Chapter 133
Chapter 133:
When Olivia was about to return, a sense of relief had washed over him. He thought the burden was finally gone, and he no longer needed to worry about Kailey’s actions or emotions.
But now, he wondered if she had truly stopped loving him.
Ryan squeezed his eyes shut as the sunlight burned through his senses, leaving him drained and unsettled. He could not tell whether the exhaustion came from anger or something deeper — only that the source felt tangled and unresolved.
After collecting himself, Ryan walked downstairs and called Aleena while making his way to the car. “Ryan, why are you calling so late p>
“Do you know where Kailey went?” Ryan demanded as he shut the car door with a dull slam and dropped into the driver’s seat. “Don’t tell me you have no idea. Kailey trusts you. She wouldn’t hide everything from you p>
Aleena’s carefully prepared excuses died the moment his words cut through them. Letting out a soft sigh, she replied, “Even if I kept quiet, someone like you would figure it out sooner or later. Kailey left for Aslesall. She mentioned not wanting me to bring it up, but she never strictly forbade me either. She just assumed you were busy and didn’t want to add to your worries p>
Ryan’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, his gaze darkening. Not wanting him to worry? Hadn’t worry been the one thing he had never been spared from when it came to her?
𝖱𝗈𝘮𝘢𝗇𝘤𝘦 𝗮𝘯𝖽 𝘱a𝘴𝗌i𝗈𝗇 𝗼𝘯
“Ryan,” Aleena said again, clearly unwilling to stop there. There had never been much interaction between the two of them, and Kailey was the only connection they shared. Although Ryan had been the one more physically present in Kailey’s life, Aleena had always cared for her just as deeply as family.
“I understand a little about how Kailey feels about you,” she continued. “I don’t have the standing to tell you what choices to make, but emotions don’t operate on reason. If there truly isn’t anything romantic on your side, then maybe it’s time to step back and allow her the space she needs — let her live her own life p>
From Aleena’s perspective, Kailey had spent more than ten years orbiting Ryan. Even Kailey herself might not have clearly separated dependence from affection. A shift in surroundings, along with meeting new people, could give both of them the breathing room they needed.
For a long moment, Ryan said nothing, his gaze lingering on the blurred scenery beyond the window. Until now, the notion of letting go had never felt real to him. He had raised Kailey himself, and her staying by his side had always felt natural. More than that, he believed she could not manage without him.
Drawing in a steady breath, Ryan finally spoke in an even, distant tone. “Aleena, you must be joking. I raised Kailey, so I will always be her uncle. She’s just acting out for the moment. You know what she’s like p>
“But p>
“That’s enough. Send me her current address p>