Chapter 399

Instead of feeling touched by Ryan’s words, I just felt even more suffocated by the pressure. I shifted back slightly, trying to put some distance between us, but Ryan sensed my movement. He spread his large hand across my waist, holding me even tighter. When I fell back into his arms again, there wasn’t a single inch of space left between us. Ryan’s breath was hot against my skin, his eyes burning with intensity. “Victoria, you’re single again now.” I bit my lip, trying to steady myself. “Who says being single means I have to start dating? I just want to focus on my career right now.” Ryan let out a low chuckle. “Like I said, I won’t get in your way. I support you chasing your dreams.” My heart trembled a little. Ryan had always lived a life of luxury, but he was born with such a big heart. I bet he was the kind of boy who’d always look out for you when he was little.

Even now, he’s still just as warm. Honestly, I can totally see him growing up to be the perfect gentleman–warm, gentle, and maybe even softer as he gets older. While I was lost in these random thoughts, Ryan leaned down to kiss me again. I turned my head, dodging his lips. He looked a little annoyed by my reaction. His fingers held my chin firmly, pulling me back to him, and deepened the kiss. I felt like I was trapped in a game where I had no control. “Stop…” I whispered, my voice shaky. If he kept kissing me, things were about to get out of hand. My mind was spinning even more. Ryan looked a little hurt. “Don’t you like it when I kiss you?” I glanced out the window at the scenery rushing by. “Can you be a little more discreet?” He shot back, “These guys have been with me forever. They know how to keep their mouths shut.” I glanced at the driver, who was focused on the road. That wasn’t even the issue here. Ryan held my chin again, taking a long look at my face in the glow of the streetlights outside. “What’s wrong? Are you upset?” Ryan asked, and when his eyes met mine, I didn’t have time to hide the worry on my face. Before I could answer, he asked again, “Is someone giving you a hard time?” My eyes widened. Ryan’s voice was full of concern. “Just tell me who it is, and I’ll bully them right back for you.” My heart gave a little jolt. If I really told him, would he actually dare to mess with Uncle Ryan? Just picturing that commanding look on Uncle Ryan’s face snapped me back to my senses. I forced a smile and said, “No one’s bothering me. Work’s just been a bit much lately.” “Your ex–husband really doesn’t know how to cherish a woman,” Ryan rebuked immediately. “When you were in danger working overtime last time, he really didn’t care at all?” I paused for a moment. Jared had changed so much compared to my previous life–I really couldn’t blame him for anything now. “It’s not his fault. I just want to do a good job, so I put in the extra effort,” I explained softly. To Ryan, it probably sounded like I was defending Jared. He let go of me, his face clouded over as he stared out the window, looking all moody. He’d been chatting away just a moment ago, but now he was suddenly quiet. Something in my chest tightened. He really was still so young–wearing his feelings right on his sleeve. I let out a sigh and asked, “What’s up with you now?” Ryan turned to me, giving me a resentful, almost wounded look, then just went back to staring out the window. Just then, we passed through a street packed with people, the air outside buzzing with voices and thick with the scent of street food and everyday life. But inside the car, it was dead silent. If he wasn’t going to say anything, I wasn’t about to press him. I shifted to the other side, gazing blankly at the bustling crowd outside. After my rebirth, all I wanted was to put myself first and find my own happiness. When you’ve died once, it feels like nothing can scare you anymore. But worries are like tangles in your hair–they always find a way to wrap around you, no matter how hard you try to shake them off. Before I met Edward, my life was under control. But after he came into the picture, it was like my brakes failed and everything spun out of control–life was speeding up, the direction was a blur, and I was just caught in a restless mess of emotions. “Don’t you even want to make me feel better anymore?” Edward pouted, sounding genuinely hurt as the car slowly rolled through the crowded street and the noise outside faded away. I turned to look at him. Wait, was he really waiting for me to comfort him? “You haven’t even told me what you’re mad about. How am I supposed to make it up to you?” Honestly, he was kind of cute when he acted like this. Honestly, being around Ryan felt pretty great. It was like I was instantly back in college–where all those raw, youthful feelings–joy, anger, sulking, even foolish crushes–could just come out without me having to hide anything. “Do you still care about your ex–husband?” Ryan’s voice sounded a bit down. I shook my head, then nodded, and Ryan just stared at me, totally speechless. I sighed and said, “Emotionally, I don’t care about him anymore. But logically, I still have to care a little.” “Why do you even care about him? Wasn’t he getting cozy with that female executive at his company? You divorced him because he couldn’t stay loyal,” Ryan brought up my past again.