Ryan's eyes were cold and unyielding, freezing Kailey in place, unable to utter a single word.

Pain radiated from her bruised side, but all she could do was watch in silence as he gently picked Olivia up and carried her away, leaving her behind.

Hot tears spilled down her cheeks before she realized it, and Kailey could only sniffle, rooted to the spot and unable to move.

Not long after, the distant sound of the front door swinging open broke the silence.

The cleaning lady arrived, humming to herself as she made her way toward the dining room. The cheerful tune stopped short when she saw Kailey. "Kailey, what happened? Why are you crying like this?"

That simple question undid her last bit of composure. Kailey's words came out shaky. "Can you help me? My side hurts so much."

The woman wasted no time. She called the property manager for a car and quickly took Kailey to the nearest hospital.

After a full round of tests, the results brought a small sense of relief—nothing serious had been damaged.

"Try to avoid bumping your waist for a while, and remember to use the ointment regularly." The doctor glanced at Kailey, taking note of her youthful face. "There might be some nasty bruises, but they'll fade before long. Don't be too concerned."

Kailey thanked him quietly and followed the cleaning lady out.

As they stepped outside, the woman turned to her. "Would you like me to call Mr. Owen for you?"

"There's no need for that."

Kailey figured Ryan was probably busy fussing over Olivia, and there was little chance he'd spare a thought for her right now.

A wry smile touched her lips as she gently twisted her waist, finding the pain had eased a bit. Handing the ointment to the cleaning lady, she said softly, "You can head back now. I'm going to school."

The woman hesitated, worry etched on her face. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"The doctor said it's nothing serious—no bones were hurt. I'll manage."

It took some convincing, but the cleaning lady finally agreed to leave. Alone in the back seat of the car, a wave of loneliness washed over Kailey.

She'd lived under Ryan's roof since she was a child, always feeling shielded from harm. Yet now, when she truly needed someone, the only comfort came from the cleaning lady.

She sighed inwardly, realizing all relationships eventually drift apart; hers with Ryan just ended a little sooner than most.

Later, after submitting her paperwork, Kailey informed her mentor of her intention to intern in Aslesall.

Her mentor blinked in surprise. "Aslesall? That's such a long way from here. I thought you couldn't bear to leave your uncle and planned to join his company. Wouldn't he be worried if you went so far?"

Kailey hesitated, uncertain how to explain her complicated history with Ryan. After a pause, she replied, "We aren't related by blood, and I can't keep relying on him forever. I'm turning twenty-one soon. It's about time I learned how to stand on my own. He has no reason to object."

Her mentor considered her words and let out a soft sigh. "You know, no one needs to tell me how much your uncle cares for you. It's something everyone on campus can see, teachers and students alike. Even now that you're nearly grown, he still shows up to drive you home, as if he's guarding you from every possible danger. But you're right about wanting to grow on your own—there's a lot to learn beyond these walls. I really believe you're going to do well, no matter where you go. I'm rooting for you."

Kailey gave a grateful nod and lingered for a few minutes to chat before leaving the campus behind.

Her college days hadn't lasted long, but her mentor's words brought back memories.

During her first year, Ryan had even bought a place near campus so he could cook her meals.

That kind of care felt like a lifetime ago.

Now, his world revolved around someone else—someone he truly wanted to cherish and build a future with. Kailey understood that, deep down, her presence was starting to feel like a burden to him.

Maybe stepping away was the best way she could show her gratitude, a quiet parting gift.

She was certain Ryan would be too occupied with Olivia to come home that evening.

But as she stepped inside, she caught sight of him on the couch, focused on his laptop.

The sound of the door made him glance over. "Back from class already?"

Kailey hadn't expected to see him. The cleaning lady must have kept him updated.

"Yeah," she replied, setting her things quietly in the cabinet. After a short pause, she asked, "How's Olivia? Is she alright?"

Hearing Olivia's name made Ryan's brow tighten, irritation flickering across his features.

Kailey could sense he was ready to scold her for hurting Olivia again, so she lowered her head and kept quiet.

To her surprise, Ryan changed course. "I left in such a hurry earlier. The cleaning lady told me you took a pretty hard hit against the table. Was it bad?"

Kailey's hand balled into a fist at her side, then slowly loosened. She stared at the floor and replied quietly, "It's nothing. I'm alright."

Ryan didn't buy it for a second. He remembered the cleaning lady mentioning that Kailey had been in tears—something that hardly ever happened. She'd always been tough, so the pain must have been unbearable.

He closed his laptop, set it aside, and moved toward her. "Let me check your injury..."

When he reached out, Kailey instinctively stepped away.

Ryan's hand hovered in the air, the gesture unfinished. Surprise flickered in his eyes at her retreat.

