Chapter 83
Chapter 83:
Moments later, dressed in comfortable home clothes, she returned to find the dining table already set—a perfectly seared steak, a crisp green salad, and a steaming bowl of soup that smelled richly inviting. Soft candlelight flickered beside a small bouquet of fresh flowers, and the muted glow of the overhead lamp cast a gentle warmth across the room, turning the simple meal into something quietly magical.
Her eyes sparkled at the sight. “Do you think we could have some wine p>
Confronted with Kailey’s sweet, expressive face, Kyson found himself unable to turn her down.
He walked to the wine cabinet, selected a bottle, uncorked it, and filled two glasses. After setting one in front of Kailey and catching the sparkle in her eyes, he quietly shifted his chair back.
Confusion crossed her face. “What are you doing p>
“You can drink, just not too much,” he replied.
With a dramatic eye roll, Kailey shot back, “Do I really look like someone who can’t control herself? I still have work tomorrow p>
𝘔𝗈𝘳𝘦 𝗇о𝘷𝖾l𝗌 o𝗇 𝘨𝗮𝗅𝘯𝘰𝗏е𝘭s.со𝗆
Kyson chose not to argue and simply slid the glass back toward her.
After a bite of steak, she couldn’t stop herself from complimenting him. “If you ever get tired of your job, you could easily work as a chef. With skills like these, I’d eat there every single day p>
Kyson shook his head. “That won’t happen p>
Curiosity lit her expression. “Why not p>
He paused briefly, then looked straight at her, his tone steady. “Not just anyone gets to eat my cooking p>
For a moment, Kailey didn’t know how to respond. Her movements slowed, and she took another sip of wine.
Changing the subject abruptly, she asked, “What wine is this? It tastes incredible p>
After answering, Kyson added, “Our company owns a vineyard overseas. If you’re ever interested, you could come with me sometime.” Noticing her plate was nearly empty, he transferred some of his steak onto hers and said casually, “Eat more. You’re still growing p>
Mild annoyance crossed Kailey’s face. “I’m almost twenty-one, you know p>
“So small p>
Whether it was the wine or a sudden surge of boldness, Kailey straightened up and pushed her shoulders back. “How can you say I’m small? I’m not small at all p>
Kyson’s gaze dropped briefly, then he answered, “You’re right p>
“Right about what p>
“You’re not small p>
Kailey froze. As the meaning sank in, heat rushed to her face, and she quickly lowered her head and focused on her food in silence.
Without either of them noticing, the mood had shifted. Candlelight danced softly between them, and the deep red roses cast a warm, intimate glow across the table.
Because Kailey rarely drank, three glasses were enough to send warmth spreading through her body, leaving her lightheaded and slightly unsteady.
She set her fork aside, stood, and drifted closer to Kyson, tilting her head as she studied his face. “You look so much more handsome now than you used to p>
Kyson could only look at her with quiet resignation.
“Still, Kyson, being handsome isn’t everything!” A faint blur clouded Kailey’s eyes, carrying traces of old grievances she had never quite voiced. “You were unbearable when we were kids. You even let your dog chase me on purpose p>
The moment felt almost dreamlike, and she sensed that if she didn’t say these things now, they would stay trapped inside her forever.