Chapter 201
Chapter 201:
Hearing her like this eased a tightness he hadn’t noticed settling in his shoulders. “Once you’re home, ask Karol to fix you something warm. Leave water by your bed too. You’re probably going to wake up thirsty p>
Instead of answering, Kailey let out a soft laugh.
“Kailey p>
“I’m here.” She brushed her tongue over her lips, then added gently, “I was just thinking about how thoughtful you are p>
Kyson paused, unsure how to respond.
𝗕𝘦 р𝗮r𝗍 𝗼𝘧 o𝗎𝗋 𝘤om𝘮𝘶𝘯іt𝘆 𝗈n
Pressing closer to the window, Kailey breathed against the glass until it fogged, then slowly traced a heart with her fingertip. Her voice stayed light, as though this were an ordinary late-night chat. “You know, when I was young, my parents adored me. I think life decided I had it too easy, because everything changed when I turned eight. The Owen family has always been kind to me, and Ryan p>
Her voice slowed when she brought him up, and a soft smile followed. “He felt more like an actual father. He handled every detail of my life with care and never left anything to chance. I’m grateful to him for that. But at the same time, I can’t help but blame him. He knows I depend on him, yet he refuses to step back. He wants control over everything and keeps me within his sight at all times p>
That realization came quietly to Kailey. For the first time, talking about it did not stir pain or unrest. A faint smile stayed on her lips as she spoke again. “Kyson, maybe I haven’t truly grown up yet. Will you wait for me p>
Deep down, she believed that if he could give her a little time, she would walk toward the future with him willingly. Not just for the sake of marriage, but for a life that felt clean, sincere, and genuinely her own.
Without thinking, Kyson tightened his hold on the phone. His throat shifted as emotion surged, his eyes burning with quiet intensity.
Silence stretched long enough for Kailey to pull the phone away and glance at the screen before lifting it again. “Did you doze off? Hello? Kyson? Are you there p>
The playful edge in her voice broke through his thoughts and drew a quiet laugh from him. Resting back against the seat, he covered his eyes with his hand and answered, “I’m here p>
Relief washed through her tone. “Was I rambling again p>
“Not at all. Say whatever you want. I’m listening p>
That reassurance made her lose track of everything she meant to say next. Sleepiness crept in, and a yawn slipped out. “I’ll go straight to bed once I’m home. Are you drinking too? Don’t stay up late. I’ll wait for you to come back p>
The words sounded offhand, yet they lodged themselves deep in Kyson’s chest, sending a restless pull through his nerves.
“Mr. Blake…” From outside the car, Bruno leaned toward the window, then stopped short when he noticed Kyson still on the phone.
A crease formed between Kyson’s brows as he glanced at Bruno, then lowered his voice toward the phone. “Get some rest. We’ll talk later p>