Chapter 300
Chapter 300:
Silence was her only response. Her eyes drifted to the scattered envelopes at her feet — some pink with delicate flowers printed across them, others plain and unremarkable. She had never bothered to read what was written inside, though she could imagine the clumsy confessions they contained. So what if they liked her? Was it a crime for someone to feel drawn to another? Curiosity and attraction were simply part of being human.
Still, Kailey knew Ryan saw things differently. He was older, shaped by more experience and caution. She understood that if she argued back, even once, the conflict would ignite beyond control. So she remained quiet while Ryan continued to lecture her, his voice filling the room for nearly two hours.
When his anger finally burned out, his tone softened. Regret flickered across his face. “Listen to me, Kailey. None of those boys are your future. Spending time on them won’t lead anywhere. End it now and stay away from them p>
A bitter thought crossed Kailey’s mind. He never trusted her. Not once had he bothered to hear her side.
After a brief pause, she lowered her lashes and answered quietly, “Okay p>
W𝘦𝘦𝗸lу 𝘳е𝘭е𝘢𝘴е𝗌 𝗈n
In the weeks that followed, Ryan rearranged his entire schedule just to spend time with her. He took her out often and bought her gifts, as if generosity could smooth everything over. Back then, she assumed guilt had finally caught up to him and that he was trying to make amends. Only later did she understand the pattern. The outings and presents weren’t apologies. He was trying to distract her from those so-called boys.
The computer screen dimmed and shut off on its own, leaving the office in darkness. In that quiet, Kailey let out a faint, self-mocking smile.
Why was she even revisiting memories that old? Was it because of what Olivia had said earlier? That didn’t quite make sense. Empty accusations from someone so narrow-minded shouldn’t have carried that much weight.
Drawing in a slow breath, she powered down the computer, gathered her things, locked up, and made her way downstairs.
Outside, light snow drifted through the air. A thin mist softened the city skyline, giving everything a muted yet strangely alive glow. Winter felt endless to Kailey, and she found herself wishing spring would arrive sooner.
Pulling her coat closer, she stepped forward — then abruptly came to a halt.
Under a nearby streetlamp stood a man, leaning back with casual ease. Flowers rested in one hand while the other remained tucked inside his pocket. Judging by the dusting of snow on his shoulders, he had been waiting for some time. Strands of soft hair fell over his forehead, and beneath the dim light he looked almost unreal, like someone drawn from the pages of a graphic novel.
Something warm brushed against Kailey’s chest, light and unexpected.
Kyson had already spotted her. He pushed off the lamppost and walked over with easy confidence, his steps unhurried, his presence effortlessly striking. Once he reached her, he let out a quiet breath. “You really make a man wait. Good thing I’m patient p>
Kailey’s eyes lingered on his face, and without thinking, she reached up to touch his cheek. The chill beneath her fingertips made her frown. “Why are you standing out here p>
A slow smile curved his lips, his voice carrying that familiar warmth. “I came to pick up my wife from work. What else p>