Chapter 49
Chapter 49:
Because he had rushed back so quickly, his old house was still a mess, leaving him no real choice but to stay at a hotel for the time being. Now that Kailey had decided to leave right away, there was no point in tidying up.
After walking her back to the Owen estate, he stepped out beside her and gently looped his wool scarf around her neck. “Get some rest tonight. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow p>
She gave a small nod. “Alright p>
“Try to keep your left hand dry if you can—it’ll heal faster p>
“Okay p>
Kyson studied the quiet, subdued look on her face for several lingering seconds, his jaw tightening before a low, private chuckle slipped out.
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Confusion crossed Kailey’s features. “Kyson, what’s so funny p>
A faint smile tugged at his lips. He was thinking of the mischievous little troublemaker she had been as a child. Anyone who saw that sweet, harmless expression would have assumed she was gentle and obedient. In reality, she had always been a clever little fox who never let a grudge go.
He let the thought dissolve and smoothed a hand gently over her hair. “It’s nothing. Go on inside p>
December’s cold had settled into the night, turning the air sharp and still.
The moment she reached her room, Kailey slipped to the window and parted the curtains just enough to peek outside. Kyson was still there.
Startled, she stepped back from the glass and pressed a trembling hand to her racing chest.
Once her breathing had steadied, she sank onto the couch and typed a quick message. “I’m about to sleep. You should turn in early too p>
Kyson replied within seconds with a simple, unhurried “Okay p>
Not long after, another message came through—he mentioned casually that he would introduce her to someone once they returned to Jucridge. Assuming he meant an old friend, she sent a brief reply and went back to folding her things.
Her suitcase held little enough, but the real difficulty lay in finding the right words to say goodbye to the Owen family without causing worry. An excuse formed in her mind—she could tell them she needed to get back early and prepare for her new job.
As for the subject of marriage, she quietly decided to put that conversation off for as long as she reasonably could.
Morning light filled the hallway as Aleena climbed the stairs to call Kailey down for breakfast. The sight of the packed suitcase by the door made her shoulders sink, and she exhaled slowly. “Kailey, things between you and Ryan have always been fine. Why change everything all of a sudden p>
Kailey wrapped an arm around her mother’s shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze. “We didn’t argue, I promise.” Though deep down, she knew quiet coexistence between them had already become impossible.
“For now, I just want to focus on work. It’s my first real job, and I need time to prepare,” she added, keeping her tone easy.
Aleena studied her with unconvinced eyes. “You’re sure about that p>
“Absolutely,” Kailey answered with a small, reassuring smile. “Once I’m settled in, I’ll come home to see everyone—alright?” She knew that once Aleena was at ease, getting past Shirley’s sharper instincts would take care of itself.