Ryan's black car sped down the highway, leaving the city behind. Chloe sat beside him, hands in her lap, watching the trees blur past. The silence between them felt calm. It was their first time alone together in a while.
The drive to Ryan's grandmother's house took over three hours. Not long after they left the city, the steady sound of the engine and tires put Chloe to sleep.
Ryan glanced sideways when he noticed her head nodding. She had finally given in, her eyes closed, lashes brushing softly against her cheeks. She looked peaceful, even delicate. He turned down the music and reached behind the seat, pulling his jacket free. Gently, he draped it over her body, careful not to wake her.
When they neared the town, Ryan stopped at a small local shop and parked the car.
Chloe stirred, blinking sleepily. "Where are we?"
"Just stopping to get something for Grandma," Ryan said as he stepped out.
Chloe followed, brushing her hair with her fingers. "Thank you for thinking of all this. I should've prepared something for her."
"Grandma loves these snacks. I buy them for her every time I visit," Ryan replied, picking out a few of the familiar treats. Then, with a small smile, he added, "Honestly, I think just seeing you will make her happy."
Chloe's cheeks flushed. The air between them felt warm in a different way now. As they stepped out of the shop and walked along the narrow path toward the car, a bold idea crossed her mind. She hesitated for only a second before slipping her hand through Ryan's arm.
He stopped mid-step and looked down at her.
"Sorry… do you mind?" Chloe asked quickly, nervous.
Ryan didn't answer right away, but he didn't pull away. He simply shook his head and continued walking.
Chloe's heart thudded. It was something small, but it felt so intimate.
But then, Agnes' words from earlier that week echoed in her mind.
"Don't waste your time dreaming about someone like him."
Her confidence wavered, and slowly, she let go of his arm.
Ryan noticed. Without a word, he reached down and gently took her hand instead.
Chloe looked up in surprise, her blush deepening. His hand was large, warm, and steady. She couldn't stop the fluttering in her chest.
When they arrived at the family estate, Ryan's older brother, Shawn, was waiting at the entrance.
"You're here. Grandma's been asking about you all morning," he said.
"Hi, Shawn. It's good to see you," Chloe greeted warmly, giving him a polite nod.
"Welcome, Chloe," Shawn replied kindly. "I'm glad you could come."
Ryan then turned to Chloe. "Come on, let's see grandma first. You can rest afterward."
Inside the cozy, traditional home, they were led to the sitting room where an elderly woman rested in a high-backed chair.
"Grandma, I brought Chloe to see you," Ryan said softly.
Before Grandma could respond, a voice rang out behind them.
"Ryan! You're finally back!"
A young girl rushed into the room and flung her arms around Ryan. Chloe blinked, startled.
"This is Lily, my younger sister," Ryan said as he returned the hug.
Chloe smiled awkwardly. She hadn't known Ryan had a sister.
Grandma's eyes lit up when she turned her attention to Chloe. "Chloe, you've grown."
Chloe tilted her head. "You've met me before?"
"Of course. You were about five. Your mother brought you here once to play with Ryan. You wouldn't leave his side all day."
Chloe's eyes widened in surprise. "I don't remember that. My mom never mentioned it."
Ryan chuckled softly. "It was a long time ago. I barely remember anything from back then either."
After spending some time chatting, Chloe handed Grandma the snacks they bought. The old woman beamed.
Later, Ryan showed Chloe to her guest room so she could rest before dinner. The house was quiet and peaceful, and Chloe welcomed the chance to be alone for a while.
A knock on the door interrupted her peace. She opened it to find Lily standing there.
"Hi, come on in," Chloe said with a smile.
But Lily stepped in with a serious expression. "I'll get straight to the point. Just give up on my brother."
Chloe's smile faded. "Why would you say that?"
"My brother has always done what our family asked of him. He never says no because he doesn't want to disappoint anyone," Lily said, arms crossed.
Chloe felt a strange sense of dread rising in her chest. "What are you trying to say?"
"He's only with you because he's fulfilling our mother's wish. He doesn't love you, Chloe. And I don't want him to lose his chance at happiness just because he feels obligated. He deserves to choose who he loves."
Chloe stood frozen, the words hitting harder than she expected.
"I know you care about your brother," Chloe said quietly. "I care about his happiness too. Ryan's been kind to me, and we're still getting to know each other. I promise, if I ever feel like we're not right for each other, or that he doesn't truly want this, I'll be the one to end it."
Lily studied her for a moment, then nodded. "You better keep your word. Sorry for disturbing your rest."
After she left, Chloe sat on the edge of the bed, stunned.
The tears came slowly, slipping down her cheeks as she stared at her hands. She wasn't angry at Lily. She understood. But the doubt had taken root.
Ryan had been so good to her and so considerate. But not once had he spoken about his feelings. Not once had he said he wanted her.
The embrace, the hand-holding, the messages… were they simply acts of duty?
Was she just a checkbox on a list of family obligations?
She wanted to give them a chance. She wanted to see where this path could lead. But if Ryan's heart wasn't in it, how long could she keep pretending?
She lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
The warmth she had felt earlier that day had faded, replaced by a cold ache of uncertainty.
She didn't want to be a burden on someone's life. And she didn't want to be the reason Ryan never found real love.