"Kailey?" His voice was gentler, conflicted. "I know I was only thinking about Olivia at that moment, and I missed what you were going through. I'm sorry, okay?"

A dull ache settled in Kailey's chest. All his worry had been for Olivia—he hadn't seen her at all.

With her head bowed, Kailey kept her face hidden and replied in an even voice, "It was just a bruise. Nothing compared to Olivia's injury. You should stay by her side."

"You're certain you're alright?"

"I'm fine."

Ryan studied her for a long moment before easing up, deciding she meant it. Knowing her temperament, he figured she'd have made a fuss if things were really bad.

He was about to continue the conversation when his phone rang. He picked it up, his voice softening instantly. "Olivia? What happened? Are you hurt?" he asked, grabbing his jacket without missing a beat. "I'll come right away."

He hurried toward the door, then paused and glanced back at Kailey. "If anything comes up, let me know. Take care, and try not to go out unless you need to."

Kailey stood in silence, watching as he hurried out, started his car, and disappeared down the street.

The quiet stretched around her, her waist beginning to throb again.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed from inside her bag. The screen lit up with Kyson's name, and a lump rose in her throat.

She answered, voice tinged with vulnerability. "Kyson, I got hurt."

Kyson seemed caught off guard by the shift in Kailey's voice. For a moment, everything went quiet except for the faint rustle on his end.

He finally spoke, his voice sounding parched. "Did something happen? Did you go to the hospital already? Where are you? I can get someone to drive over and help."

One concern after another tumbled out of him, each word packed with worry he did not bother to hide.

Kailey couldn't help but find his anxiousness a little endearing.

"It's nothing dramatic, just a small bruise on my waist." She drew in a few calming breaths, letting the frustration fade as she settled onto the couch. "I already saw a doctor. He gave me some ointment and said it's not a fracture or anything."

Kyson went quiet, then let out a breath that sounded almost relieved. "Since I can't be there, could you do me a favor and watch over my future wife for me?"

He dropped the word "wife" so easily it made her heart skip.

A flush crept up Kailey's cheeks. "You're talking nonsense again."

"That's not nonsense at all. I'm serious, Kailey." He chuckled, and she could make out the sound of soft footsteps as he wandered somewhere.

Kailey fumbled for words, feeling thrown. Changing their dynamic so suddenly left her flustered and strangely exhilarated.

Trying to steer the conversation elsewhere, she tossed out a playful question. "Were you about to hop on a plane just to check up on me?"

Kyson took a beat before answering, "Honestly, the thought did cross my mind. But I'm out of the country right now. I flew off for a last-minute business trip yesterday."

For a second, Kailey didn't know what to say. Her teasing had landed closer to the truth than she'd expected. Something soft and bittersweet settled in her chest.

Kyson spoke up again before she found her words. "Listen, I've got a friend who runs a top-notch wellness center. She's an expert with massages. Go see her tomorrow and let her take care of you. I think it'll speed up your recovery."

"That's really not necessary."

"Kailey, don't say no." Kyson's voice was firm. "We're about to get married, remember? It's only natural I want to look after you, especially when I'm so far away. Get upset with me if you have to, but at least let me do this much for you, okay?"

It had been a long time since Kailey had felt someone fuss over her this way—not since Olivia came back home.

A small sniffle escaped as she nodded.

Then, remembering he couldn't see her, she whispered, "Alright."

The next day, Kailey made her way to the wellness center Kyson had recommended. Tucked in the heart of the city, the place was known for its luxury and exclusivity. Even with money, you couldn't just walk in—you needed a membership and a prior booking.

Running the place was Nora Barrett, a stunning woman and an old classmate of Kyson's.

Once Kailey's treatment was done, Nora walked her all the way to the exit herself.

"If you ever come back, just ask for me. You're Kyson's girlfriend now. No matter how packed my schedule gets, I'll always fit you in," Nora said warmly, her eyes shining with interest. "But in return, you have to spill the details. I want to know everything about how you and Kyson ended up together."

Her curiosity was genuine. For someone like Kyson, always so untouchable, to finally fall for someone? It was a story worth hearing.

After spending some time together, Kailey had grown comfortable with Nora's open nature. She found herself genuinely liking the woman's bold charm.

She gave a light shrug and answered honestly, "There's really nothing dramatic about us. We're just... partnering up."

Nora's eyes grew round, clearly not buying it.

Before she could press further, a surprised voice rang out from nearby. "Kailey, I can't believe that's actually you!"

Both Kailey and Nora turned toward the sound.

Standing just ahead was a couple, hands linked together, looking effortlessly in sync.

Ryan's sharp eyes quickly swept over the scene, and he frowned. "Why are you here, Kailey?"

