Ms. Simmons had already given Kya a bath and got her into her pajamas Charlie scooped her up into her bedroom, flipping on the bedside lamp with practiced ease. He picked up a picture book from the side table and started reading a bedtime story to lull Kya to sleep.

Kya was a good girl, but she was a bit antsy, clutching onto Charlie’s sleeve and saying. “Uncle Charlie, don’t be mad at mommy.”

Charlie’s hand ran gently through her soft hair. “All right, I won’t be mad Go to sleep, Kya”

About half an hour later, Kya finally dozed off

Charlie tucked her in, dimmed the lamp, and then stood up to leave, quietly closing the door behind him.

He made his way to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of cold water, and threw back a large gulp. Then, his voice icy, he said, “Didn’t I tell you to steer clear of that Martin? You get yourself into trouble and get Kya scolded too. I shouldn’t even care about you, let’s see if Martin can protect your

His voice was tinged with anger. When he looked back, he saw Emily huddled up on the couch, motionless. The floor lamp was on, casting her frail figure in a harsh light and causing a tremor in his heart.

Charlie put down the water bottle and walked over to sit next to her, looking at her coldly and asking. “Do you think you deserve this?”

couch, her hair falling in her face, remaining

off about Charlie. He leaned in and slowly lifted her face to find it streaked with

his voice deepening. “Why

bottom lip hard,

his voice softening “Don’t

cry made his heart

struggled, not wanting him

her, his voice

against him. She suppressed her sobs, her voice hoarse. “No matter what I do, you scold me. You scold me for seeing Martin, and you scold me when people misunderstand me

tight. “When I scold you, do you think

attempts to

could shut them all up!” Charlie patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her.

more than theirs!” Emily cried.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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