?Chapter 911:


    Brian, who had been waiting in the car, didn’t move until Rachel spoke again. “Dora’s just getting better, and since she wants you so much, why don’t youe up and keep herpany?”


    “Okay,” Brian said softly, his voice tinged with gratitude.


    They walked upstairs, the ground slick from the light drizzle, the sound of rain tapping against the window adding to the quiet intimacy of the moment. Once inside, Rachel gave Dora a warm bath, and afterwards, Brian took charge of storytelling, gently lulling her to sleep.


    Maybe it was thefort of having her father close by, or the extra rest she’d gotten at the hospital, but tonight, Dora seemed more lively than usual. She clung to Brian, asking for one story after another, not wanting the moment to end.


    Untilte into the night, Dora finally surrendered to sleep, nestled in her father’s arms. Brian stayed by her side for another half hour, waiting until he was sure Dora was sound asleep before gently withdrawing his arm, careful not to disturb her. Meanwhile, Rachel had finished her shower and was in the living room. When she saw Brian emerge, she approached him, her voice quiet.


    “Is she asleep?”


    Brian’s eyes softened as he replied, “Yes. She’s been through a lot with her illness, and I know you’ve been exhausted from the hospital. You need rest.” He slipped on his coat, preparing to leave. “I’m heading out now, but don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”


    “Okay.” Rachel nodded, her steps slow as she walked toward the room, but an unfamiliar hesitation gripped her. She stood there for a moment, listening to the rhythmic patter of the rain against the windows. Something in the stillness made her pause. She turned back toward Brian.


    “Wait!”


    Brian halted, his body stiffening at her sudden words.


    She looked at him, her expression softening as she spoke, a quiet vulnerability in her voice. “It’s gettingte, and the rain’s only getting worse. It’s not safe to drive in these conditions. If you don’t mind, you can stay here in the guest room.”


    Brian stood frozen as though processing her offer before he nodded eagerly. His voice, usually soposed, trembled slightly. “Okay.”


    That night, Brian slept deeply, the kind of restful slumber that had eluded him for years. The quietfort of being in a familiar ce allowed him to let go, and he found himself drifting into the most peaceful sleep he’d had in a long time.


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    Over the following months, their lives seemed to naturally intertwine. When something begins, there’s often a continuation, and so it was with their growing bond. Dora’s affection for him only deepened, and Rachel’s heart softened with each passing day. Brian found himself spending more nights with them, and slowly, it becamemon for him to be there even before Rachel came home, preparing dinner and settling in as part of their routine.


    One Friday, ast-minute meeting kept Rachel at the officete. When she returned home, Brian had already tucked Dora into bed. Normally, by this hour, Brian would have left a little supper on the table for her, along with a note reminding her to rest and take care of herself. But tonight, she found nothing. The absence of his usual gesture caught her off guard, and for reasons she couldn’t exin, a subtle disappointment crept into her heart.


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