Chapter 820

Ryan caged me against the window from behind, holding me tight. “The two-year deal is up. I kept my promise to my granddad, and you’ve cut off contact with my uncle, Vic, I want to be with you.”

I stared at him, stunned and in total disbelief. “What are you even saying right now?”

Ryan met my eyes, his voice serious. “The day my granddad had his heart attack and landed in the hospital, Uncle Ed was called back to the country. Granddad made him swear, right then and there, that he’d stay away from you for the rest of his life if he wanted to keep his spot as CEO. And Uncle Ed did it–he swore on the spot. After that, Granddad told me if I could leave Braylin and start fresh out west for two years, he’d give me one last chance to choose my own path.”

I listened, my mind reeling. I had no idea so much had happened behind my back.

“I ran into Nora today,” I said softly. “She mentioned her mom was sick. Is that true?”

Ryan nodded. “Yeah, it’s some kind of blood disease. Uncle Ed’s been throwing money at the medical field for the past couple years, doing whatever it takes to find a cure. He’s worried Nora might end up with it too, so he has to figure something out.”

I stood there in shock, never expecting Nora’s mom might actually have leukemia. It turns out Edward had been searching everywhere for a way to save her–for his daughter’s mother. That was some real devotion.

“Vic, it’s like fate keeps throwing us back together—and this time, I’m never letting go,” Ryan murmured as he pulled me into his arms. “Granddad was the one who guided me through everything. Losing him… it wrecked me. I haven’t slept a real night since, I’m honestly just worn out to the bone.”

Seeing the shadows under his eyes, the weight in his voice–I felt that loss with him. It really had crushed him.

“Hey, if you’re that wiped out, go crash in the bedroom for a bit,” I suggested, knowing even the strongest guys couldn’t survive this kind of strain forever.

“Would you… maybe stay with me?” he asked, voice low, almost like he was afraid I’d say no.

I nodded.

Ryan lay down on my bed without even bothering to change his clothes, and I pulled the curtains tight so the light wouldn’t bother him.

Snowy hopped off the couch and onto the bed, curling up by Ryan’s feet and instantly dozing off.

I was just sitting on the other side when Ryan, unable to sleep, suddenly reached out and grabbed my arm. He gave a gentle pull, and before I realized it, I’d stretched out beside him–my arm caught tight in his embrace.

Ryan was out cold the entire night, not even moving once. Snowy circled the room a couple of times before hopping back onto the bed and curling up at his feet.

I was stuck in that half-awake state most of the night, random memories and scenes flickering in my mind. It wasn’t until the sun started coming up that I finally managed to really fall asleep.

When I finally woke up, it was already noon. Ryan was gone.

Snowy had vanished too. I rubbed my eyes, wandering out into the living room–honestly, the whole thing felt unreal, like I was waking up from some crazy dream.

But that warmth I remembered from his chest–there was no way that was just a dream.

I took a quick shower and changed into some fresh clothes. If Ryan really left, he probably had something important to take care of.

After tidying up the room, I fired up my laptop–a mountain of work was waiting for me.

The doorbell rang around noon. I jumped up and raced over, and–no surprise–Ryan was standing there, Snowy cradled in his arms and a shopping bag in one hand. “Had someone bring over some food and fruit for you,” he said, his eyes crinkling with a hint of a smile.

“Ryan, are you really sure about this?” I asked, thinking back over last night and all the pros and cons. Around here, if one didn’t have serious connections, they were basically stuck–it was tough to get by without them.

After seeing what the Jennings family was truly capable of, I knew it was way more practical to stay with Ryan than to go chasing after someone new. As long as he still wanted me, I was more than willing to stick by his side.

But when it comes to actually getting married… that was a whole different matter.

Ryan flashed a teasing smile, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Honestly, I figured you knocked back so much last night you’d forget everything I said.”

I looked right into his eyes and smiled. “Trust me, I wasn’t blackout drunk–I remember every word.”

“So, does that mean you’re saying yes?” Ryan asked, searching my face intently.

“Ryan, being with you isn’t just about my feelings–there are other things I have to consider too. Do you want me to lay it all out?” I said, wanting to be upfront so he wouldn’t ever feel I’d led him on later.