Chapter 56
Chapter 56:
Since she needed a few things anyway, Kailey seized the suggestion as a natural way to dissolve the lingering awkwardness. She gave a quick, eager nod.
Once the dishes were cleared, they slipped into fresh clothes and stepped out together.
Not far from the building stood a sprawling shopping complex glowing beneath the evening lights. Kyson guided the car into the underground garage, parked smoothly, and joined Kailey at the elevator doors.
Downtown Jucridge shimmered with restless energy, its streets buzzing with crowds even on an ordinary weeknight. On the ground floor, a well-known bakery drew a winding queue that curled past its glass display, while the neighboring café overflowed with customers.
Tilting his head slightly, Kyson asked in a relaxed tone, “Want me to grab you something to drink p>
Kailey pressed a hand lightly to her stomach. “I really can’t eat another bite p>
Her words came out barely above a whisper. Kyson leaned closer. “It’s still pretty early. Some cake, maybe? Or a coffee p>
“No, I’m watching what I eat.” Noticing his gaze lingering on the two brightly lit dessert shops, Kailey assumed he was tempted. She bit her lower lip and slipped her fingers around his arm, steering him toward the stairs. “Those places are mostly hype. If you’re genuinely curious, I’ll take you somewhere actually worth it next time p>
His eyes dropped, settling briefly on the soft grip of her hand wrapped around his sleeve.
“Alright,” he agreed with a quiet smile.
𝘋𝗂𝘀с𝗈𝗏e𝗿 ne𝗐 𝘴𝘵o𝘳𝘪е𝗌 𝗼ո 𝗀𝘢𝘭n𝗈𝗏е𝗅ѕ.cо𝗆
As they wandered through the supermarket aisles, Kailey unconsciously kept her hold on his arm, browsing the shelves with unhurried ease.
She lifted a colorful snack bag. “This one’s really good—perfect for eating while binge-watching shows.” Moving on to the next section, she added thoughtfully, “We’re out of facial wipes, so grab one pack p>
Kyson pushed the cart alongside her, smiling whenever their eyes met.
From a distance, they looked effortlessly matched—striking and unhurried, the kind of couple that drew second glances without trying. A nearby woman let out a wistful sigh. “Young people these days are so openly sweet, even just grocery shopping. We were never like that p>
She turned toward the man beside her with mild annoyance. “Getting you to come shopping with me takes a full negotiation. And now what are you doing p>
“Shh!” Half-hidden behind a tall shelf, the man angled his body away and held up one hand for silence.
His phone slipped into his palm, and he discreetly took a photo. Though the image caught only a side profile, anyone who knew her would recognize Kailey immediately. The woman watched him zoom in with a deepening frown before tapping send.
“Who is she? Do you know her p>
With a quiet click of his tongue, Vernon slipped an arm around her shoulders and steered her in the opposite direction, lowering his voice as they walked. “The girl Ryan’s brother adopted. She likes Ryan—you remember p>
Recognition flashed across her face, her eyes going wide. “You mean her?” But the man they had just seen was clearly not Ryan.