Chapter 57: If it happens

The house was silent.

There was no doubt Jean was still awake. Kai was no different, lying beside her with his eyes wide open.

Elara, however, was sleeping soundly between them.

There was more than enough space for her to move freely, though Kai had already decided that he would get her a crib as soon as possible. There were plenty of other necessities they needed to take care of as well.

’First thing tomorrow morning, I need to get some groceries and toiletries.’

There was a convenience store within the community, so making a quick trip there after they woke up should not be difficult.

After that, he needed to arrange the cupboards and figure out how they would divide the rooms. The ground floor had three rooms, though Jean might prefer to stay upstairs.

’Haah... I need to calm down.’

His thoughts were running in every direction, jumping from one concern to another as he tried to make sure they had everything they needed.

[Host, congratulations on bringing your family to your new house. The system wishes you a blessed life ahead.]

A faint smile appeared on Kai’s face when he saw the notification.

’Thanks, System. Without you, none of this would have happened.’

Without the System, they would have been forced to remain in that neighborhood, and staying there could have easily put Jean and Elara in danger.

And Kai, being an F-Rank at the time and practically penniless, would have been powerless to protect them.

’Not like I’m much better now.’

He was now an E-Rank and had a considerable amount of money in his account, but compared to the people sitting at the very top, people like the Scarlette family, Kai was still insignificant.

But would that stop him from protecting his family?

Of course not.

"Are you awake?" Jean asked softly from beside him.

"Hmm. What happened?"

"Nothing... I was just thinking. You had to leave your house so suddenly." She slowly turned onto her side, facing him. "You must have some fond memories of that place."

Kai smiled faintly. "Yeah, a few. It wasn’t the first place I rented, but that place definitely brought me some good luck."

He sighed before continuing, "The first few months after I dropped out were quite difficult. Everywhere I went, people either advised me or berated me for taking such a huge and idiotic step. But none of them were willing to give me a job."

Jean’s expression softened with sadness. "It must have been difficult."

Kai shrugged. "Everyone has their own difficulties. I was lucky to meet Mark. He had connections here and there and helped me settle into my life."

"Mark... you mean the person you were talking to a few days ago?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah. He also worked as my manager. Well... he used to."

His gaze shifted briefly toward Jean before he muttered, "I’ve decided to leave my previous job."

Jean looked both relieved and slightly concerned. "Shouldn’t you discuss it with your friend first?"

Kai nodded. "You’re right. The clients I brought in helped him make some good money too."

He paused before adding, "But I have a way to support him now."

A grin spread across Kai’s face.

"He has a degree in home decor, and we could definitely use his help changing a few things around here."

Jean smiled faintly. The house was already quite beautiful, but she knew Kai was simply using this as an excuse to help his friend financially.

"That’s a good idea." Jean nodded.

The silence between them did not last long before Jean spoke again.

"Do you think we should remain indoors for the time being?"

Kai hummed thoughtfully. "It would be ideal for you not to leave Blue Mountain for now. But the community itself is quite large, so you can still go out for a walk."

Kai had no intention of controlling her life or placing unnecessary restrictions on her. Still, he knew Jean understood why they needed to remain discreet for the time being.

"Kai..." Jean suddenly called his name, her voice carrying a faint tremor. "If someday they find me and drag me back..."

"They won’t, Jean."

Jean shook her head. "No, please listen to me." Her voice grew pleading. "If somehow things don’t go the way we hope, please take care of Elara for me. My father would never give her a place in his family."

Jean was emotionally vulnerable, frightened by the possibility of a future in which she would be taken against her will and forced to make a choice she did not want to make.

If it came down to it, she would rather return with them than risk Kai and Elara’s lives.

Kai sighed and slowly reached over, resting his hand on her head. His fingers gently brushed through her hair as he spoke.

"Be more stubborn about what you want, and don’t spend your time dwelling on every negative possibility. I know I might sound overly optimistic, maybe even delusional, but I believe we can stay like this if we’re willing to fight for it."

Jean looked up at him.

"How can you be so calm about it?"

Kai shrugged. "Maybe after everything I’ve been through, this just doesn’t seem as frightening by comparison."

And now, he actually had the means to change the fate others tried to decide for them.

He had the skills, the tools, and the means to ensure that no one could simply tear this family apart.

With a newfound determination in his voice, he said, "I’ve been indecisive about many things in my life, but I’ve never been more certain about this... about us."

Jean fell silent.

She simply watched him.

His eyes had grown distant as he stared ahead, his expression calm and unwavering.

She could not help but feel her heartbeat quicken as a smile slowly curved across her lips.

There was a certain charm about him that drew her in, a quiet confidence that made it difficult to look away.

’How can someone resist...’