Chapter 13
Chapter 13:
After dinner, Kailey sat at her desk, found the number of a local charity library, and arranged to donate her entire book collection. Just as she finished, her phone lit up with a call from Julia Reed.
“Tomorrow is my little boy’s one-month celebration. We’re keeping it to close friends for now—the big party will be at the christening. You have to be there, Kailey p>
Julia was a mutual friend of both Ryan and Kailey. With such a personal invitation, Kailey knew she had to go. Ryan would almost certainly be there as well.
She hesitated for a moment, then pushed the thought aside. Why should it matter? His presence didn’t diminish her own. She had nothing to be ashamed of and had wronged no one. There was no reason to hide.
The following morning, Kailey headed to the nearest shopping center to find a thoughtful gift for Julia’s baby. The address Julia had given led her to a charming country manor, and by the time she arrived, the living room was already lively with conversation.
Familiar faces filled the room—friends and acquaintances who all seemed to know about the recent tension between her and Ryan. As she stepped inside, she noticed the glances, the quick whispers exchanged behind polite smiles.
Julia, ever the gracious host, hurried over and took Kailey’s hand. “Pay no attention to them. People here love gossip more than anything. Come on, I’ll introduce you to my little one p>
Kailey shrugged it off, her tone easy. “It’s alright. They’re only saying what’s true p>
The rumors weren’t exaggerated. Her falling out with Ryan over another woman was hardly a secret.
Julia studied her expression and let out a soft sigh. “I really thought he’d come around eventually p>
From Julia’s perspective, it was hard to believe Ryan could overlook someone as sincere and warm as Kailey—a woman he had watched over since she was a child. It was difficult to tell whether he truly loved Olivia or was simply blind to what had always been right in front of him.
𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗈𝗇
Kailey offered a gentle smile. “Maybe it was never meant to work out that way. I’m done chasing something that was never mine. Let’s not dwell on it. I brought a little something for your baby—I hope he’ll love it p>
Julia’s eyes softened as she took in Kailey’s genuine composure. With a playful flick to her nose, she teased, “I hope you find someone wonderful very soon p>
For a fleeting moment, Kyson’s face drifted through Kailey’s mind, and her answer came with a soft, unguarded smile. “I already have p>
Julia’s curiosity sparked instantly, but before she could say a word, a familiar voice cut in.
“What are you talking about p>
The sound sent a jolt through Kailey’s chest. She turned and met Ryan’s dark, searching gaze.
Had he heard what she said?
A sudden tension settled over the group. Kailey’s eyes drifted to Olivia, who stood close by Ryan’s side. Though she remained silent, there was no mistaking the quiet satisfaction in her gaze—she seemed to relish every second of the uncomfortable moment.