wearing a nightgown with his jacket draped over her.

Her breath carried a faint mint scent.

The gloom in Wyatt’s gaze gradually dispersed.

His eyes fell on the red mark on her neck, frustration boiling inside him, suddenly realizing he had been too lenient.

He should’ve broken his neck.

Turning around, he spotted some wipes on the island counter.

Wyatt took out a few sheets and sat back on the sofa, gently wiping Serena’s face, lips, and neck.

He even applied medicine to the wound on her face.

His thumb brushed over Serena’s lips, and regret from that night resurfaced.

Wyatt leaned closer, lowered his head, and kissed her.

...

Serena Sinclair had a lovely dream.

In the dream, she was in the animated film Cora Rivera had put on last night.

And she had turned into a fluffy creature in the animation, placed on the shoulder and held in the arms by the owner.

Treasured like a precious gem.

The dream was so vivid, she could even feel the cool, soft touch of the owner’s lips when he kissed her.

Opening her eyes to see the chandelier overhead,

Serena found it amusing: So is this how 2S feels when she kisses it?

Looking back, Serena paused.

She was sleeping on the sofa in Wyatt Hawthorne’s living room.

Wyatt was sitting asleep on the carpet, leaning against the sofa.

And her hand was lightly clasping one of his.

Her body instantly flushed with warmth.

A gentle warmth spread across her ears as well.

Serena held her breath, almost like defusing a bomb, gently and cautiously withdrew her hand.

Seeing Wyatt hadn’t woken, Serena let out a long breath.

Dawn was breaking, and outside the window, the lush greens were enveloped in a layer of light misty blue.

Serena crept upstairs, and upon closing the bedroom door, raised her hand to cover her face.

First, being seen by Wyatt in such a pitiful state.

Then, grasping his hand without letting go.

How would she face Wyatt when she went downstairs later?

Would he think she was taking advantage of his kindness, exploiting him?

Wasn’t this just like Warren Vance?

She couldn’t face anyone now!!!

Serena covered her face and walked into the bathroom.

Moments later, still anxious and clutching a "what-if" mindset, she entered the walk-in closet and stood stunned at the doorway.

The walk-in closet was packed.

Clothes for all four seasons, sorted carefully, all in her size.

But clearly, the last time she stayed here, the closet was empty.

Or maybe they were all Cora Rivera’s?

After all, it was the guest room.

Wyatt did say Cora has multiple hideouts.

She sent a message to Cora asking if she could borrow another outfit.

Cora replied with three question marks.

Automatically assuming Cora was asking which outfit she wanted to borrow.

Serena took a picture and sent it over.

Cora replied instantly, [Serena, feel free! Wear whichever you like! Your presence is its greatest honor!]

Serena: ...

Thanked her profusely.

When Serena went back downstairs, Wyatt was no longer in the living room.

Daylight had come, and everything before her was in plain view.

On the off-white carpet, there were earthy tones from sweet and sour ribs spilled.

The crumbs of potato chips left by Cora Rivera.

And dark red marks left by cherries poked by 2S’s claws.

Clearly, the carpet was beyond saving.

Serena rolled up her sleeves, rolled up the carpet, and tossed it by the elevator.

Returning, she found it odd, so she turned back to the storage room.

Wyatt’s obsessive nature hadn’t changed much since university.

Handmade carpets worth seven figures, identical ones were neatly stacked in the storage room.

When Wyatt emerged from the master bedroom, he saw the living room now sparkling clean.

The once mess of a carpet showed no trace of any mistreatment.

Looking up, he saw the old one by the elevator.

Imagining how Serena had effortlessly found the replacements and tidied the living room like the owner.

Feeling much better while watching the sun rise outside.

In the kitchen, Serena was preparing breakfast.

His gaze slipped over her casual outfit.

The fit was perfect.

Wyatt’s eyes softened.

"Wyatt, last night..."

"Did anything happen last night?"

At the dining table, just as Serena began to speak, Wyatt interrupted with a question.

Serena was startled.

Was it because he had already handled everything with the police, not wanting her to dwell on it?

Or because she had held his hand, and he didn’t want her to feel awkward?

Either way, it was exactly what she desired.

Serena shook her head, "No, it’s fine..."

Wyatt nodded, lowered his head, and bit into the spoon holding a plump white dumpling.

With sesame filling.

It was sweet and soft.

A lot like her lips.

He used to detest eating dumplings, their sticky sweetness often clinging to his teeth.

This morning, Wyatt finally realized, dumplings are delicious after all.

The phone chimed just as Serena was about to leave.

She had important tasks today.

First, terminate the lease with Mrs. Vance.

Then find a hotel to stay for a few days and look for a new place.

Answering the call, Adrian Lockwood’s voice sounded urgent from the other end, "Serena, where are you?"