Chapter 351
Chapter 351:
“That’s right. It doesn’t matter that he couldn’t make it back last night. We’ve already talked through everything we needed to, haven’t we? As long as he shows up for the wedding itself, that’s what counts.” Aleena called out from the kitchen doorway with a warm smile.
A few lighthearted remarks followed, and soon the room felt relaxed and full of laughter.
Over by the dining table, Kyson reached for the celery Kailey had been trimming. She quickly pulled it back and shot him a look before lowering her voice. “Grandma said you’re a guest here, so you shouldn’t be helping out p>
One brow lifted slightly. “Is that a rule in your family p>
“It isn’t written down anywhere, but guests usually aren’t expected to work in the kitchen p>
“Things are different where I come from.” A faint smile touched his face as he took the celery again, his movements slow and unhurried. “In my family, men handle the heavier responsibilities, and women get to focus on what they enjoy p>
Confusion flickered across Kailey’s face.
Seeing that, he let out a quiet chuckle. “Let me deal with this. You don’t need to wear yourself out. Take care of yourself instead. When I’m busy with work, you can spend your time on things that make you happy and build the hobbies you like p>
𝖳𝗿e𝗻𝘥i𝗻𝗀 nоvе𝘭𝘴 о𝗻
A short distance away, Aleena and Irene shared a look of quiet approval as they watched the exchange unfold.
That easy warmth followed everyone to the dining table, but right before the meal was about to begin, Shirley suddenly coughed a few times—the sound stiff and forced.
Every head turned in her direction.
Reacting at once, Aleena poured her a glass of water and asked gently, “Are you not feeling well p>
“No, no, I’m fine.” Shirley let out an uneasy laugh. “It’s just that it’s still a bit early, and I don’t really have an appetite yet p>
“That’s alright. We can take our time. There’s no rush p>
Shirley’s eyes darted toward Kailey, who was deep in conversation with Kyson and clearly unaware of the tension building across the table. Her impatience was growing. Why hadn’t he come?
Just as Shirley reached for her phone to send a message, a noise sounded from the entrance.
Kailey turned instinctively and met a pair of familiar eyes.
Everything seemed to freeze in that instant. A heavy stillness settled over the dining room, thick enough to make every breath feel restrained.
Aleena scanned the table before forcing a smile. “Ryan, why didn’t you tell us you were coming back p>
He didn’t respond. His reddened eyes stayed locked on Kailey.
She pressed her nails into her palm and steadied herself. “Uncle Ryan p>
A cold curve touched Ryan’s mouth, yet he said nothing. The displeasure on his face spoke clearly enough.
Beneath the tablecloth, Kyson reached for Kailey’s hand and held it firmly. No one noticed except Ryan, who was still standing in the doorway. His gaze hardened, and his jaw set tighter.
Kyson met his stare without flinching and lifted a brow. “Mr. Owen, I thought you were tied up in Aslesall. What brought you back so suddenly p>