Kailey opened her mouth, but Nora beat her to it with a teasing laugh. "Isn't that a funny question coming from you? Obviously, she's here to recover from an injury."

Nora had never been one to tiptoe around anyone, no matter their background. She'd built her reputation on honesty, not empty compliments.

The remark left Ryan and Olivia momentarily stunned, their expressions shifting from surprise to mild embarrassment in an instant.

Kailey nearly let out a laugh, but held it in. Ryan hadn't even remembered her injury, yet he'd brought Olivia to this place for recovery. The difference in how they each mattered to him was suddenly obvious. Still, it was probably for the best—less drama for her.

She leaned closer to Nora and whispered, "That's my uncle, though we're not related by blood. And the woman with him is his girlfriend."

Nora's eyes flickered with interest, catching on to the odd tension right away.

With a mischievous "oh," she flashed a polite smile. "My apologies. I didn't realize you're Kailey's uncle. I'm known for speaking my mind, so I hope you'll excuse me if I sounded too blunt."

The remark was innocent enough, but Kailey heard the underlying irony.

Ryan's expression grew shadowed. After a moment, his gaze drifted to the two women standing together. "So, Ms. Barrett, are you and Kailey good friends?"

Nora started to answer, "Not especially, but when it comes to her—" She caught Kailey's warning look and smoothly changed direction. "Let's just say, most of my clients start as strangers and end up regulars."

Relief washed over Kailey, and she chimed in, "Nora's got a real talent for what she does, and I enjoyed our chat."

It was only then that Ryan seemed to recall why Kailey might have come in the first place. Yesterday she'd brushed off her injury, and it had slipped his mind.

Now he gave her a more thoughtful look. "How's your waist? Is it feeling any better today?"

Olivia lingered quietly on the sidelines, the concern etched in Ryan's expression not lost on her.

A flicker of something unreadable crossed her face, but she held her tongue.

Kailey, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by this sudden burst of attention. She replied causally, "It's much better now."

Ryan misread her detachment as irritation. He gave Olivia's hand a gentle squeeze, then quickly released it. He knew all too well that Kailey had a temper, and the last thing he wanted was to draw everyone's eyes with family drama.

Olivia glanced at her empty hand, squeezing her palm tight as if to steady herself.

Ryan didn't notice. He switched to a more authoritative tone. "If you're feeling better, Kailey, go home and get some rest. Don't push yourself running around, or you'll be complaining to me again if it flares up."

The remark struck Kailey as odd, as if she were always turning to him with her troubles.

She met his gaze, a cool smile on her lips. "No need to worry. I won't make that mistake again."

That simple promise—delivered so firmly—left a brief sting in Ryan's chest.

He looked away, masking the reaction. "You should take a taxi home. I'm staying for Olivia's appointment."

Kailey simply looked his way without offering a response.

Choosing not to engage, she slipped her hand into Nora's and said, "I'm heading out now, Nora. Let's meet up sometime soon."

Nora caught the underlying message, offering a knowing smile as she gently pinched Kailey's cheek. "Of course. Next time, bring him along when you visit."

Of course, she was referring to Kyson. Ryan, however, took it another way.

No sooner had Kailey walked out than he fixed Nora with a firm look. "Ms. Barrett, let's be clear—Kailey is just my niece. I'd prefer if you didn't try to set her up with me."

Nora opened her mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it and bit back her words. She decided to let Ryan cling to his self-assurance—a little blind confidence never hurt anyone.

With a sly, knowing grin, she remarked, "Alright, I get it. That was my mistake. Clearly, Kailey's not the one for you. You're much better suited to the lady at your side."

She'd already picked up on Olivia's sly glances and subtle moves. To her, the pair made a perfect match: one over-confident, one cunning. Part of her couldn't help but wonder how Ryan would react once the truth came out.

The mere thought of that showdown brought a spark of anticipation.

With a bright smile, Nora turned to flag down a nearby assistant. "I have other things to handle, so I'll leave you two in good hands," she said politely to Ryan and Olivia.

As soon as the assistant appeared, Nora gave a few instructions, her expression unreadable. Then, slipping right back into her pleasant facade, she nodded with practiced grace and glided away.

Once she reached her office, she wasted no time in calling Kyson to share the latest developments.

"You know, I get the sense Kailey still has feelings for Ryan. Are you really sure you're prepared for that?"

Night had already fallen over Irilas. Kyson sat by his window, city lights shimmering in his thoughtful eyes, lost in the distant glow.

He pulled his long legs down from the edge of the desk, his voice low and steady. "I'll finish up here soon, then head out to pick her up myself."

"You certainly don't lack confidence, do you?" Nora arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile. "I can't wait to see how this plays out."

The idea of what was coming next left her quietly amused.

