Chapter 4 We're About To Get Married

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."