Chapter 536
Chapter 536:
“How have things been for the two of you lately?” Ryan asked.
Relief slipped through Kailey’s chest. “Everything has been fine p>
“Fine?” Ryan frowned. “Every headline online is drowning in news about him. Are you truly unaffected, or are you putting on an act?” Familiar sharpness crept back into his voice, sounding just like the past.
Kailey didn’t know how to explain it. After a moment, she said, “News outlets love exaggeration. Kyson would never betray me p>
Disbelief tightened Ryan’s expression — her certainty made no sense to him. “Why didn’t he come with you p>
“His work is demanding right now p>
“Or is he busy entertaining another woman p>
Irritation stirred inside her. She herself didn’t fully know what was going on with Kyson.
Silence settled for a heartbeat before she redirected the conversation. “What about you? How have things been on your end lately p>
“They haven’t been good.” Honesty weighed down his gaze as it fixed on her. “Kailey, regret follows me every single day. If I had understood my feelings earlier, do you think our ending would look different p>
T𝗁𝗲 𝗆𝘰𝘴𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘱u𝗹а𝘳 ո𝘰𝗏𝖾𝗅s o𝗻
Such vulnerability would never have passed his lips in earlier years. Change had reshaped him in ways she couldn’t ignore.
Surprise flashed across Kailey’s face before a quiet sigh slipped out of her.
“That chapter has already closed.” Calm certainty lifted her gaze to meet his. “No one survives by clinging to yesterday. I stepped into a different life, and you deserve to face forward as well p>
Many hearts drift toward the road they never walked, and imagination paints those missed turns as perfect. Such dreams carry comfort, yet they bend the truth in quiet ways.
Pain tightened Ryan’s chest as he studied the woman he once guided through childhood. Distance stood between them now, and nothing about her belonged to his world anymore.
Movement in the kitchen caught Kailey’s attention — Aleena was already busy arranging ingredients. A gentle smile returned to her lips. “You must have driven a long way. You should lie down and rest. I’ll go help Mom p>
Light steps carried her toward the kitchen, and her bright energy remained visible even from where Ryan stood. Thoughts slowly swallowed the focus in his eyes, and his gaze turned distant.
Midday gathered everyone under the same roof.
Peace like this hadn’t filled the house in a very long time.
Joy lit up Shirley’s face as she waved for the servant to fetch a bottle. “It’s rare to have both Kailey and Ryan home. Today calls for a drink, and I’m joining you p>
Concern slipped into Sawyer’s voice at once. “Alcohol isn’t good for you p>
“Why are you fussing?” Defiance flashed in Shirley’s eyes as she shot him a look. “My years are limited, so don’t even think about stopping me!” Authority still belonged to her in this home, and no one dared challenge it for long.
After Shirley finished two glasses, Kailey gently removed the wine from her hand. “Grandma, you really should slow down. Save the rest for another occasion p>