Chapter 257
Chapter 257:
Kailey held his gaze. His eyes were dark and heavy, like thick smoke that could swallow her whole at any moment.
“As for Kyson —” when she said his name, her expression finally softened.
She looked away, and moments she had spent with Kyson surfaced in her mind one after another. “You’re right. He’s exceptional. His parents care about him, his family is comfortable, and the home he grew up in was warm and stable. He’s capable, composed, and admired by many. Someone like him choosing me might sound unbelievable. But so what? I’m not worthless. Just because my background isn’t impressive doesn’t mean I’m beneath him. And because he’s that kind of person, I don’t worry about being hurt. If one day we realize we’re not suited for each other, we can walk away cleanly p>
Kailey had never believed in forcing fate. She and Kyson had both chosen this willingly — one needed a way out of a stagnant life, the other was being pushed toward marriage by family. Their paths had simply met at the right time.
Ryan’s face darkened further. The tension in his jaw looked close to snapping.
He didn’t speak. He only stared at her, his gaze intense and oppressive.
Kailey used to fear that look. Now, it barely mattered.
She was about to continue when he asked, “How long have you been seeing him? And you trust him that much p>
Kailey raised her chin and looked straight at him. “We grew up together. I understand him far better than you ever could p>
“Really?” Ryan let out a short, humorless laugh. “Do you think you understand men better than I do p>
𝖬𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅𝗌 𝗈𝗇
The conversation had turned into a pointless clash. In his eyes, her stance was nothing more than stubbornness — she had always been this way, quiet resistance whenever she felt wronged. “I won’t accept you being with him,” Ryan said flatly. “No matter what you say, that won’t change p>
“Kailey!” He cut her off before she could finish, his patience clearly gone, his voice turning sharp. “He’s not suitable for you. Stop trying to scare me with this marriage nonsense. Even if it were real, you’d better divorce him p>
She wouldn’t dare. No matter how strong her temper could be, she had always given in to him in the end. She would never apply to a university he disliked. She would not go against his decisions lightly. Marrying someone without his approval sounded impossible. And for the past two years, hadn’t she always said she liked him most?
That thought seemed to settle him slightly. The edge in his voice softened. “Fine. If you insist on staying in Aslesall, I won’t interfere. Just stop making up stories like this to test me p>
Kailey almost laughed. He had never believed her — not when Olivia twisted the truth, and not when she tried to explain herself afterward.
Her teeth pressed together. Suddenly, she felt tired. “Think whatever you want. Whether you believe me isn’t my responsibility. Kyson is waiting. I’m leaving p>