Chapter 493

Being with Ryan was like being swept up in a wave of youthful energy; everything felt so alive and vibrant. He was gentle, always knew how to make me feel better, and sometimes it made me feel a bit lightheaded. But happy times never seemed to last long. Around 3:30, Ryan’s face fell. “Guess it’s time to split up again.”

I reassured him, “I’ll be in Braylin in a week at the latest.”

“A week feels like forever,” Ryan whined, sounding just like a kid. His eyes clung to me, full of longing and reluctance. He nestled into my arms, eyes gently closed, while sunlight danced through the leaves outside, painting soft patterns across us. His long, thick black lashes framed those bright, shimmering eyes, making him look even sweeter and more innocent.

“Alright, you should head to the airport,” I said softly.

Ryan nodded and went into the bathroom. I hurried into the other one to shower and get changed. Ryan slipped into his crisp white shirt and dress pants, his usual boyish good looks suddenly taking on a hint of grown-up steadiness thanks to the outfit.

“You’re leaving already?” Ryan asked in a low, wistful voice, blocking my way at the bedroom door.

I glanced at my phone. “I’ve got some work to finish up. Have a safe flight.”

“Vic, I see other couples practically glued to each other, but with you, it’s always hot and cold,” Ryan said, his handsome face twisted in a wounded accusation.

“I’m not,” I said, a little taken aback.

“Then you must’ve forgotten how to be in a relationship,” Ryan sighed, seeing I wasn’t lying. “Did you forget to send me a text to say hi?”

I blinked at him, a little thrown. Did I really forget how to date someone? Maybe I did. I wasn’t some lovestruck girl anymore—not even a young wife. Honestly, I felt more like a middle-aged woman these days. All my energy was going into my career. There’s only so much to go around, so I barely had any left for love.

“Sorry, I’ll remember next time,” I said, giving him a quick grin.

Ryan cheered up right away and gave my cheek a gentle pinch. “Promise you won’t forget again. Three texts a day, okay? Even just a random photo works.”

“And if I forget?” I teased.

“Then I’ll come find you and remind you myself,” Ryan joked right back, grinning.

My heart skipped a beat. Ryan really is a handful—he’s the golden boy of the Jennings family. If he actually ditched work to come after me, Edward would never let me live it down, and Jeffrey would probably show up at my door demanding answers.

Ryan’s got the whole Jennings family’s hopes riding on him, so there’s a lot I have to watch out for.

“No, no, don’t you dare,” I said, my face going pale as I stopped him. “You’ll put me in a really tough spot.”

Seeing how rattled I was, Ryan flashed me a gentle, reassuring smile. “Relax, I’m not the impulsive type. I know I have to handle my own responsibilities before I can really be with you.”

I met his captivating gaze, my heart skipping a beat. Ryan truly understood—he had to keep his priorities straight if we wanted a real shot at being together.

“Alright, let’s not be stubborn,” I said, reaching up to pull him down for a quick kiss on the neck. “I’m heading out.”

Ryan walked me to the door, watching my car drive away like a lovesick puppy. As I drove past one guard post after another, I set my mind on something important. If I was serious about being with Ryan, it was time to sever all my other romantic entanglements—no more distractions.

When I got back to the office, I had no idea when Jared had shown up—he was sitting in my chair, looking all broody. He looked up as I walked in.

“Where’d you disappear to during work hours?” Jared asked, his tone flat, almost icy.

I wanted to say I’d just been playing hooky, but I couldn’t exactly admit that, so I made something up. “Just meeting a friend.”

Jared looked up at me, giving a cold, mocking smirk. “Let me guess—this friend of yours, their last name isn’t Jennings, is it?”