Chapter 11:
I just smiled nervously, unsure how to respond to Ryan’s mother’s teasing
Before I could dwell on it, Ryan slid a plate in front of me, the steak already neatly cut into bite–sized pieces.
At the same time, across the table, his father did the same for his mother, placing a perfectly cut steak in front of her with effortless
I blinked, my eyes flickering between Ryan and his father
“So, this is where he gets it from I thought in my heart.
Ryan had always been sweet and gentlemanly, but seeing this simple, affectionate act between his parents made me realize–it was second nature to him.
“Thanks,” I murmured, glancing at him.
Ryan just shrugged. “You’ve been traveling all day. You should eat without worrying about the hassle.“%
His father cleared his throat, adopting a formal tone. “Don’t worry about anything. Jocelyn. There are plenty of staff at the mansion, so you won’t be alone with Ryan”
Ryan sighed. “Dad.”
His father smirked slightly, taking a sip of his wine. “It’s because you’re a gentleman that we’re worried, my son.”
His mother laughed, clearly enjoying the conversation, “Right, Ryan is so dangerous. Lucy, you should be careful.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “Noted, Auntie, Uncle
The lighthearted exchange should have made me feel completely at ease, and for the most part, it did.
But deep in my heart, an ache lingered.
This warmth, this playfulness, this effortless acceptance–this was the kind of situation I had once desperately wished for with Leo and his family.
I had spent years hoping to be seen, to be welcomed into their world.!!
But in the end, Leo and I never even had the chance to introduce each other to our parents.
We had ended before that could ever happen.!!
I shook off the thought, pushing it away as I focused on finishing my meal
After dinner we parted ways.
Ryan’s parents left for the airport, and Ryan and I returned to the Donovan estate.
As our car passed through the massive iron gates, my eyes widened.
For a second, I forgot just how wealthy the Donovan family was
The driveway stretched endlessly, lined with trees and pristine gardens. The mansion loomed in the distance, illuminated by soft golden lights, standing tall and grand like something straight out of a fairytale
Even though it was nighttime, the garden was still visible, illuminated by soft, warm lights that made the flowers glow under the moonlight.
I found myself admiring the variety of blossoms, the careful arrangement of each plant, the attention to detail in every corner.
“My mom loves gardening, Ryan said, noticing my focus.
I smiled. “No wonder she’s so lovely
Ryan scoffed playfully. “Who says? She’s a fierce tofu”
I laughed at his choice of words “Fierce tofu?%
“Soft on the inside, but terrifying when she wants to be,” he explained, shaking his head dramatically. “I prefer your mom.”
I chuckled. “Looks like nothing has changed. I’ve always liked your mom more, and you’ve always liked my mom more.” Ryan smirked ‘Seems like moms are always nicer to other people’s children but strict with their own. That’s just how it is.”
I laughed, nodding in agreement⠀⠀⠀
But then, he said something unexpected, “You’re beautiful when you laugh like that often. “Z
I blinked, caught off guard. “Hm7%
Ryan shrugged. “You seemed to have a lot on your mind earlier, so I tried really hard to distract you I’m glad to see you smiling now”
I hesitated, realizing that despite my efforts, he had noticed my lingering sadness.
Even though I had chosen to move forward, leaving behind a three–year relationship was not easy. No matter how much I tried to hide it the ache surfaced in small, unintentional ways.!!
I exhaled, offering him a small smile. “Thanks for your consideration, Mr. Donovan
He grinned. “Anytime.”
When we arrived at the front entrance, a butler was already waiting, promptly opening the car door for both of us.
Ryan stepped out casually, leaving his car behind as he entered the house with me.
By this point, I had already seen the grandeur of the estate–from the towering gates to the sprawling gardens–so when I finally stepped inside the mansion, I was not as overwhelmed as I thought I would be
By this point, I had already seen the grandeur of the estate–from the towenng gates to the sprawling gardens–so when I finally stepped inside the mansion, I was not as overwhelmed as I thought I would be
Still, the luxury was undeniable.
“Let me show you to your room,” Ryan said, leading the way. “It’s close to mine, so if you need anything, just call me.”
I raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Did your mother arrange this?”
Ryan chuckled. “Nope. I arranged it.“%
His answer caught me completely off guard.
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I quickly turned away, pretending to admire the hallway decor.
When we reached my room, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.
It was fully fumished, everything pristine and elegant–but what surprised me most was that all of my belongings had already been unpacked and neatly arranged.
Ryan leaned against the doorway, watching my reaction. “Your mom stopped by yesterday”
I turned to face him, stunned. “She what?”
He shrugged. “She came by to make sure your room was set up properly before you arrived.”
I groaned, running a hand through my hair. “Oh my God. My mother really went all out with this matchmaking plan.”
Ryan chuckled. “Well, that’s just how our moms are, right?
I sighed, shaking my head. “It’s a conspiracy, I swear“!
He laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave you to rest. My room’s right across from yours, so if you need anything, just knock He reached for the doorknob, pausing briefly. “Good night, Jocelyn”
I hesitated before nodding. “Good night, Ryan”
As he closed the door behind him, I let out a deep breath.X
Before unpacking or settling in, I pulled out my phone and dialed my mother’s number
The first thing I said when she answe
