Through the passage of time and a multitude of shared experiences, Axelâs mindset subtly and gradually shifted.
After a while, Tatiana woke up abruptly.
She straightened up in surprise, and her eyes stared vacantly into the distance. She used her hand to wipe away the drool from the corner of her mouth. T âWhy did you wake up already? Nap a little longer,â Axel chuckled. Her cute expression reminded him of Alyssaâs childhood days.
âS-Sorry, Axel!â
Tatiana panicked. She blushed when she realized that her drool had stained Axelâs shoulder.
âI-I dirtied your shirt. Iâll wash it clean when we get home! Iâm sorry!â
Axel couldnât help but feel sorry for his youngest sister when he observed her distress.
The Taylor siblings often revolved around Alyssa, subconsciously considering her the youngest.
Little did they realize that Tatiana was the one who needed more concern as she was the youngest in the family. Yet, she was often overlooked.
âItâs okay, donât worry about it,â Axel assured her with a gentle brotherly smile while patting his thigh.
âCome on, lie down here. Itâs comfortable.â
Tatianaâs face blushed even more as she hesitated, âThis⦠This isnât appropriate.â
âLyse always lay on my thigh and slept soundly in the past,â Axel said as he reminisced.
Tatiana pressed her lips together, anxiously fidgeting with her hands till they turned red.
Axel knew she couldnât and wouldnât do as he suggested To Tatiana, he was just a half-brother. The fact that he considered her his sister was enough to make her content Axel let out a sigh. He removed his overcoat and draped it over Tatianaâs shoulders, envelo figure âAxel, Iâm not cold You should wear it. Tatiane said while attempting to remove it Axel looked at her with a gentle gaze and pressed her shoulder over his coat.
âBe good and leave it on if you truly consider me your brother.â
Tatiana no longer resisted.
She felt a surge of warmth in her heart. There were even a few traces of tears in her eyes.
Gratitude for Alyssa welled up in her heart. It was all thanks to Alyssa that she found herself embraced by the care of her brother.
At that moment, distant voices reached their ears.
âTaty, wait here. Iâll check it out.â
Axel stood up and walked toward the commotion.
When he saw Jasper and Landon, Axelâs expression instantly froze. His handsome features quickly turned dark and chilling.
âFuck, itâs him!â
Landon recognized Axel at a glance. He recalled the scene where this guy mercilessly beat Jasper, and it sent shivers down his spine.
âYou fucking bastard, how dare you show your face here?â
Axelâs muscles tightened, and his gaze became intense as he confronted Jasper.
âLeave immediately before my temper flares up. Get lost!â
Jasper lifted his pale and woeful face. His throat was catching as he spoke, âI want to see Lyse. I have something to tell her.â
âShe has nothing to talk to you about. Leave now!â Axel glared fiercely.
Jasperâs eyes were bloodshot. He took a deep breath and countered, âNo. I wonât leave if I canât see her!â
He aggressively attempted to force his way inside as he uttered those words, appearing as though he was driven by madness.
Axel aimed to halt him, but Landon, who anticipated this situation, quickly used a stun baton on Axelâs lower back.
Axel let out a groan.