Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 479

Chapter 479 Defuse

36

Finished

Kaleb wasn’t built enough to win against guys like Troy. But the way he looked just now, unhinged and ready to throw down, made it feel like he might actually try. If Troy ended up hurt because of that, it’d turn into a full–blown mess.

Ayla gave Troy one last glance, then tugged Kaleb with her and walked off.

That look in Troy’s eyes lingered. It wasn’t just tension. It had this desperate edge, like he didn’t want to let go. That kind of gaze made her skin crawl.

She hated when he pulled that kind of stunt.

It messed with her balance. It made her tense up harder and raise the walls higher.

Being around Troy always left her drained.

She didn’t say a word as they exited the hospital. Kaleb pulled his hand out of hers like it burned.

She turned back.

2

He looked shaken. “What did you promise Bria? You didn’t have to do that for me. I barely got hurt.”

Ayla smiled. “I promised her something. But it’s not a big deal. I didn’t give anything up.”

Kaleb didn’t buy it. “You better be telling the truth.”

“I am. And listen, what did you do back there? Standing up to Troy? That meant a lot. You actually protected mé. You’re stepping up, Kaleb. I can see it.”

He looked at her and paused. Then said nothing.

“Get in my car,” Ayla told him.

“It’s out of the way. I’ll just get a ride.” Kaleb had that usual cool act going on, like he didn’t care. Some girls might fall for it, but Ayla just thought it made him look stubborn.

She smiled. “I’ve got disinfectant in my car. Your hand’s bleeding

Kaleb finally looked down and noticed the scrape. Blood clung to the skin. Somehow, Ayla had seen it before he did. He looked at her again. His eyes were all twisted up, like they had been earlier when she chose to stay behind with him. He didn’t know how to explain what that meant to him.

So he didn’t try. He just followed her to the car.

Ayla reached into her glove box, pulled out a povidone swab, and gently cleaned the blood from his hand. As she focused on the wound, her mind wandered to Phil. She still couldn’t wrap her head around what he did. She hadn’t told Kaleb yet.

She had no clue how he’d react when he found out. Fresh blood kept welling up around the scrape. He was all she had left. Her only real family. Just Kaleb, That made her voice softer than usual. “Kaleb, you have to be careful with yourself. Don’t do stupid stuff. Stay healthy. Don’t get hurt. If something ever happened to you, I don’t know what I’d do. I’ve already lost too much, okay? Please take care of yourself.”

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15:40 Fri, Feb 13

Chapter 479 Defuse

36

Finished

She was close now. Her face looked serious, and her voice was tight. Kaleb blinked fast. His eyes were red. He was holding it in.

Their mom was gone. That hole in his chest never fully closed. But Ayla got it. She was the only one who did.

Hearing her say he still mattered–it hit him where it hurt. It finally clicked.

This was why she did it. Why she protected him. It wasn’t out of guilt or obligation. It was love.

Ayla was the one thing in his life that never wavered.

That moment when she stayed back for him? He hadn’t imagined the warmth it brought.

He stared at her. Then he asked, “Are you actually happy now, Ayla?”

She blinked and looked up. His eyes were still red, but by the time she met his gaze, he’d already turned his head.

“Yeah. I’m good. Things are looking up.”

“Alright. Good.”

“You looked like you were about to drop some sappy speech again.”

“You’re reading too much into it. I don’t do cheesy.”

“Sure. I’ll just assume that was your way of checking on me. And for the record, I really am happy now. I know you hate hearing about Draven, but he and I—”

“I don’t want to hear about him.” Kaleb shut it down fast.

“Whatever.”

Ayla rolled her eyes at him but let it go. There’s no point in starting a fight. He was still her brother. Silence stretched out, but it didn’t feel awkward.

Kaleb peeked at her again. He didn’t like Draven. Didn’t trust him. Still thought the guy was playing games.

But if Ayla was smiling? If she seemed lighter?

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