Chapter 5 I Already Have

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?