Chapter 372
Chapter 372:
Relief loosened Shirley’s posture, and softness returned to her face. “He left without a word for more than a month, and I nearly worried myself sick. Kailey, I understand that you don’t feel the same way about him anymore, but he has always carried loneliness with him. When you were young, you were the one person who stayed close to him. Could you spend more time with him p>
“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t.” Kailey shook her head, her voice gentle yet firm. Harsh as it sounded, she understood that certain assurances could never be offered carelessly.
After the encounter with Ryan that morning, clarity had settled firmly in her heart. She recognized that their connection would never stretch beyond the boundary of uncle and niece. Her past no longer held her in place, and a different life had already taken root. If Ryan couldn’t accept that, then memories would be the only thing left between them.
With her eyes lowered, Kailey said, “Grandma, I am not the center of his world. He has friends, and Olivia stands beside him. Someday, he will build a family of his own. His wife would be unhappy if I stayed in his life p>
Silence stretched on Shirley’s side, yet her uneven breathing and clenched jaw revealed the sting she felt.
At last, her shaking finger lifted toward Kailey. “How could you be so ungrateful p>
The accusation struck with the force of a slap and shattered the joy that should have filled the day.
Shock held Aleena and Felicity in place, and neither knew how to respond. Without another glance, Shirley spun around and strode toward the parking lot, her back rigid.
Aleena squeezed Kailey’s arm in concern. “Shirley is aging, and she likely spoke without thinking. Don’t take her words to heart, alright p>
𝖭𝖾w 𝘄𝘦𝖾𝗸𝗅𝗒 𝗰𝗁a𝗉𝘁е𝗿𝘀 𝘰n 𝗴𝖺l𝗻𝘰𝘷е𝗹ѕ.𝘤𝗼𝗺
A strained smile tugged at Kailey’s mouth, twisting into something closer to a grimace. “I will be fine. You should go check on her p>
Aleena hesitated, wanting to say more, but in the end she hurried after Shirley.
“What’s gotten into that old woman?” Felicity muttered, irritated. “Has age started to muddle her mind p>
Explanations felt pointless to Kailey, and she forced a small smile. “It’s alright.” Even if the moment carried weight, letting it linger served no purpose. A mother’s worry for her son came naturally to Shirley. Even though Ryan’s silence wasn’t Kailey’s fault, people would still tie it to her. But sooner or later, they’d forget. Years spent with the Owen family had taught her that lesson well.
Felicity and Julissa exchanged glances, at a loss for words.
The tension from Shirley’s outburst still hung in the air, and when Kyson stepped back inside after escorting the final guests, the subdued mood was impossible to miss. Concern drew his brows together as he crossed the room and stopped in front of Kailey. “What went wrong p>
At the sound of his voice, Felicity and Julissa visibly relaxed.
“Good thing you’re here,” Julissa said. “We’ll leave Kailey in your hands p>
“The Owen family upset Kailey. You should comfort her,” Felicity added with a wink.
Gratitude showed plainly in Kyson’s expression as he nodded. “Thank you both for everything today. The driver will take you home p>
No argument came from either of them. They slipped their arms together and hurried out, clearly intent on leaving the couple alone.