Chapter 378

Her Internal Struggles I looked at Ryan and knew he had waited for me for too long. I found it hard to answer his question.

because I didn’t want to hurt him.

I considered how we were during college and remembered him caring for me when I returned home during my freshman year. Ryan was always attentive, yet he kept a distance and never crossed boundaries.

So, I only saw him as an elder brother from the neighborhood.

“Perhaps I would have,” I answered honestly. “You never gave me the chance to consider things in that direction.”

Ryan tightened his grip on my hand. He looked conflicted with pain, regret, and longing. He was brave this time, asking, “What about now? I’ll do my best to care for you and Ava.”

His words made it hard for me to remain serious, I knew he was earnest, but I couldn’t help but chuckle.”

Ryan, you’re too funny. You…”

When I saw his anxious gaze, I quickly adjusted my tone. I realized I was too light–hearted and even disrespectful. I composed myself and said thoughtfully, “I know you’re serious and will do an excellent job at that.

“Today’s incident isn’t your fault. I know you treat me well and have feelings for me. Please give me some time.”

“Really?” Suddenly, Ryan looked determined. “I will try my best. Thank you for giving me a chance!”

I felt speechless. I didn’t mean to start a relationship with Ryan but rather to try and get closer. It seemed like I hadn’t made myself clear. I would try it since I couldn’t take back what I had said. I said softly, “But I I let’s not force anything, okay?”

He tightened his grip again like he feared I might take back my words. “Chlo, you’re everything to me. I regret being indecisive. You wouldn’t have suffered with Matthew if I had been braver back then.”

I said, “This is my fate. The Murphys are dysfunctional. Melanie harbors deep hatred toward me. To her, I’m the one who took away her brother and fortune.”

I continued to analyze Melanie’s mindset, “I was too compliant with Matthew. The Murphys think I took everything from them, so Melanie is aggressive toward me. They were heartless to me just now, but I didn’t want to be like them.

“The baby was Innocent, and saving him was my motherly Instinct. Let’s hope Ava will get good karma “But I was with you and could only watch you get hurt,” Ryan continued to blame himself. He said affectionately, “Take better care of yourself next time. Do you still want stew? Let me take you.”

I chuckled, “All that happened because I wanted some stew. We wouldn’t have bumped into them if I had stayed here.”

Ryan was determined to take me. “Should I get your parents first? Then, we can find a nearby stew place.

together.”

I nodded. “Okay, I’ll nap while you pick my parents and Ava up.”

“Sure.” Ryan squeezed my hand before finally leaving the hospital.

I looked at my injured arm. Although the pain had subsided after applying the medication, there was still a lingering discomfort. Suddenly, I became emotional. I could only see Atlas standing before me with Atlas’s deep eyes that sent a chill down my spine.

I always got hurt whenever he was around. Only I knew my composure wouldn’t waver before him. My suppressed longing had caused his indifference. No matter his reasons, it couldn’t compensate for my disappointment. only watch him walk away with another woman. I wasn’t even worth his glance. I smiled bitterly I could with these thoughts. Perhaps it was time for me to start a new life.