Chapter 212
Chapter 212:
“What thoughts could she even have?” Lionel blurted out, then quickly caught himself. He laughed dryly. “What I mean is — you’re all young and tend to overlook things. Adults speak up because it’s for your own good. As her parents, why would we ever hurt her p>
A frown creased Kailey’s brow. “But p>
“Please look after Dagmar for us,” Lionel cut in, his voice heavy with a tired sigh. “My wife has heart problems, and I’m still at the hospital with her for a check-up. We’ll talk another time p>
When the call ended, Kailey felt her mood sink. What had begun as helping to find Dagmar had quietly turned into a responsibility she could not escape. Even so, family ties made it impossible for her to turn away.
As she sat there lost in thought, a message from Kyson appeared on her phone. “Are you asleep p>
Stretching out on the bed, Kailey called him instead. He answered after the second ring.
“Let me guess what you’re doing right now p>
That instantly caught her interest, and she laughed. “Alright, what am I doing p>
“You’re lying on your bed, wide awake, and not in the best mood p>
Surprise flashed across her face as she rolled onto her back. “How did you know?” Her eyes swept across the room as she spoke with theatrical suspicion. “Did you secretly put a camera in here p>
𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯
A low laugh came through the phone. “What gave it away p>
“Remove it right now p>
“Not happening.” Kyson’s voice sounded close and easy, carrying a subtle warmth. “If I can’t be with you, the least I can do is keep an eye on you p>
“I know you’re joking,” Kailey muttered. “I’m really not in a good mood p>
“Do you want to talk about it p>
“Give me a second.” She sorted through her thoughts, then tried to explain without dragging it out. “I just find my uncle and aunt strange. They keep setting limits for Dagmar based on what they think is right. It sounds like concern, but it feels more like they’re pulling strings on a doll.” It was no surprise Dagmar had turned out so defiant.
Several seconds passed before Kyson replied, “If you think about it, didn’t Ryan do the same thing to you back then p>
That stopped Kailey cold. He really had. “So does that mean every family ends up like this?” she asked.
“Not only families,” Kyson said. “Some people are used to controlling other people’s lives. They hide behind words like ‘it’s for your own good’ or ‘I’m doing this for you,’ but what they really want is to feel satisfied themselves p>
Without hesitation, Kailey agreed. “That’s why I feel bad for Dagmar p>
“But this isn’t something you can step in and fix p>
“I know.” A soft sigh escaped her. “It’s their family issue, after all. I should stay out of it. By the way, when are you coming back? With Dagmar staying here, will it be inconvenient for you p>
Hearing the gentleness in her voice, Kyson laughed. “Why would it be? She’s your cousin. There’s nothing to mind p>
Kailey would later learn that he truly meant it. From that day on, Dagmar had one more person to clash with.