Domineering Love

William Griffith looked at Cherish Turner’s adorable sleeping face, a trace of a smile graced his lips. Suddenly his eyes narrowed, as if he remembered something urgently. He was supposed to meet Hailey today. Quickly turning his head to look at the wall clock, it was already past one in the morning. His eyebrows furrowed, he took long strides out of the bedroom, gently shutting the door behind him.

William took out his phone, about to make a call, only to find a message that had come in at some unknown time. It was from Hailey Griffith, only a few sentences with a rather cheerful tone, mixed with a hint of apology: "Big brother, I’ll be sleeping at my friend’s place tonight, don’t worry about me. I’ll call you tomorrow morning, and have you pick me up then. I’m off to sleep now."

Envisioning Hailey’s lively, youthful face, William was left helpless. He immediately made a call, but Hailey had already turned her phone off.

He held his phone, suddenly feeling a bit bothered. He worried if anything had happened to the girl. But she wasn’t a child of three, she was already grown up. After repeated hesitation, deliberating for quite some time, he finally opened the bedroom door again.

Standing in the doorway, he saw Cherish Turner, sleeping soundly. He took off his clothes, lifted the quilt, and lay down next to her, snuggling against her and holding her tight.

Goodnight, my dear.

By seven in the morning, William Griffith was already awake. After washing up and changing into clean clothes, he returned to the bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed, lightly touching her slightly warm face. Cherish Turner was still asleep, his large hand was a bit cool, causing her to squint her eyes, he spoke in a deep voice, "Cherish, I’m stepping out for a bit, you sleep a while longer."

Cherish Turner couldn’t open her eyes, obediently uttering a muffled "Mm", heavy with sleepiness.

William leaned down and softly kissed her forehead before getting up and leaving.