Chapter 194
Chapter 194:
Only then did Kailey realize how long he had been waiting. He had something important to say. “Oh, sorry.” She laughed, setting aside her sketches and pen and lifting both hands. “I’m listening now p>
Kyson laughed as well. “I need to travel for work for two days. Karol will be back tomorrow morning. Call me anytime if you need something p>
“Understood,” Kailey responded cheerfully, then leaned closer. “Where to p>
Kyson’s gaze darkened slightly. “Jucridge p>
Hearing the name “Jucridge” triggered something in Kailey. She straightened her posture and, attempting to mask the shift in her demeanor, gathered her draft drawings. “Alright. I’ll come get you once you return p>
“That’s it?” Kyson asked.
“That’s it p>
Her feelings toward Jucridge were tangled and heavy; even recalling it stirred a blend of longing and quiet sorrow. Kyson studied her for a brief moment, then released a long breath. “Fine. I’ll try not to stay long p>
Karol appeared at the villa at dawn the next day, carrying several bags filled with rural specialties. She placed everything on the coffee table, waiting for Kailey to wake so she could explain each item.
“This is a rare medicinal herb known for restoring vitality, improving circulation, and supporting the internal organs. People can hardly ever find it. And this fruit here — this peach — supposedly comes from overseas. Only two trees ever took root, so it is quite precious. Kailey, taste it later. It is wonderfully sweet p>
The rest were mostly vegetables, many of which Kailey could identify at a glance. Her eyes soon landed on a small black pouch nearby, and she leaned in with curiosity. “Karol, what is this p>
𝗥е𝘢𝖽 𝗳𝗋o𝘮 𝗒o𝘂𝗋 𝘱𝗁o𝘯e on
“Don’t touch it!” Karol jolted, quickly grabbing the pouch and tucking it behind her. “This is just a tonic I made for myself. Don’t mix it with the produce p>
“Oh… Alright.” Kailey nodded, though Karol’s nervous reaction felt suspicious. Was it truly a tonic?
Noticing the doubt on Kailey’s face, Karol stiffened further and forced a grin. “Go eat before your breakfast turns cold. I can handle the rest — I’ll put these things away p>
Kailey remained curious but did not pry, since Karol clearly did not want her to. She headed to the dining area and began eating alone. She was only halfway through the meal when her phone rang.
“Eating breakfast p>
Kyson’s gentle, rich voice made her heartbeat stumble. “Yes,” she answered. “Are you at the airport already p>
“I am. I’m seated on the plane p>
Kailey finished her sandwich and idly nudged her salad with her fork. “Why haven’t you shut your phone off? Why are you calling me p>
“What — you don’t want to talk to me p>
“That’s not it.” She just didn’t know what to say.
Kyson let out an exaggerated sigh. “I guess we’re not alike. I already miss you even though I just left, but you seem perfectly fine with me being far away p>
Kailey immediately responded, “That’s not true p>
“Will you think of me p>
His tone was slow and calm, carrying a weight that settled quietly in her chest.