Chapter 41: Had It Tough

Caleb let out a sigh. “That’s my own business. It has nothing to do with you.”

“But—”

“No buts.”

79% Finished

Caleb said calmly, “I was planning to leave before dawn anyway. Getting caught was just my own bad luck. I won’t let this drag the Sherman family into trouble.”

Gianna bit her red lips, pacing back and forth in the room. What should I do? The families we are close with are all minor families. If the person targeting Caleb is truly someone formidable, we won’t stand a chance.

At this thought, Gianna stopped in her tracks. “Caleb, tell me about that person. The Sherman family has seen its fair share of the world. Maybe I can figure out who they really are.”

Caleb’s expression remained indifferent. “Even if I told you, you couldn’t do anything about it.”

He didn’t want to say it. How could he admit that his own father had sold him off to an older woman?

Gianna liked him, perhaps because he was innocent—not some playboy. If she found out he’d nearly been toyed with by an older woman, would she still treat him this kindly? He didn’t want to gamble. Human nature was never something to test.

“Who said I…”

In the midst of their conversation, Gianna suddenly fell silent. Judging by his reaction, whatever happened in that person’s home must have been something unbearable. Otherwise, given his personality, why would he hide it? Tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice caught in her throat.

“Caleb, you’ve had it tough.”

Caleb had no idea what Gianna had imagined to make her look like that. He neither denied nor confirmed it. He simply watched her quietly, his eyes unreadable.

Gianna wiped away her tears.

“Caleb, you should stay here and hide for now. To keep things from escalating, I’ll go back to the Sherman…”

Chapter 41: Had It Tough

Caleb sat on the couch, lost in thought. Hiding here was indeed much safer than being out there. However, he wasn’t some weakling who relied on a woman’s protection. Waiting around for someone else’s protection was not what he desired.

Caleb stood up, ready to leave. After pushing the door a few times, he was shocked to discover that Gianna had locked it. How am I supposed to get out now?

Agitated, he paced back and forth until the ping of his phone finally calmed him down. Panicking wouldn’t help. She wouldn’t have done this without a plan. Since she meant him no harm, staying put for now wouldn’t hurt.

Settling back onto the sofa, Caleb pulled out his phone to check the notification that had popped up. A text from an unknown number popped up: Caleb, I left enough food in the fridge. That should last you a few days.

A few seconds later, another message followed: I’m sorry for being so forceful. I hope you can forgive me.

Caleb rubbed his temples in frustration. If she felt guilty, why lock him in? She didn’t put her guard up against him. If he were truly malicious, he could clean out her family’s valuables, and no amount of crying would undo the loss.

After sending a brief reply, he settled in for the long wait. Three full days passed, and Gianna still hadn’t returned. During that time, Caleb didn’t touch anything else and survived solely on instant noodles. Luckily, Gianna had stocked up plenty, or he wouldn’t have made it. Simple living, simple meals. Compared to life in prison or the Quixall residence, this place was practically heaven.