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?

A sudden tension settled over the group, and Kailey's eyes drifted to Olivia, who stood close by Ryan's side.

Though Olivia remained silent, there was no mistaking the satisfaction in her gaze—she seemed to relish every bit of the uncomfortable moment.

Kailey pouted and answered softly, "It's nothing important. Julia just asked if I'd found an internship, and I told her I had."

Julia immediately picked up on the shift and hurried to smooth things over. "That's right. Kailey's about to finish school, and I thought she might join our company for a while."

Ryan's eyes lingered on Kailey for a while before responding, "She'll be starting her internship with one of Owen Group's subsidiaries. There's no need for anyone else to worry."

Olivia finally broke her silence, wearing a gentle smile. "I heard Kailey's been doing very well at university. She's bound to do great wherever she lands. Ryan, you really ought to respect her choices too."

Ryan, still in the habit of managing Kailey's affairs, replied without thinking, "She hasn't spent much time in the real world yet. How could she know what's best for herself?"

Kailey almost laughed. He always made choices for her.

She lowered her eyes and, with quiet resolve, replied, "I'm almost twenty-one. I can figure out what's good for me."

For a split second, something like surprise flashed in Ryan's eyes before they turned cold once more.

He assumed she was challenging him just for the sake of it, convinced her attitude was only getting worse.

He wanted to confront her on the spot, but remembered the celebration around them.

His tone was cold as he said, "You'd better figure it out. While you're here, don't wander off. You'll come back with me when this is over."

Once those words left his mouth, he walked away with Olivia, not giving Kailey so much as a backward glance.

Kailey had grown used to his cold shoulder over the past few days. If he wanted to ignore her, she'd let him. After all, her time here was nearly up. There was a strange comfort in the silence he left behind.

Julia, having seen the entire exchange, slipped an arm around Kailey's shoulders, her voice full of sympathy. "Honestly, I didn't expect Ryan to act this way. There's really nothing charming about someone so set in his ways. Let's just forget about him."

Kailey nodded, her agreement wholehearted. "He's not going to get under my skin anymore."

Thinking Kailey needed a distraction, Julia decided not to introduce her to the other guests. Instead, they wandered through the villa's grounds together.

Tucked between rolling hills and winding streams, the manor offered a kind of quiet beauty that eased Kailey's mind.

A flicker of guilt passed through her. "Julia, I hope I'm not keeping you from your other guests."

"Don't be silly. This place is meant for relaxing," Julia replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "If Ryan ever yells at you again, just chalk it up to a midlife crisis—men get cranky as they get older."

Kailey held back a laugh but kept her future plans to herself. It wouldn't matter much longer—there would be no next time.

The celebration stretched late into the evening, with guests doting over Julia's baby boy. As people began to say their goodbyes, a few tipsy voices broke out in teasing.

"Ryan, when's the big day for you and Olivia? You're not getting any younger. Don't keep us waiting! And when you finally have your own little one, we'll bring the best gifts to your celebration!"

The space fell into a sudden hush.

A few guests cast quick, sympathetic glances at Kailey, their expressions tinged with pity.

Olivia's smile never faltered. She acted as though she hadn't picked up on any of it and responded sweetly, "Of course, we'd love to have everyone there."

The tension slowly melted away, and after a few more rounds of banter, people drifted off into the night.

Left with little choice, Kailey climbed into Ryan's car.

Olivia claimed the front seat, happily adjusting the air and queuing up her favorite playlist. She turned around and offered a stick of gum to Kailey. "Ryan brought these back from his last trip. They're impossible to find here—give one a try."

Kailey met Olivia's cheerful gaze with a blank stare. "No, thank you."

A quick glance in the rearview mirror caught Ryan's irritated expression.

Ignoring him, Kailey kept her eyes glued to her phone, feigning indifference.

After a beat, Olivia withdrew her hand and smiled awkwardly before turning to Ryan instead. "Kailey's not interested. You should have it."

For the rest of the ride, Kailey tuned out their conversation. Olivia chattered away about upcoming weddings, high-end bridal gowns, and every detail she'd dreamed up for her own big day.

Ryan replied to each comment, his tone a little too pointed, as if he wanted to make sure Kailey heard every word.

But Kailey wasn't listening. Her attention was fixed on her phone as she sent Kyson a message. "Julia's baby is adorable—huge cheeks you just want to pinch."

Kyson asked, "Only a month old?"

"Yep, today's his one-month party."

A moment later, her phone buzzed with an audio message.

Kailey, suspecting mischief, converted it to text.

It read, "You like babies that much? Let's have one together."

She knew he was teasing, but the idea made her laugh out loud.

Her smile faded when she noticed Ryan's eyes on her in the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed as he tried to read her expression.

From where she sat, Kailey caught a glimpse of Olivia's sour expression in the mirror.

She couldn't understand what she'd done wrong. Hadn't she kept to herself the whole drive?

Thinking back, she realized Olivia had been venting about the apartment's lousy maintenance—complaining that the management never fixed anything on time. Apparently, a burst pipe at home had left Olivia soaked and upset.

It dawned on Kailey that maybe they thought she was laughing at Olivia's story. That couldn't be further from the truth, but there was no point explaining.

No one spoke after that. The silence stretched until they pulled up to Olivia's place, bringing the tense drive to an end.

Ryan stepped out and circled the car to open the door for Olivia, his voice gentle. "Next time, don't try to deal with these things yourself. Just call me, alright?"

Olivia sniffled. "I know. I just don't want to trouble you."

"It's never a bother. If you need anything, you call me."

Kailey turned her gaze out the window, unwilling to witness their tender moment.

Soon after, Ryan slid back into the driver's seat, his eyes briefly meeting Kailey's with a look that promised a lecture was coming.

When they reached home, Kailey got out with measured calm.

No sooner had they stepped inside than Ryan rounded on her, his tone sharp. "Kailey, how many times have I told you—if you have a problem, say it to my face. What was that attitude in the car just now?"

"What attitude?" Kailey met his gaze, steady and unblinking. "I wasn't laughing at her."

"Then what was so funny?"

"I..." She hesitated. There was no way she could admit she'd been smiling at Kyson's playful message about having a baby. If Ryan heard that, he'd never let it go.

Her silence only made his expression colder. "Since you won't say it, let me be clear—I am your uncle, Kailey, and that's all I will ever be to you. Understand?"

She'd heard these words before, but each time still left a dull ache. This time, though, it barely stung—just left her numb.

Looking him straight in the eye, she answered with a cool detachment, "Don't worry. I know exactly where I stand, and I'll never step out of line again."