Chapter 402
Chapter 402:
From afar, Ryan spotted the two of them standing side by side. That intimate picture struck his eyes with a blinding sting. A shadow crept into his gaze as he strode toward them with measured steps.
“Are you done here?” he asked.
“We are.” Calmness remained fixed on Kailey’s face. “I’ve already met with her. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be heading out now p>
Tension carved a subtle line between Ryan’s brows, stormy feelings locked down hard behind his guarded eyes. Shifting his attention to Kyson, he said, “There are a few things I need to discuss with Kailey. Would you mind giving us a moment p>
Even before Kyson could respond, Kailey cut in. “There’s nothing he shouldn’t hear. Just say what you need to say.” Every syllable drew an unmistakable line between them.
Without warning, a sharp ache stabbed through Ryan’s chest, the sting spreading along his nerves until his fingertips felt cold. After a long pause, he finally forced the words out. “It’s nothing.” Bitterness flickered in his eyes before he pushed it down. His voice roughened as he added, “I just came to let you know I’ll be heading back to Jucridge soon. Take care of yourself here. If anything comes up, give me a call p>
Would she ever reach out to him again? Deep down, he already knew the answer. From this moment on, whether trouble found her or not, he would never again be the person Kailey reached for first.
Kailey offered a courteous smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Okay. Have a safe trip p>
The moment the words left her mouth, she slipped her hand into Kyson’s as if it were the most natural thing in the world, then moved past Ryan without so much as a glance — just as she had when they first arrived.
Heat seemed to burn between her shoulder blades beneath that lingering stare. Only after they reached the car did Kailey release Kyson’s hand. A passing breeze lifted the loose strands at her temple, sweeping them across her lashes as though it might carry off the cold edge in her eyes.
ѕha𝗿е у𝗼u𝘳 𝗳𝗮v𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵е𝘴 𝗳𝗋o𝗆.с𝗈m
“Kyson, did I handle that badly p>
Maybe she’d been wrong all along — about Ryan and Olivia. Letting go was supposed to mean closure, yet how could her bond with Ryan simply fall away overnight?
Raising his hand, Kyson gently smoothed a stray lock behind her ear. “You handled it better than most people would have p>
Her gaze lifted to meet his, but she said nothing.
“Don’t question yourself. It bothers me when you do,” he added.
“And why would that bother you p>
Forcing a stern look onto his face, Kyson answered, “You’re not being fair to yourself. Am I not allowed to be upset p>
Disbelief flickered across Kailey’s eyes at the leap he’d made. A subtle curve touched her lips at last, bringing warmth back to her otherwise fragile features. “In that case, I’m truly sorry. How about I make it up to you when we get home p>
“Alright.” The tension in his expression eased as he leaned down and brushed a soft kiss against her cheek. “Get in the car first. I need to stop by the restroom p>