Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
Whatever politeness had remained on Kailey’s face began to fade, and her voice cooled. “Did I ever ask you to do that p>
A sharp voice cut through from behind her. “Kailey, is this the attitude you’ve learned from me? Apologize p>
Kailey’s back went rigid. After a lingering moment, she slowly turned around.
Ryan had just stepped out of the shower, water still dripping from his hair. Even in dark gray loungewear, he looked as sharp and composed as ever. With his stern expression set aside, he could have easily passed for any woman’s ideal man. Kailey pressed her lips together and turned her head, deciding to say nothing.
𝖭ew 𝖼𝗵а𝗽𝘵𝘦𝗋𝘀 𝘦𝗏e𝗋𝘆 w𝗲𝖾𝗸 o𝘯 𝗀𝗮𝗹𝘯𝘰𝘃е𝘭𝘴.с𝘰𝗆
Olivia’s gaze flickered between the two of them, then she gave Ryan a playful look before looping her arm through his. “Why are you being so aggressive? Kailey just woke up. Who isn’t grouchy in the morning? You’re not exactly gentle yourself, you know p>
Her words carried the shape of a rebuke, but the teasing lilt in her voice softened the edge.
The color drained from Kailey’s face. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong here.
Ryan’s mood hadn’t fully lifted, but the tension in the room eased slightly. He patted Olivia’s shoulder in quiet comfort, then fixed Kailey with a measured look. “Come to the study with me p>
Without a word, Kailey followed.
Olivia called after them with a furrowed brow. “You may be her uncle, but you don’t have to be so hard on her. Try speaking to Kailey gently for once p>
Kailey scoffed quietly to herself. They weren’t even married yet, and Olivia was already playing the part of the wife.
Lost in that thought, she didn’t notice Ryan had stopped until she walked straight into him, the impact sending a sharp tingle up her nose.
“What’s got you so lost in your head p>
Ryan’s deep voice brought her back, and Kailey looked up to find his cold eyes fixed on hers.
Almost without thinking, she replied, “Don’t you know what’s on my mind p>
Whether it was the last flicker of hope or simple curiosity about his reaction, the words had slipped out before she could stop them.
Ryan’s brows drew together. He studied her in silence for a long beat before finally speaking. “Kailey, I’ve already warned you not to entertain any misguided ideas. You’re about to graduate, and I’ll make sure you find a suitable boyfriend, but it will never be me. I’m your uncle, and soon Olivia will be my wife. You need to give her the same respect you give me. Do you understand p>
It was the most plainly he had ever spoken to her.
Not only did he not share her feelings, but he was determined to arrange her future with someone else. That aligned with everything Kyson had said.
What had she been expecting? Wasn’t she the one who had tried to put all of this behind her already?
Kailey exhaled slowly, realizing it wasn’t as hard to let go as she had imagined.
She nodded. “I understand, Uncle Ryan p>