Chapter 27
The familiar scent of the estate greeted me as I stepped inside, but it no longer felt suffocating. It felt like home. After everything–the betrayal, the chaos, the pain–I was finally back where belonged.
Ryan was beside me, his grip firm on my hand, as if afraid I’d disappear again. My mother and stepfather were behind us, quiet but watching closely. And in my arms, Angelo stirred, letting out a tiny sound.
I tightened my hold on my son. We had fought through hell to get here, and I wouldn’t run anymore. Not from him. Not from our family.
Ryan’s voice broke the silence. “You’re home.“.
I turned to him. His face was unreadable, his blue eyes locked onto mine.
I nodded. “Yes.”
But deep down, I wondered if he could ever forgive me for leaving.
The estate was quiet as I settled back into my old room.
Everything was as I left it, yet nothing felt the same. I ran my fingers over the vanity remembering the girl who had sat there before–a woman who thought she had no choice but to
run.
Now, I wasn’t sure if leaving had been the right decision.
A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.
I turned as Ryan stepped inside, his eyes guarded. “Can we talk?”
I nodded, swallowing hard.
He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I knew what he meant. Why did I leave without a word? Why did I let him suffer, thinking I had betrayed him?
Tears burned behind my eyes, but I forced myself to stay strong. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Ryan scoffed. “The right thing?” His voice was low, dangerous. “Leaving me at the altar? Disappearing with our child?”
I flinched. “Your father-”
“I don’t care about him.” He pushed off the door, stepping closer. “You should’ve told me. We could’ve fought together.”
I looked away, guilt heavy in my chest. “I was scared. I didn’t want to be the reason you lost everything.”
Ryan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You were everything I wanted, Kylie. Don’t you get that?”
Silence stretched between us.
Then, softly, I whispered, “I’m sorry.”
Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It doesn’t change what happened.”
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“I know.”
His jaw tightened, but he reached out, gently tilting my chin up so I met his gaze. “Are you staying this time?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Ryan nodded, his expression unreadable. “Good.”
And just like that, the tension in the room lifted.
That night, the estate buzzed with quiet excitement. My mother and stepfather were discussing plans for a small dinner to celebrate our return. Even Jayson was here, sitting across from me a the dining table.
He watched me carefully before clearing his throat. “You look better.”
I smirked. “So do you.”
Jayson sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “Listen… I know I messed up. But I never wanted to hurt you. And I’m sorry for everything.”
I studied him for a long moment before nodding. “I forgive you.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Thank you.”
Later that night, I stood on the balcony, staring at the moonlit gardens below.
I heard Ryan before I saw him.
“You’re thinking too much.”
I turned as he stepped beside me, slipping his hands into his pockets.
I let out a soft laugh. I have a lot to think about.”
Ryan exhaled, his eyes fixed on me. “Then stop thinking.”
Before I could respond, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. My breath caught.
He flicked it open, revealing a simple but beautiful ring.
“I know we’re engaged but you ran away from me, so this time I want to make it right.”
Tears welled in my eyes.
Ryan took my hand, his voice steady. “Marry me, Kylie. No more running this time.”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
His lips crashed against mine, sealing a promise that this time, we were forever.
7:41 pm GD
