Chapter 837

Ryan’s words made me feel at ease. He had a point—if a person keeps getting stuck in the regrets of their previous life, then aren’t they just living in vain? ‘He’s right. I need to let go of the past,’ I thought to myself.

His generosity, insight, and wisdom made me even more determined to walk this road alongside him. With Ryan by my side, I have the courage to embrace our future, I told myself.

“This ring is just silver. Seriously, are you going to keep wearing it?” I grabbed his hand, unable to resist. Earlier, when he was absentmindedly turning the simple ring, he looked so chill—almost seductive. I couldn’t help but tease him, “Should I get you a diamond one instead?”

Ryan glanced at me, his demeanor turning a bit lazy. “Nah, this one’s fine for now. I’m a guy—how could I possibly let you keep buying me diamond rings?”

“Alright, keep wearing this for now. Maybe I’ll upgrade you later,” I replied, honestly a little surprised he turned me down. ‘I hardly ever get the urge to spoil him, and he actually refused?’

I pushed his hand away, but the next second, his big hand wrapped around me. “Vic, how about you give me something else instead?”

I glanced at him. “What do you want?”

“I want… you,” Ryan whispered in my ear, his voice low and teasing.

Honestly, he’s unbelievable. ‘Was he starved for affection or something? He’s been looking for any excuse to get close these past couple of days,’ I thought.

Not that I’m complaining—his enthusiasm actually suits me just fine.

In my previous life, the moment I found out about Jared and Tracy hooking up, I pretty much lived like a nun.

I thought if I kept myself all virtuous and untouched, people would think I was some sort of saint.

But let’s be real—without a man around to liven things up, I was practically shriveled up by the time I hit thirty-five.

Meanwhile, Melissa cycled through her husbands like changing outfits, and at fifty, she was still glowing and bursting with energy.

Now, I’ve realized that sharing intimate moments with a man you truly like is honestly one of life’s pleasures.

To be real, girls always seem to get more hung up on feeling embarrassed than guys do. We want it, sure, but it’s like there’s something stopping us from just saying it out loud.

Ever since I met Ryan, I finally get it—when you’ve still got the drive, you might as well go for it. Why not let yourself be a little crazy while you’re young and actually live?

Time flew by, and before I knew it, another year was coming to an end.

The location for our new office in Braylin had been set, and the company was moving in.

My relationship with Ryan had gone from us cautiously sussing each other out to something steady and real.

On January 22nd, Ryan showed up at my office dressed to the nines in a suit. He looked incredible—refined yet striking, like someone who belonged in a glossy magazine spread. His deep, unwavering eyes held a hint of restrained allure, making him seem all the more tempting.

“Are you slammed?” Ryan asked, standing quietly at my office door. With the company wrapping up the year, I was drowning in work—papers everywhere, random issues popping up nonstop. Even though I knew he’d gotten into Braylin bright and early, I hadn’t found a spare minute all day to see him.

“Why are you here?” I said, pushing myself up from my white chair in surprise.

Ryan glanced around my office, that warm smile on his lips. “Just wanted to see the kingdom where you run the show.”

I gave Ryan the grand tour right away. We had way more cash to play with this time, so the office looked way classier than before—definitely an upgrade.

Ryan checked out the view through my window and asked in a low voice, “So, now that your company’s set up here, are you thinking about getting a place nearby?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been considering it, but with so much going on this year, I’ll probably wait till next year to actually make the move.”

Suddenly, Ryan pointed out the window. “I’ve got a place over there—why don’t you just move in with me?”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Ryan, seriously, how much do you actually own? Do you have a house on every block?”

He playfully ruffled my hair. “Technically, it’s not under my name, but it’s mine to use. So forget about buying—just move in with me.”

“If you want me there, I’m more than happy to accept,” I said. Ever since I’d been with Ryan, feeling secure was never something I had to worry about.

Ryan wasn’t the overbearing, controlling type—he always respected my choices and never tried to run my life. He just had my back whenever I needed it.

‘Honestly,’ I thought, ‘sometimes a man like him makes you want to claim him for yourself and never let anyone else get close.’

Maybe the universe really caught wind of what I’d been thinking, because as soon as the New Year ended, I suddenly started feeling nauseous.

At first, I figured it must’ve been all the rich food at my parents’ place over the holidays. They whipped up delicious feasts every day, and I just couldn’t stop stuffing myself.

I was even debating whether I should pop a pill to help settle my stomach.

But out of nowhere, when I was driving past a pharmacy, I slammed on the brakes.