Chapter 829

Ryan bent down and scooped Snowy into his arms, giving its little head a gentle pat. “So worked up, huh? Take a look—guess who just showed up?”

It was like Snowy had a sixth sense; it turned to stare right at me. I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. “I remember when it was just a tiny puffball. Now it’s grown up so much. You’ve really done a great job with it.”

Ryan chuckled, looking at me. “For the last couple of years, it’s basically replaced you by my side. I’ve been treating it like it was you, so of course I put my heart into taking care of it.”

“Ryan, are you trying to insult me or something?” I snapped, genuinely annoyed.

Seeing me get pissed, Ryan quickly stepped over and slung an arm around my shoulders. “Oh come on, don’t take it out on the pup.”

“You’re doing that on purpose—teasing me, aren’t you?” I shot back, elbowing him lightly in the side.

Ryan did an exaggerated wince, then pulled me in tighter like he couldn’t bear to let go.

I wasn’t as stick-thin as before; these past two years had really filled me out. Personally, I always thought women shouldn’t be too skinny—it just doesn’t look as healthy. My curves were a lot more balanced now, and it looked like Ryan definitely noticed; his handsome face went red in an instant.

As I followed him into the living room, that creamy, bakery aroma instantly greeted me—it was so familiar.

Ryan headed straight to the table. “Remember that bread you couldn’t stop talking about? I had the butler whip up a batch for you. Want a taste?”

I just stood there, all those old feelings swirling up inside my chest.

It had been so many years… how did Ryan still remember my absolute favorite bread?

I walked over, picked up a piece, and took a bite. It was just like the old days.

Snowy snatched a piece of bread and scurried off to the corner to chow down.

Ryan headed for the bathroom to wash up, then called out to me, “I told everyone to take the night off. It’s just us here tonight.”

I glanced up at him, and he looked sheepish for a second. “They’ve been keeping an eye on this place for ages. Figured they could use a break.”

I smiled knowingly. “I understand.”

Ryan, not wanting me to catch on to what he was thinking, mumbled softly, “My room’s not here—it’s over in the building out back. Wanna go see?”

“Sure,” I replied with a bright nod.

Ryan scratched the back of his neck, looking around. “Yeah, I pretty much modeled it after your vibe. I think your designs have a special kind of atmosphere!”

“How much of my own aesthetic did you end up swiping?” I questioned, running my fingers across the sofa. The color was spot-on, but the texture was something else—this leather was seriously premium.

Ryan burst out laughing. “Come on, don’t tell me you’re going to nitpick even this!”

I turned and leaned against the sofa, my eyes lighting up as I looked at him. “Honestly, Ryan, I never imagined you’d weave my designs into your everyday life. Far from annoyed—I’m honestly thrilled. To know my work means something to you, it feels so validating.”

Ryan let out a sigh of relief. “Honestly, I was afraid you’d think I was being kind of shady.”

“How could I? Sure, these might seem like tiny things, but when you put them all together, that’s when you get those real heart-thumping moments,” I said with a smile, coming to a sudden stop and spinning around. Ryan hadn’t expected me to just freeze, so he accidentally bumped right into me.

I tottered in my high heels, stumbling backward until my back pressed up against the wall beside the staircase.