Chapter 119
Chapter 119:
After roughly ten quiet minutes, she finished smoothing the last layer of skincare over her cheeks and brushed on a hint of soft color that brightened her features. Right as she stepped through the doorway, Ryan’s car rolled to a stop at the curb. She quickened her pace, slipped into the passenger seat, and offered an apologetic smile. “I’m really sorry. I was meant to come find you, and now you’re the one picking me up p>
Her gentle humility carried a warm sincerity that softened the air between them.
A slight curve lifted the corner of Ryan’s mouth. “It’s honestly no trouble p>
Delight shimmered in her eyes as her smile stretched wider. “So… dinner p>
He glanced at her with easy patience. “What are you in the mood for p>
Excitement brightened her expression as she leaned a little closer. “Anything at all p>
𝖨𝗇𝘵𝗲ոse 𝗋𝗈𝘮a𝗇𝖼𝗲 𝗼𝗻 ѕ.c𝘰𝘮
“Just say it p>
“How about your place? Maybe you could cook for me p>
Only a month earlier, he would have accepted without the slightest hesitation. Yet that evening, the earlier mention of Kailey’s name still lingered like grit beneath his skin, leaving him restless and sharp-edged, in no mood to play the attentive host. His expression tightened, a faint crease forming between his brows, as he offered Olivia his first lie. “I have a mountain of work waiting. Let’s just grab something nearby, and I’ll drive you back afterward p>
She forced a small nod. “Okay p>
The brightness drained from Olivia’s smile as she eased back into her seat, disappointment settling heavy in her chest. With Kailey finally out of the picture, everything was supposed to have slipped neatly back into place. She had to secure this future quickly — so why did Ryan still feel miles away? Could it still be about Kailey? The mere possibility sent a chill racing through her veins.
Unaware of the storm circling her mind, Ryan casually steered the dinner conversation toward the engagement. Her fingers halted mid-air around the spoon, then she lowered it into the bowl with a faint clink. “Ryan… did I do something wrong p>
She lifted her gaze, eyes already shimmering with fragile moisture. The vulnerable look tugged at his chest. “I just wanted you to be happy about it too. When my friends mentioned it, I didn’t deny anything. I’m sorry p>
Beneath the table, his hand curled into a tight fist, frustration knotting in his chest as he silently admitted he was the one being unreasonable. Mere gossip had no reason to matter, and yet it gnawed at him with quiet persistence. Sooner or later, he and Olivia would reach this point anyway — so what other path was there to take?
A muted throb spread across his temples, and he pressed his fingertips to his brow, lowering his voice to a calm murmur. “There’s no need to apologize. It’s really fine p>
Across from him, she blinked rapidly, fragile tears trembling along the curve of her lashes. “Are you sure you’re not angry p>
“Not at all,” he replied, stretching his lips into a practiced smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t give it another thought p>
Drawing in a shaky breath, she gathered what little courage she had left and spoke again. “Ryan, could we make things official? My mom called earlier. Grandma’s condition is getting worse, and she wants to see everything settled p>