Chapter 714
“I can’t calm down,” Ryan choked out. “Not when I think about you and Uncle Ryan. I know coming here was a mistake, I know I shouldn’t be doing this. You think I don’t know I’m asking for trouble? But what am I supposed to do? What can I even do?” He slumped against the door, burying his face in his hands. Then he ripped off his mask, pressing his palm to his forehead, his eyes shining with tears as he looked at me. “I’m sorry, I lied to you. I know I have no right to ask you for anything, but please… don’t marry Uncle Ryan.”
“This is my life, and I’ll make my own choices,” I snapped, still fuming. I put as much distance between us as I could, raising my hand. “Please, just go.”
Ryan lowered his voice, almost pleading. “Fiona and I are going to split up sooner or later. Just… wait for me, okay?”
I was completely stunned, staring at him in disbelief. “How long have you even been married?”
Ryan let out a bitter, mocking laugh. “It’s just a business deal. Did you really expect me to have feelings for her?”
“But… a divorce could ruin your career,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“There are plenty of examples around me,” Ryan said, straightening up slowly. “It’s not a big deal.”
That was when I noticed he was wearing a gray shirt. Without the mask, he looked like a completely different person–his whole aura had shifted.
I had no idea what he’d been through these past six months, but his eyes were sharp as a hawk’s, with a hint of disdain and icy distance. They weren’t the same clear-as-a-lake eyes I remembered from before.
Sometimes, all it takes is one marriage to make someone grow up.
Maybe, somewhere out of my sight, Ryan had fought and lost, and now all he could do was throw himself into his work.
“Fine,” I said, my voice cold. “Even if that’s true, nobody’s going to just wait around for you. Wake up, Ryan. And your divorce with Fiona? That’s your business, not mine.” Right now, I felt like a startled bird, on edge at every little thing.
Ryan caught the fear in my eyes, and his look softened, a hint of tenderness and worry showing through. “Are you really that scared of me coming to see you? I’m not here to do anything else.”
I turned my face away, eyes shut tight. “Do you know how easy it is for people to make up nasty rumors about a married woman? You might not be doing anything, but just standing here with you… to outsiders, I could look like a homewrecker.”
“If anyone dares say that about you, I’ll make them eat their words,” Ryan snapped, his anger flaring.
“It’s good to have spirit, Ryan,” I said, my voice softening as I pleaded. “But please, just go. I really don’t want to see you right now.” I’d tried being tough, but that hadn’t worked. Now I had to beg.
Ryan flinched, his expression wounded as he looked at me. “Really?”
I didn’t turn around. I just hugged myself, facing the darkness outside the window.
His breathing grew ragged, and then he turned, opened the door, and left.
Relief washed over me. I turned and locked the deadbolt.
Ryan was still way too cocky, totally clueless about how out of his depth he was.
I wasn’t about to get dragged into his messed-up emotional games.
By noon the next day, most of my work was done.
I’d signed all the contracts I needed to, so I decided it was time to head back to Hachester.
I texted Edward to let him know I was leaving, but he asked me to stay for lunch first.
Since my flight was after three, lunch wouldn’t be a problem.
I agreed to go over for lunch, and as usual, Edward sent his driver to pick me up.
The lunch spot was a secluded little courtyard, tucked away from prying eyes.
As I got out of the car, the sun was warm on my skin. I was torn, debating whether I should tell Edward about Ryan showing up yesterday.
“So, what should I call you now? Aunt Victoria?” A clear male voice suddenly rang out, nearly making me jump out of my skin.