A Bird in the Cage

Chapter 44 Isn't She Just a Child?

Catherine had never cried like this in front of Ryan before. In the past, she cried silently behind him. When she bawled like a child who was wronged right then, Ryan felt his heart ache for her.

How could he forget that she was only twenty-two? Wasn't she just a child in front of his thirty-year-old self?

He always bullied her, resented her, and doubted her. Now, he suddenly realized that she was really just a little girl. She was fragile and needed someone to protect her. She needed someone to cherish her. "I'm here, alright? Don't worry," he gently coaxed her and continued caressing her back.

When stroking her back, Ryan noticed that she seemed to be thinner now than before. Was he the one who mistreated her and left her with a bony figure?

On the other hand, Catherine never realized how broad Ryan's chest was. She only noticed it now because she had never wanted to rely on him

before.

At this moment, his solid chest gave her infinite comfort. Leaning into his chest, she wailed miserably. Perhaps it wasn't just because of fear but also the grievances she suffered in the past. When had he ever cared so much about her in the past two years?

Only now could she feel his sincere concern towards her.

Even if Jas would blame her, she didn't have the

courage to leave this embrace now. She was really frightened and had been suppressing her emotions for too long.

Catherine just wished for a short moment that allowed her to snuggle into his embrace and calm her thumping heart down.

The homeless man, who fell, struggled to get up, but once he did, he dared not get closer to the couple, so he ran in the opposite direction instead. When Luca was rushing over, Ryan gestured at the tramp with his lips. Luca understood and immediately chased after the tramp.

After that, Ryan kept on comforting Catherine. She wept miserably and vented to her heart's content. Only after a while, her crying gradually quieted down.

Holding her delicate face gently, he looked at her pitiful face that was filled with snot and tears.

"Were you scared, little one?" he asked in a tender way.

His tone made her heart tremble. She immediately avoided his concerned gaze and answered softly, "Thanks, I'm fine now."

She was awake now. After her fear had subsided, she had to face the reality that he was her best friend's husband.

Catherine was going to keep a distance from him. This was the first time she threw herself voluntarily into his arms, but it was also going to be the last time.

"Let's go. I'll carry you home and we'll get Victoria to check on you later." He knew that she was avoiding him.

Right now, he was going to be gentle to her. Even though she was indifferent, he didn't mind it;

instead, he carried her in his arms.

"I can walk by myself. Let me go!"

"I won't let you go! If you dare to resist, I will deal with you right here," he warned. It successfully sealed her lips. She didn't dare to refute, so he only let him carry her.

Ryan carried her all the way home, and that was when he realized how light she was. He didn't feel exhausted nor breathless after carrying her all the way up the stairs. "You should eat more. You're too thin." He pretended to say it unintentionally.

"Put me down, Mr. Walker." Catherine deliberately distanced herself from him with a cold tone.

"Don't you feel awkward calling me Mr. Walker when you're in my arms?"

In his arms... She didn't know what was wrong with her, but perhaps she had just gone through a frightening encounter, so whatever he said now made her heart beat faster

Avoiding his flirtatious gaze and half-smile, she cleared her throat and replied coldly, "No, I don't."

Ryan didn't say anything else in response. He carried her to his apartment and knocked on the door.

Maria ran to open the door when she

heard the knock. When she saw Ryan holding Catherine in his arms, she blurted with concern, "Oh, dear!

What happened, Miss Walker? Are you hurt?"