Chapter 457
Chapter 457:
Kailey instinctively shook her head before realizing it couldn’t be seen. She softened her voice. “I don’t see you that way. Relationships are built on exchange and value — there’s nothing cheap about that. I’m just worried you’ll be the one who gets hurt p>
That was all she could say as a friend.
Zaria’s tone eased. “Don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing.” She understood men well enough, and she understood her own goals. Whatever the cost might be, she had already decided she would pay it.
After the call ended, Kailey sat quietly on the edge of the bed, her thoughts drifting so far that she didn’t hear the bathroom door open.
Warm lips brushed the back of her neck, pulling her out of her daze. She flinched slightly at the sting.
𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗣𝗗𝗙𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻
Kyson noticed at once. His expression shifted. “Did I hurt you p>
She turned toward him and looped her arms around his neck, then shook her head. She wouldn’t share Zaria’s secrets.
Kyson didn’t press her. Instead, he leaned his forehead against hers and kissed her temple gently, his voice lowering. “Everyone wants something different. Some chase money. Some want power. Some look for love. Some just want a quiet life. That’s normal p>
Kailey nodded against him.
“So don’t carry someone else’s burdens on your shoulders. You can give her advice, but the choice is hers to make,” he added.
Kailey lifted her eyes to meet his. The look in them made his breathing shift.
“I know,” she said softly. “I’ll handle my own thoughts p>
He guided her back onto the bed before she could finish. His face hovered close, his gaze warm and intent. “Can we think about us now p>
Her breath caught in her chest. She met his eyes for a second, then slid her hand behind his neck and pulled him closer.
“Yes p>
The word had barely left her mouth when he kissed her hard, leaving her breathless.
Outside, the sky darkened into deep blue, and stars flickered one by one, quiet and distant.
When Kailey opened her eyes the next morning, his side of the bed was already empty. She got up, ate a simple breakfast, and left for work.
She had arranged to visit a traditional silversmith. Since everyone else was busy, only she and Zaria made the trip.
Five hours later, they reached a small town far from the city. The place felt frozen in time — modern buildings were nowhere in sight, and even the roads were uneven. Their car stopped at the entrance of the village, where the pavement narrowed into a stone path.
Thankfully, both of them had chosen flats. As they walked, Zaria glanced around and frowned. “How did you even discover this place? My phone doesn’t even have signal p>
Kailey smiled. “Her family has been making silver jewelry by hand for generations. I saw someone mention her work online. It wasn’t widely shared, so we still had a chance to reach out p>
“So we got lucky p>
“We did p>
The narrow lanes curved in different directions. After asking for directions twice, they finally stood in front of a quiet courtyard. Kailey steadied herself and called out, “Hello? Is anyone home p>