Chapter 371
Chapter 371:
The color drained from Ryan’s face. Something inside his bright eyes seemed to crack apart.
A faint curve touched Kyson’s lips before easing away. “Dear, let’s go,” he murmured near her ear, wrapping her hand firmly in his. “The ceremony’s about to begin p>
Ryan stayed where he was and watched the woman in the wedding dress walk past him—moving farther and farther away, as if she were leaving his life completely.
Kailey feared Ryan would cause a scene at the wedding, but thankfully, he didn’t. The ceremony unfolded smoothly, and happiness settled over the entire celebration.
After the final guests departed, the Owen family were the only ones left behind.
Emotion tightened in Kailey’s chest as she stepped toward Aleena, her fingers wrapping around the older woman’s hand.
Aleena drew Kailey close and stroked her hair. “You are grown now, and one day you will have a child of your own. You must stay strong p>
Kailey nodded. “When you return to Jucridge, please take care of yourselves p>
“We will. And Shirley is still healthy, so you have nothing to fear.” Aleena glanced to the side. Shirley stood tall and dignified, but she was sneaking quick wipes at her eyes.
Once, the Owen family had stood as a powerful presence in their community, but the family line had thinned with each passing generation. Kailey was Aleena’s only child—that was why Aleena had been so reluctant when Kailey got married.
“Grandma, why not stay with me in Aslesall for a while?” Kailey stepped closer and slipped an arm around Shirley’s shoulders.
𝗝оi𝗇 t𝘩𝘦 𝖼о𝗺𝗆𝘂𝘯𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝖺𝘁
“I’ll pass.” After drying her eyes, Shirley forced her expression into something firm. “You’re married now. You should be living your own life. Why would someone my age stay in your house? I belong in my own home, and I will return tonight p>
Aleena said, “If leaving her hurts this much, then stay a few extra days. We’re not in a rush p>
“What difference would a few days make if the pain stays the same? Missing her would not lessen. I’m old, and I feel out of place everywhere except my own home,” Shirley shot back.
“Grandma p>
“That is enough. I have decided, and there will be no more debate p>
Words Kailey meant to offer stalled painfully in her throat, and before she could gather them, Shirley steered the conversation elsewhere. “Has there been any news from Ryan p>
The question carried the weight of a struggle fought within herself. Silence pressed down heavily on the room.
Slowly lifting her gaze, Kailey met Shirley’s eyes and found no trace of judgment there—only a mother’s concern for her child.
After biting her lip, she answered in a hushed tone, “He came to me earlier this morning p>