Chapter 360
Chapter 360:
Later, Kailey accompanied Irene for a walk and spent part of the afternoon at the Owen residence before preparing to leave. Shirley had insisted they stay for dinner, but Kailey found an excuse, hoping to avoid crossing paths with Ryan.
Shirley immediately saw through her. “Kailey, tell me the truth. Are you avoiding spending time with me now?” she asked with mild irritation.
Kailey let out a helpless laugh. “That’s not it at all p>
“You’ve only stayed for one day. Once you start a family, you’ll come even less. You’re staying for dinner tonight. I already told them to prepare your favorite dishes p>
Kailey nodded in agreement. She could only hope Ryan had other plans and wouldn’t appear.
Th𝗲 𝘣e𝗌t 𝗋еad𝗂𝗇𝗴 eхрe𝗿і𝘦n𝘤𝗲 о𝗻
Unfortunately, things rarely unfolded the way she wished.
Not long after, Irene received a call from her friends and hurried out to go shopping, leaving Kailey alone at the Owens’ house. She settled on the couch and began texting Kyson, about to ask him to come over for dinner. When she learned he had been summoned to the project department at the last minute, she erased the message before sending it.
“I thought you weren’t coming back here.” The cold voice broke the quiet.
Kailey lifted her head and met Ryan’s gaze. The chill in his eyes almost made her flinch.
“I was with Grandma this afternoon…” She stopped herself. Explaining felt pointless. She stood up slowly. “If my being here bothers you, I can leave p>
“When did I say you bother me?” Ryan’s brows drew together, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. “You’re the one who doesn’t want to see me.” Then he turned and walked upstairs without another word.
Kailey watched him disappear down the hallway, her thoughts tangled. Maybe he simply wasn’t used to her pushing back like this. Perhaps he would grow accustomed to it with time.
Dinner was soon placed on the table. Not long after, Aleena returned, her arms filled with shopping bags.
“I picked out clothes for everyone. Try them on after we eat,” she said cheerfully. She lifted a red dress and held it up. “This is for you, Shirley. It would look wonderful at Kailey’s wedding. What do you think p>
Shirley unfolded the dress and nodded with satisfaction—Aleena always knew how to please her. “It’s beautiful. I’ll wear it for the wedding day. Now show us what you bought for yourself. We should match as a family.” She glanced toward the hallway. “Ryan, where are you going p>
From the entrance came his brief reply. “It’s stuffy inside. I’m stepping out for some air.” The scene had become suffocating.
Shirley pressed her lips together, then cast Kailey a playful look. “Kailey, why don’t you stay the night? Keep me company p>
Shirley never got the answer she wanted, though it wasn’t because Kailey had refused her. Before Kailey could even figure out what to say, the door opened and an uninvited guest appeared.
Olivia stepped into the doorway, a suitcase in tow.
A quiet, knowing laugh slipped from Shirley as she deliberately looked away, acting as if she hadn’t seen Olivia at all.