Chapter 3 Kyson, I Got Hurt

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."