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CHAPTER THIRTY–ONE
LIANA’S POV
The drive back to Killian’s house was quiet. Ryan had fallen asleep in the backseat, curled up with his arms around his little backpack. Killian was focused on the road, one hand on the steering wheel, the other brushing against mine every now and then. But I barely noticed, because I was still thinking about everything that happened that morning, the way Dad refused to come out, how he couldn’t even say goodbye. I hadn’t stopped thinking about it. I didn’t think I could stop.
When we got to the house, Killian parked gently in the driveway. He turned off the engine and looked at me.
“Do you want to rest first? Or should I show you around properly now?”
I glanced at Ryan, still fast asleep. His mouth was slightly open, his head resting against the window. My heart squeezed if something inside me just couldn’t settle.
“Show me,” I said quietly. “I won’t be able to rest anyway.”
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Killian nodded. We stepped out of the car, and he gently lifted Ryan in his arms without waking him. I followed him into the
house.
It wasn’t my first time here. But it felt different now. as if I was supposed to belong. as if this place wasn’t just a stopover
anymore.
He carried Ryan to the room already prepared for him and laid him on the bed. Then he turned to me.
“Come. Let me give you the full tour.”
I followed him silently as he pointed out the guest rooms, the kitchen, the second living room, even the indoor mini–gym I
hadn’t noticed the first day.
“And this,” he said, opening a door gently, “is your room.”
It was beautiful. Spacious, but not overly fancy. Soft colors, warm lighting, a bed that looked too big for one person. My suitcase had already been placed inside. a vase of fresh flowers sat on the dresser, probably Agnes‘ doing.
“I know you’ve been here already,” Killian said, rubbing the back of his neck, “but I didn’t get to do this properly. I wanted to.”
I walked into the room slowly, my fingers brushing across the edge of the bed. It felt strange. and safe, and still not enough to quiet the ache in my chest.
Killian stepped closer. “Liana…”
I shook my head quickly. “I just need a minute.”
He nodded and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.
As soon as he was gone, I sank onto the bed, buried my face in my hands, and let the tears come.
I hadn’t cried in front of Ryan. Or Mother. Or even Killian.
But now… I couldn’t hold it in anymore.
It was too much. The guilt. The disappointment in Dad’s eyes. The silence. The fact that he didn’t even say goodbye,
I curled into myself, as if doing that could somehow shield me from the pain as if crying hard enough would undo
everything. I missed him so so much.
I didn’t know how long I cried. But eventually, there was a soft knock on the door.
I wiped at my face, trying to compose myself. “Yeah?”
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Killian stepped in, holding a glass of water. He took one look at me and didn’t say anything. He just walked over, handed me the glass, and sat on the bed beside me.
“I thought you might need this,” he said quietly.
I took it with trembling fingers. “Thanks.”
He hesitated, then reached for my hand. “I’m sorry.”
I looked down at our joined hands. “He’s ignoring my texts. It’s like I don’t exist anymore.”
Killian’s grip tightened. “You do exist. You’re here. You’re loved.”
I let out a broken laugh. “He doesn’t see it that way. To him, I chose you and gave up on everything else.”
“You didn’t give up on anyone, Liana.”
I sighed. “But he’s disappointed in me. and I can’t blame him. I don’t even know if he’ll ever speak to me again.”
Killian reached up, cupping my cheek. “He will. Maybe not today. Maybe not soon. But he will.”
I closed my eyes, leaning into his palm. “I hope so.”
He kissed my forehead. Then stood.
“Come on,” he said, gently tugging my hand. “Let’s go shopping.”
I blinked. “Shopping?”
“Yeah. For Ryan. and for you. I know you don’t feel up to it, but maybe it’ll help distract you. Just for a bit.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
Ryan was already awake and talking excitedly to Agnes when we came out. She was laughing at something he said, her
hands busy folding laundry.
“Agnes,” Killian said, “this is Liana.”
“We’ve met,” she smiled warmly. “But it’s nice to officially welcome you, Luna.”
Ryan ran to me. “Mom! Guess what! Miss Agnes said she used to take care of Uncle Killian when he was little! Isn’t that
cool?!”
I smiled. He was glowing. Happy.
“That’s really cool,” I said, ruffling his hair. “Did she tell you if Uncle Killian was naughty or not?”
“She said he was very bossy but always gave her chocolates.”
Killian groaned. “Okay, that’s enough ancient history. Let’s go get you some new clothes, little man.”
Ryan jumped. “Really? Can I pick Spider–Man ones?!”
Killian winked “Ofcourse you can. Even the ones with Batman!”
“Хауууууууууу!”
I laughed a little. Just a little. But it helped.
We left shortly after.
Then we headed to the mall.
Shopping with Killian and Ryan was chaotic and strangely healing. Ryan darted between stores, picking things he liked and
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then tossing them back if he found something better. Killian chased after him while I walked behind them, just watching.
It was… peaceful.
Killian kept checking on me, every now and then squeezing my hand, asking if I was okay. I wasn’t. Not fully. But I was
better.
By the time we were done, we had too many bags, two cups of frozen yogurt, and one very cheerful Ryan.
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