Lu Youting was engulfed in deep self-blame.
Suddenly, Jian Yue screamed, "Daddy, save me..."
And then, she sat up abruptly from the bed.
He didn't have time to dodge and was hit hard by Jian Yue, causing him to fall awkwardly onto the bed.
Jian Yue's eyes were still tightly shut, her hands clenched the sheets, her face full of terror, looking extremely frightened.
Lu Youting's heart twisted painfully as he rose to hold her in his arms, gently and patiently comforting her by her ear, "Yueyue, don't be afraid, Daddy is here, Daddy is always by your side..."
The moment she heard Lu Youting's voice, Jian Yue's body stiffened noticeably before she cautiously called out, "Daddy?"
"Yes, it's me, it's Daddy!" Lu Youting nodded vigorously and kissed her on the forehead.
The warm touch penetrated Yueyue's cold skin and flowed into her bloodstream.
It felt so real, so warm.
At that moment, she finally mustered the courage and slowly opened her eyes.