She ended the call and moved on. Kyson lingered for a moment, spinning his phone between his fingers. Then he opened his messages and sent a note to the contact pinned at the top. "All done with your treatment?"

Kailey had just settled into the car when her phone buzzed.

She couldn't help but smile as she read his text.

"All done. Nora's massage was amazing—I didn't feel a thing the whole time. Thanks, Kyson!"

She added a cheerful emoji for good measure.

Kyson gave a small laugh as he read her reply. After a pause, he replied, "If it helps, you should keep going back. Nora's always got time for you. Think of it as helping her get more practice."

Seeing his response, Kailey's smile only grew. She felt even more at ease knowing how well the two got along.

"She said next time you come by, we should both visit together."

Kyson caught the "we" and his lips curled into a quiet smile, his eyes lighting up like a clear night sky.

Their conversation drifted on, filled with easy banter, until Kailey's phone flashed a low battery warning. She sent a final message to wind things down.

"I'll let you go for now. Need to get some rest and start packing a bit. Goodnight, Kyson."

The reality of moving to Aslesall with Kyson set in as she looked around her room. It was time to sort through her things and decide what to bring along.

As for everything else, she doubted Ryan or Olivia would care to see them again, so she'd have to figure out what to do with the leftovers first.

Afternoon sunlight was already fading when she finally made it home. She plugged in her phone, then got lost in sorting her belongings, the hours slipping by unnoticed.

Only when the housekeeper came upstairs to call her for dinner did she realize how dark it had grown outside.

Phone in hand, Kailey headed down the stairs with the housekeeper.

"Mr. Owen called a while ago. He said he won't be home for dinner tonight," the housekeeper said, studying her face with concern. "Kailey, why not just have a real conversation with him? He sounded upset on the phone, probably because you haven't answered his messages."

At that, Kailey glanced down at her phone. Sure enough, her screen was filled with missed calls and unread messages—all from Ryan.

Without a word, she cleared the notifications and replied quietly, "I must not have heard them."

The housekeeper, who had always treated Kailey like family, gave her a gentle, heartfelt warning. "You're still young. You'll meet so many more people as time goes on. Don't let yourself get weighed down by the past."

Kailey appreciated the concern and wrapped her arms around the woman's shoulders. "I'll be alright, I promise."

She had already made up her mind to leave the past behind. Whatever happened in Ryan's world from now on was no longer her concern.

After dinner, Kailey sat at her desk, found the number of a local charity library, and arranged to donate her entire collection of books.

Just as she finished, her phone lit up with a call from Julia Reed.

"Tomorrow's my little boy's one-month celebration. We're just inviting close friends for now. The big party will be at his christening. You better be there, Kailey!"

Julia was Ryan and Kailey's mutual friend. With such a personal invitation, Kailey knew she had to attend. But Ryan would certainly be there as well.

Kailey hesitated for a moment, then pushed the worry aside. Why let it matter? Ryan's presence didn't change her own worth. She had nothing to be ashamed of, and she'd never wronged anyone. There was no reason to hide.

The following morning, Kailey headed to the nearest shopping center, searching for a thoughtful present for Julia's baby.

The address Julia had given led her to a charming country manor.

By the time Kailey arrived, the living room was already buzzing with conversation.

Everywhere she looked, she spotted familiar faces—friends and acquaintances who all seemed to know about the recent rift between her and Ryan. As she stepped inside, she caught the glances, the quick whispers exchanged behind polite smiles.

Julia, ever the gracious host, hurried over and took Kailey's hand in hers. "Pay no attention to them, Kailey. People here love to gossip more than anything. Come on, I'll introduce you to my little one."

Kailey shrugged it off, her tone light. "It's alright. They're only saying what's true."

The rumors weren't exaggerated—her falling out with Ryan over another woman was hardly a secret.

Julia seemed to search her expression, then sighed. "I really thought he'd have feelings for you eventually."

From Julia's perspective, it was hard to believe Ryan could overlook a woman as sincere and sweet as Kailey, someone he'd cared for since she was small. It was difficult to tell if he truly loved Olivia or if he was just blind to what was in front of him.

Kailey offered a gentle smile. "Maybe things were never meant to work out that way. I'm done chasing after something that isn't mine. Let's not dwell on it. I brought a little present for your baby—I hope he'll like it."

Julia's eyes sparkled as she realized Kailey's good mood was genuine. With a playful flick to Kailey's nose, she teased, "I hope you'd meet someone wonderful soon."

For a fleeting second, Kyson's face popped into Kailey's mind, and her answer came with a soft, unintentional smile. "I already have."

Julia's curiosity was instantly piqued, but before she could ask, a familiar voice cut in. "What are you talking about?"

The sound sent a jolt through Kailey's chest. She turned and met Ryan's stormy gaze. Did he overhear what she said?