Chapter 2833


    Francis cracked a warm smile and rubbed Regina’s hair gently. “Not a big deal! Back in my day, I pulled


    more all-nighters than I could count. I’m sticking right by your side tonight.”


    When Regina was little, every time she fell ill, it was he and her mother who kept vigil. He’d kept up this


    habit over the years, always staying by Regina’s side whenever she felt unwell.


    Memories of the past made Regina’s eyes moist. “Dad!” she whispered. Even though she was safe


    now, she still felt afraid. She would urge him to rest because she cared for her father, but deep down,


    she also needed hisforting presence.


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    The sense of security her father provided was irreceable.


    Francis simply smoothed her tousled hair behind her ears. “Dad’s right here, sweetheart. Don’t be


    scared.”.


    Just as Francis had predicted, Regina woke with a start in the night. She instinctively called out for her


    dad, and Francis, as if he hadn’t been asleep at all, came rushing from the next room.


    Before drifting off, Francis’ words had been like a metaphor for the nightmare from which Regina now


    awoke.


    She dreamed she had been drugged again, aware of the danger but unable to escape. Her body was


    being coerced by a stranger into a dimly lit room; her spirit felt disembodied, watching everything


    helplessly as her body couldn’t break free.


    Amid this feeling of restraint, Regina struggled and finally woke to find Francis, who wearing his coat


    and wiping the cold sweat from her forehead with a look of tende concern.


    “Don’t be scared, sweetheart, Dad’s right here. Nothing’s wrong. You’re perfectly safe


    Regina clutched Francis’ hand reflexively. She was gripped by fear at first, and once s recognized it


    was her dad, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer.


    “Dad, I’m so scared! I had that dream again… But this time Nn didn’te to save me and you


    didn’t either, and that stranger…”


    Her words were cut off by Francis’ reassuring voice, “Shh, it’s just a dream! Dreams are the opposite of


    reality, right? So don’t talk like that. Such a thing could never happen. Whenever you’re in danger, I’ll


    always sense it.


    Francis keptforting Regina, and she finally rxed after a long while. Unable to sleep himself, he


    sat by her bedside, watching over her as she drifted back to sleep.


    “Don’t worry, I’m right here with you.”


    Regina felt weak, but she was too frightened to sleep, dreading the return of that horrific dream,


    especially the feeling of utter helplessness. She shook her head, “I don’t want to sleep. Just hold me


    and talk to me, please.”


    “Your body’s still weak, honey. Don’t force yourself to stay awake. Don’t you trust your dad? I’ll always


    be right here with you, no matter what.”