Chapter 513
Chapter 513:
The scent of spice and honey mustard drifted through the air, and Kailey’s stomach responded at once. She set her brushes aside, washed her hands at the sink nearby, and returned just as Jessica handed her a pair of disposable gloves.
“I saw Kyson last night,” Jessica said.
Kailey’s hands stilled. She kept her head lowered so her expression wouldn’t show.
Jessica continued, “Candice was there too. But I didn’t see anything that matched the rumors.” She watched Kailey closely as she spoke.
“I know,” Kailey said quietly. “If something was really going on, it wouldn’t suddenly start now.” From what she had seen before, Kyson didn’t even treat Candice with basic warmth.
Jessica frowned. “Then why are you like this p>
Kailey didn’t know how to explain it. Staying here, cut off from the outside world, left her in the dark — yet someone kept feeding her bits of news, just enough to stir her thoughts. Not knowing the full truth was worse than facing a clear problem. The uncertainty gnawed at her.
“I’m not angry,” Kailey said with a faint smile. “I understand that he has his own pressures. Lately, though… I just can’t see the whole picture.” When trust thinned out, people started imagining the worst. It was easy to feel as if the world had quietly stepped away.
𝘐ոѕt𝖺𝗇𝘵 𝖺𝗰𝗰𝗲ѕ𝗌 𝗈𝗻
Jessica’s gaze softened. “He asked me to pass on a message p>
The crisp crack of fried chicken broke the silence.
Kailey licked a bit of sauce from her finger. The rich flavor hit her tongue, and for a second, she felt a small spark of comfort.
“He said he’ll come get you once he finishes what he’s handling. He told you to eat properly and take care of yourself p>
Thinking back to what Devin had said, Jessica added, “I really think he’s dealing with something serious. Don’t let your thoughts run wild. I’ll come see you whenever I can p>
Kailey kept her head lowered. She didn’t notice the tears slipping down her face until they hit the floor and darkened the dust beneath her feet.
After a long silence, she finally asked in a voice barely above a whisper, “Is he alright p>
Jessica remembered the way Kyson had looked at her the night before and asked that exact same question. She couldn’t help laughing. “You two are unbelievable. He asked me that too. He looked fine to me — nothing seemed wrong, and he wasn’t hurt. I’d never seen your husband before, but I have to admit, he’s good-looking p>
Kailey gave a small nod, as if it took her a moment to process. “Alright p>
Jessica kept eating while offering bits of reassurance. The more she talked, the more Kailey felt a pinch of guilt.
Staring at Jessica’s face, she finally said, “Actually, I said that on purpose. I wanted you to go find him. I’m sorry p>
“Why are you apologizing? I’m not clueless — I knew you were doing it on purpose.” Jessica waved her hand dismissively. “Besides, the fact that I like you matters more than that.” To her, a little maneuvering between friends wasn’t a big deal, as long as the intentions were good.
Relief washed over Kailey. “Thank you. I really mean it p>