Daniel Hayes also said, “I have other things to take care of, so I’ll get going now. If you need anything, just give me a call.” After saying that, he turned and left directly, not waiting for Walker Grant and Chloe Reed to react.
For a moment, only the two of them were left in the living room, an indescribable atmosphere filling the air.
Chloe said, “I’ll help you… upstairs to rest.” With that, she walked to his side and reached out to grasp his arm. But the next second, he suddenly grabbed her hand back and pulled her into his arms with a single tug. He was sitting on the sofa, and she was standing. With that pull, she fell directly into his embrace.
“You…” Chloe was surprised.
Walker hugged her tightly, turning his head to gently rub against her cheek and hair, feeling her warmth and her breath. She was real and alive. She was uninjured; she had protected herself very well. He was relieved, but at the same time, the tearing pain in his heart persisted, filling him with panic. He had felt this kind of panic before, and he knew all too well what it meant. She could drop him, abandon him, and reject him at any time.
Walker’s arms tightened even more, his voice turning somewhat hoarse. “Chloe, I was so scared last night.”
Being held so tightly by him, Chloe could feel his erratic breathing. Hearing his words, she fell silent for a moment before reaching out to gently pat his back. “I’m fine,” she said. They were both fine, so there was no need to worry anymore.
But Walker didn’t let go of her. He continued to hold her tightly, as if this was the only way to soothe the panic in the depths of his heart. It wasn’t just because of last night, but also the fear that she might leave at any moment. Like a dark abyss, it dragged at him, threatening to pull him in completely. Therefore, he could only cling to his only lifeline, terrified that if he loosened his grip even slightly, she would never look back again.
After maintaining this position for a long time, Chloe’s legs grew numb. Unable to take it anymore, she said, “I’m dirty.” Having rushed around and struggled all night, she was incredibly filthy and really wanted to take a proper shower and get some rest.
Only then did Walker seem to snap out of it, slowly releasing her. Chloe exhaled deeply, then helped him up and walked toward the stairs.
Once they were in the elevator, Walker asked, “How did you get out last night?”
Hearing this, Chloe’s long eyelashes fluttered. Last night, she had asked Daniel to tell him that she had left long ago and was unaware he had been taken hostage. She said, “I found… another… exit.”
Walker’s tone didn’t give away anything unusual as he said, “You protected yourself very well, Chloe. You’re getting more and more capable now.”
Chloe didn’t say anything.
The elevator doors soon opened, and the two returned to the master bedroom. Chloe helped him under the showerhead and said, “You wash up here. I’ll use the bathroom next door.” She let go of him as she spoke.
But Walker grabbed her hand firmly, refusing to let go no matter what. “Will you stay here with me? Please?”
Chloe’s expression stiffened. Seeing the way his head hung slightly low, her heart stirred. Then she said, “No.”
She was also very tired and needed to rest. She didn’t know what was wrong with him. They were both safe and sound—shouldn’t they be rejoicing? Why did he look so disappointed and sad?
Hearing her answer, Walker’s hand trembled. He let go of her and said, “Okay. Go ahead.” Then he turned around, fumbling to turn on the showerhead. However, without having taken off his clothes, the water poured down, drenching him completely.