Chapter 453

I was wearing a light, flowy loungewear set that had a bit of a traditional vibe. The neckline dipped a little, and it was tied at the waist with a soft sash, all in a warm pink shade.

I nodded. "After a long day at work, I just wanted to feel fresh and comfortable. Makeup can be a bit much sometimes."

Ryan’s ears turned a little red. "You look beautiful without makeup. There’s something kind of cool and elegant about you."

“And what about when I wear makeup?” I asked with a smile.

“Like a… a siren,” Ryan said, then quickly corrected himself. “No, I mean, you look very elegant.”

I looked at him, kind of speechless but smiling. “Those two vibes are total polar opposites. How can you even put them together?”

Ryan realized it too and laughed. “But with you, it just works. When you’re not smiling, you’re all grace and poise. But when you do smile, you’re so alluring.”

“Alright, thanks for the compliment,” I said with a grin, steering the conversation away. “So, why’d you bring this bread again?”

“You said you liked it before,” Ryan said, handing me one.

I took a bite – yep, same as last time. Milky, fluffy, and just melts in your mouth.

After a long day, coming home to food, drinks, and a handsome guy to keep me company – life was looking up.

We were sitting at the table, eating, when Ryan suddenly asked, “So, how’s it going with Nathan?”

I tightened my grip on my fork. “I haven’t told him yet. He’s gonna come to Shaville once he wraps things up on his end.”

“And… where are you gonna meet him?” Ryan’s eyes suddenly looked a little sad.

I knew exactly what he was thinking. “Ryan, maybe my morals aren’t the highest, but since I’ve decided to break up with him, there’s no way I’ll ever sleep with him again.”

Ryan looked at me, his dark eyes blinking. “Oh, I believe you.”

“It’s so strange,” I said, “Uncle Ryan always comes off as so dominant and forceful, but you’re so warm and gentle. It’s hard to believe you’re from the same family.” Ryan’s considerate, well-behaved look was honestly really charming, and that’s when it really hit me.

Ryan paused as he was picking up some food, pulling his fork back to his plate. He lowered his head and bit his lower lip. “How do you know I’m not dominant and forceful too?”

I was just taking a sip of water when I heard that, and I jerked my head up to look at him.

When our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat. His eyes held a secret, mysterious look.

Ryan reined in his emotions and flashed me a smile. “Gotcha. I’m way easier on you than I am with anyone else.”

“I don’t buy it,” I said, sipping my water and eyeing his handsome face over the rim. “Or are you just putting on an act right now?”

Ryan gave me an innocent look. “What am I pretending, Victoria?”

“Stop!” I reached out, cutting off that flirty, irresistible vibe he was giving me. “Don’t call me that. I’m so over it.”

Ryan blinked, sounding a little jealous. “Who else calls you that besides me?”

I immediately pulled out my phone and showed him the messages – all these cute guys texting me “sis.”

Ryan’s face twisted in anger, his lips pressed into a tight line. “Why are you just adding guys like that? What are they after?”

I laughed. “I totally forgot to get a second phone. From now on, this work phone stays strictly business. I only added them for work.”

Ryan’s expression finally eased up a bit. “With so many guys wanting to get close to you, how come you haven’t picked the cream of the crop?”

“Who says I haven’t?” I raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you the top pick in the whole ‘sis’ squad?”

“Victoria…” Ryan’s cheeks turned red from my teasing. “Don’t put me in the same category as those guys.”

I was really turning a little wicked – I actually enjoyed watching him blush.

“Alright, I’ll stop messing with you. Come on, let’s eat. Don’t let all the effort your housekeeper put into this meal go to waste,” I chuckled, trying to comfort him.

Ryan seemed to lose his appetite, a shadow crossing his face as if something was weighing on his mind.

“You don’t really see me as just another one of them, do you?” Ryan looked up at me, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

“What kind of person?” I asked, tilting my head in curiosity.

“Someone who just got interested because you’re hot,” Ryan muttered, sounding a little sheepish.

I grinned. “Isn’t that totally normal? I mean, doesn’t every crush start just because someone looks good?”

“Really?” Ryan’s eyes sparkled, “So, what was your first impression of me?”