GoodNovelKari couldn't help but feel a pang of difort as she bridged the decade-long gap between now and the image of Ronald as a youthful figure from ten years ago.
"You should smoke less," she blurted out, immediately feeling she had no right to say it. But the last thing she wanted was for Ronald to fall ill, especially from something as harmful as smoking.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Okay," Ronald agreed instantly, as if quitting smoking was akin to climbing Everest.
Kari knew all too well the struggle of kicking the habit. After a moment's thought, she offered, "I've picked up ssnacks recently. I can get you some. If you're ever feeling edgy, they might help take the edge off." Ronald caught the care in her voice, his lips curling up in a slight smile. "Sure." "I'll walk you up." Ronald, still concerned, asked, "How will you get back down?" As they stepped into the elevator, Kari yawned, "A nurse's rounds wokeup." "I saw a car I recognized downstairs when I got up." Ronald, smiling, shared, “I left the Malone family gathering late. Didn't want to disturb you, nor did I feel like going back, so I thought I'd just hang around downstairs." To Kari, his words felt like an unspoken confession.
She kept her expression neutral, "Got it." After escorting Kari back to her room, Ronald settled on the sofa as she climbed into bed. It had been ten years since they last shared a room. Though physically exhausted, Ronald's mind was buzzing. Watching Kari sleep soundly, he swallowed hard before finally allowing himself to close his eyes.
Kari seemed to have otten her earlier reticence, no longer avoiding Ronald. And Ronald, on his part, didn't bring up pursuing her further.
Instead, he apanied her to see a naturopath, who prescribed a variety of remedies to help with her stomach issues. Whenever he had free time, Ronald would personally prepare and bring her healthy broths, making itmon knowledge within the stuthat he was courting Kari.
Who was Ronald? He was the heir to the Malone family, notoriously out of reach for most.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHis presence by Kari's side didn't go unnoticed- Many in the stunudged Kari to give Ronald a chance, considering him to be quite the catch. Influenced by their encouragement, Kari found her resolve wavering.
However, without Ronald broaching the subject, she felt it wasn't her place to make the first move, leading them into an unprecedented period of ambiguity.
Before departing, Ronald rushed to see her. "Where are you off to?" "You're going abroad? How long will you be away?" Seeing the sweat on his forehead, Kari felt a tightness in her chest, "Don't worry, Brittany had an accident in H city. I just want to check on her." Relief washed over Ronald upon hearing she wasn't leaving because of him. "That's good." After a pause, he inquired, "What happened?" "It'splicated," Kari admitted, not fully understanding the situation herself.
"Are you going alone?" Kari nodded, "Hannah Chester is pregnant and can't travel—” "I'lle with you." Ronald couldn't bear the thought of Kari traveling alone, concerned for her safety.
Kari hesitated, but Ronald had already booked his ticket, ensuring Kari was upgraded in the process.
Watching his determined figure, Kari felt an inexplicable sense offort.
Once onboard, Kari and Ronald found their seats. As Ronald relaxed into his chair and drifted off to sleep, Kari spent the journey watching over him, a silent guardian in the dim cabin light. en kikistories
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