Chapter 4 The Pretty Lady Is Very Gentle

• "Come in, little one. Have a seat."
• Andy led Bianca to the couch and patted the cushion gently.
• Bianca hesitated for a moment. Her eyes flitted as she cautiously scanned the room before finally sitting at the edge.
• Her face showed no expression and was looking almost blank.
• However, her eyes betrayed her emotions—nervousness, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of excitement.
• Skylar reassured her like a caring older brother.
• He said, "Don't be scared, little one. I'll go grab the first-aid kit. Once we clean the wound, it'll feel much better."
• With that, he turned and began searching.
• "Hmm, it doesn't seem to be here," he muttered, scratching his head before suddenly smacking his forehead in realization.
• "I'll go get Mommy's treasure chest of first-aid stuff!" he said and dashed upstairs. In no time, he was back, bounding down the stairs with the kit.
• Meanwhile, Andy had taken the chance to pour Bianca a glass of milk.
• When Skylar returned with the first-aid kit, Andy reached out to take it from him.
• "I should do it," Skylar insisted. "I'm used to patching you up every time you get hurt."
• He skillfully set to work and treated Bianca's wound.
• Andy often got scrapes and bruises from skateboarding.
• Skylar, his older brother, was no stranger to bandaging him up.
• Now he moved with the same practiced ease.
• "I need to disinfect the wound. It might sting a little, but be brave, okay?"
• Bianca obediently held out her small hand and nodded her head slightly.
• While Skylar worked, Andy had nothing to do. He started to observe this little girl, who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
• "Hey, little one, where are you from? Why are you here? Did you get lost?"
• His questions diverted Bianca's attention from the sting of the wound. It helped her focus on something other than the pain.
• She pressed her lips together, still not answering.
• Noticing the redness around her eyes, as if she were on the verge of tears, Andy asked gently, "Does it hurt so bad you can't talk?"
• Bianca nodded, then shook her head, leaving Andy thoroughly confused.
• He scratched his head, trying to figure out what she meant.
• Skylar didn't quite understand either, but he gently blew on the wound. "There, with a little blow, it won't hurt as much now, right?"
• The cool sensation did ease the pain. Bianca gave him a small nod and watched him closely.
• Skylar continued working and asked casually, "What's your name?"
• Bianca lowered her head, hesitating for a long time before quietly whispering, "Bianca."
• It was the first time she had spoken in front of the boys. Her voice was soft and timid, like a whispering breeze.
• "Bianca ... " Skylar repeated, smiling warmly. "What a beautiful name."
• Little Bianca was delighted by the compliment. She smiled shyly with her lips pressed together, looking absolutely adorable.
• Andy's eyes sparkled with delight. He found Bianca irresistibly cute and inexplicably fond of her. Andy pointed to himself and said, "Bianca, I'm Andy."
• Then, pointing to Skylar, he added, "And this is Skylar, my twin brother."
• Bianca's big, round eyes darted between the boys as if she were trying to tell them apart.
• After a moment, she shyly murmured, "Brother ... "
• Andy nodded eagerly and said, "Yes, yes! We're your brothers now!"
• Bianca smiled again, feeling even closer to them.
• After finishing up the bandaging, Skylar suggested they walk Bianca home.
• The little girl remained seated on the couch, never moving.
• She fiddled with her fingers. She appeared hesitant, as if she wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
• She hadn't seen the pretty lady, and she didn't want to leave just yet.
• Skylar noticed her hesitation and asked, "Bianca, do you not want to go home? How about you play games with us? We can show you how to play."
• Bianca didn't say anything, but her eyes brightened with excitement and hope as she eagerly nodded her head.
• Andy chimed in, "We should stay inside though. We don't want Bianca getting hurt again."
• Skylar glanced upstairs and agreed. "Good idea. Draven's probably done setting up. Let's go play upstairs."
• They had picked out a room to use as a playroom and asked Draven to help set everything up.
• Skylar offered his hand to Bianca.
• He asked, "Bianca, would you like to come upstairs with us to play a game?"
• Bianca glanced upstairs. She obediently took his hand and followed them upstairs.
• She had never played a video game before, so the boys patiently taught her.
• Before they knew it, two hours had flown by.
• Meanwhile, Whitney woke up to find a child sitting in her living room. She blinked in surprise.
• "Who's this little girl?"
• All three kids turned at the sound of her voice.
• Bianca's eyes lit up instantly, gripping her controller tightly with excitement.
• The pretty lady!
• Andy tossed his controller onto the rug and quickly ran over. He grabbed Whitney's hand and pulled her over.
• "Mom, this is Bianca. When we were playing soccer, we found her in the yard. She hurt her hand. Skylar bandaged her up."
• Whitney became aware of the situation; apparently, her sons had 'found' the little girl.
• However ...
• She lowered her gaze to study the sweet little girl sitting on the rug.
• Whitney wondered whose child this was.
• The little girl was so pretty and lived on the estate. Clearly, she must be a Marshall.
• Was she from a relative's family? No. Whitney had met most of the Marshalls' children, and she didn't recall any looking quite like this.
• Perhaps the daughter of one of the servants?
• That didn't seem right either.
• Her clothes were simple, but the brands were high-end—definitely not something a housekeeper's child could afford.
• Curious, Whitney asked, "Bianca, sweetheart, whose child are you?"
• Bianca's eyes bored into Whitney. Her eyes were as bright as little gems, but she said nothing.
• Confused, Skylar said, "Mommy, I don't think Bianca likes to talk much."
• Doesn't like to talk?
• Whitney smiled warmly, brushing aside her surprise. She said, "That's alright."
• The more she looked at Bianca, the more she adored the little girl.
• This little girl was truly adorable. With her two pigtails and a face so round and soft, she looked utterly cute.
• Unable to resist the urge, Whitney reached out and lightly pinched her cheek. It was as soft as marshmallow fluff.
• "Bianca, you're so cute! Do you like snacks? I can make you some cookies, or maybe fruit snacks? Or would you like some fresh juice?"
• Even though she knew Bianca didn't talk much, she couldn't help but keep asking, her voice filled with affection.
• Skylar and Andy weren't surprised by their mom's behavior.
• Because she had lost her youngest daughter, their mother always carried that regret in her heart.
• Every time she saw a cute little girl, she couldn't help but dote on them endlessly.
• The boys didn't mind at all. In fact, they felt a little sad for their mom.
• Their mother just wanted to express the love she had for her lost daughter.
• Little Bianca didn't understand any of this. Her gem-like eyes were filled with surprise.
• She hadn't expected the lovely lady to be affable and affectionate. The girl was flustered and unsure of how to react.
• But soon enough, anyone could see how happy she became.
• The pretty lady is so gentle. When she pinched my cheek, it's soft and warm. And even her hands are warm.
• She wasn't like that witch at all!
• Bianca's long eyelashes fluttered as she blinked. Her heart was overflowing with happiness. She couldn't hold back any longer and leaned closer into Whitney's arms.