Ranita’s heart raced. She could dodge, but if she did, she would have to let go of Ayaan. What would happen to Ayaan then?
Falling into the sea, Ayaan’s head wound was exposed, the flesh turned out, looking terrifying. Perhaps because of the pain, Ayaan’s eyes began to roll back, and he was about to pass out.
Ranita held onto Ayaan’s hand tightly, not daring to let go. She closed her eyes, resigned to accept the pain…
“Ah!” Suddenly, Addyson screamed. Ranita opened her eyes and saw Brendon grabbing Addyson’s wrist with one hand and choking her neck with the other, fiercely pushing her into the water!
Bubbles rose to the surface, along with Addyson’s struggling figure.
“Take Ayaan away!” Brendon gave her a look. Ranita immediately nodded and swam towards the shore with Ayaan.
Fortunately, the commotion attracted a rescue boat, which pulled Ranita up.
“Go check on Brendon!” Ranita shouted hoarsely, pointing in his direction. “Over there!”
Brendon, tall and strong, familiar with the water, quickly subdued Addyson. But neither Ranita nor Brendon had time to deal with Addyson; Ayaan was in bad shape and was rushed to the hospital.
Ranita stared blankly at the red light of the emergency room, consumed by guilt…
“Ranita, I’ll wait here. You go change your clothes first!” Brendon suggested. Both were soaked in seawater, and though much had dried in the hot weather, it was still uncomfortable.
Ranita looked at Brendon blankly, her fingers tightly held by him. The warmth spread through her, like a hot iron pressed against her heart. Tears fell unexpectedly from her eyes.
“Brendon, it’s all my fault! It’s my fault… I caused Ayaan’s injury!”
Ranita collapsed into Brendon’s arms. He embraced her, gently patting her back to comfort her. “This isn’t your fault! It’s mine.”
Addyson had come from Boulderland Mansion; it was his mistake not handling her properly.
“No, it’s me… If I hadn’t walked away, Ayaan wouldn’t have been taken by Addyson…”
Ranita clung to his clothes like a lifeline, seeking some support in her suffocating despair. She felt an overwhelming guilt.
Her heart ached as if it would explode…
“Brendon, I harmed Ayaan.” Addyson hated her and wanted revenge on her, but in the end, Ayaan got hurt.
He was just a little over three years old. He shouldn’t bear this burden.
Thinking of his bloodied face made Ranita’s heart shatter.
“Ranita…” Brendon held her tightly, trying to give her some warmth. “Ayaan will be fine! He’s a strong little man.”
“You’ll catch a cold like this. When Ayaan comes out, he’ll need you to take care of him!” Brendon’s words finally brought Ranita back to reality.
Yes, she was of no use in this state. If she got sick, who would take care of Ayaan?
Ranita bit her lip and looked at Brendon through tear-filled eyes. He wiped her tears away gently. “Be good, don’t cry!”
Ranita was inherently strong. She nodded. “I’ll go clean up. You stay here and keep watch; then we’ll switch.”
Brendon kissed her on the lips and said gratefully, “That’s better! If Ayaan knew, he’d be happy too.”