Chapter 364
Chapter 364:
They had originally planned to return for Christmas, but work complications forced Kailey into overtime. With no choice, she adjusted her plans and comforted Shirley over the phone, smoothing things over as best she could.
“Kailey, have you heard from Ryan lately?” Shirley asked, her voice tinged with age and worry. “He hasn’t called once. A few days ago, he sent me a message saying he won’t be coming home for Christmas.” Her words trailed off into a long, weary sigh.
She had already done everything within her power, and there was nothing more she could force.
Kailey caught the implication immediately. After a brief pause, she replied gently, “Maybe he has work tying him down too. When things ease up, he’ll come see you.” She steered the conversation away without making it obvious, and Shirley didn’t push. A few reminders to take care of herself followed before the call ended.
Standing by the window afterward, Kailey watched the city glow with red decorations. Streets were filled with signs of celebration—families gathering, warm wishes exchanged everywhere.
Winter in both Aslesall and Jucridge was coming to an end. In just over two weeks, she would be marrying Kyson. It would be a fresh chapter, one that had nothing to do with Ryan. Maybe because of that certainty, this Christmas felt lighter than any she could remember.
The company holiday began on Christmas Eve. Kyson, acting entirely in character, handed out generous gifts to everyone beneath him and added surprise rewards on top of that.
Curled comfortably against him, Kailey rested her head on his lap while watching their coworkers unwrap presents through a video call.
“That’s it?” she asked.
Kyson shifted his phone aside and looked down at her. “Say that again p>
“Why can’t I repeat it?” Her expression stayed bright, confusion flickering briefly. “I said you should keep buying more gifts p>
𝗦𝗁a𝗿𝘦 y𝗈𝘂r 𝗍𝗵𝘰𝗎𝗀h𝘁s о𝗇 𝗀𝗮𝘭ո𝗼𝗏e𝗹ѕ.𝗰𝗈m
He said nothing at first, the warm glow of the lamp catching in his eyes. After holding her gaze for a moment, a smile slowly curved across his lips—so striking it stole her breath. “Alright p>
Less than a minute later, shrieks of excitement filled the call as her coworkers were flooded with gifts. Messages of gratitude poured in one after another. Only Zaria had the sense to send a separate blessing for Kyson and Kailey, wishing them lasting happiness, which earned her an extra gift sent privately.
With a satisfied sigh, Kailey leaned back after collecting more than enough rewards. “We’ll continue tomorrow. It’s time to sleep p>
Kyson arched a brow. “That’s all p>
Before she could reply, he scooped her up effortlessly, his voice dropping smooth and unhurried. “You might be done, but I’m not, honey. Tonight, you’ll have to put up with me for a bit p>
What followed was anything but ordinary. That night, Kailey felt dizzy, overwhelmed, and breathless, as if watching fireworks explode behind her closed eyes.