10:30 Sat, 30 Aug


    <b>Chapter </b><b>454 </b>


    60%


    I thought back to when we first met he was drunk, hiding behind a pir, puking his guts out, then with watery eyes, asking me for a tissue.


    “Honestly, I thought you were just some pretty boy star,” I said.


    Ryan: “…


    I continued, “I even imagined you were one of those actors sent to entertain a rich woman, but you couldn’t hold your liquor, so you snuck off and hid behind that pir, crying your eyes out.”


    Ryan’s face went stiff.


    I cracked up. “Guess I totally got it wrong.”


    “So, do you think I’m good–looking?” Ryan asked. “You don’t think I look too… feminine, do you?”


    I rested my chin in my hand, taking a good look at his face. “No way. Your looks are the kind that only get more attractive as you get older–just like Uncle Ryan. There’s nothing soft about you, you’ve got that bold, masculine vibe.”


    Ryan suddenly blurted out, “So, you think Uncle Ryan is handsome?”


    I was caught off guard and quickly shook my head. “Don’t get me wrong, I just meant your family’s got some seriously good genes.”


    “If I looked more like my grandma, I’d be even better–looking,” Ryan said, then added, “She was a real knockout.”


    “Oh, that makes sense,” I said.


    Ryan noticed I wasn’t digging for more and looked a bit put out. “Why aren’t you asking about my family?”


    I replied softly, “You’ll talk about it when you feel like it. I’m not going to bug you.”


    “Howe you’re not as gossipy as other women?” Ryan muttered, still eating and sounding a little annoyed.


    “Honestly, gossiping takes effort, and I’d rather spend my time on myself,” I said with a smile.


    Ryan seemed to agree and smiled. <i>“</i>You know, you remind me a lot of my grandma. She always said to focus on yourself


    and not let outside stuff mess with you too much.”


    “Really? Then your grandma must have been a woman of real grace and refinement,” I sighed softly.


    “Yeah!” Ryan nodded. “Most families haye mother–inw and daughter–inw drama, but not us. My mom always respected my grandma, and my grandma never got involved in their stuff.”


    “That kind of mother–inw is really hard to find,” I said with a smile.


    Ryan’s brows drew together with a hint of sadness, “My grandpa had two wives. Uncle Ryan was born to the second wife. My grandma never said anything about it, but I know deep down it hurt her.”


    23


    10:30 Sat,


    I remembered Isabelle mentioning this in passing before, but I didn’t expect Ryan to bring it up now.


    “So, was that just how things were back then? Guys having two wives?” I asked, thinking about those rich families in Shariport who did the same thing.


    60%


    Ryan shook his head. “I’m not sure, but my grandma passed away before she even turned fifty. She must’ve had a tough


    time.”


    “Is your grandpa’s second wife still alive?” I asked.


    “Yeah, she’s still around, buttely she’s gotten really into Buddhism and pretty much keeps to herself,” Ryan said.


    I was honestly still kind of stunned. Turns out, the whole rich guys with multiple wives thing really isn’t anything new.


    “So… Ryan, what do you think about having more than one wife?” I asked.


    Ryan looked at me, then quickly raised his left hand. “I swear, that’s not something I’d ever want.”


    Seeing how tense he was, I reached over and gently pushed his hand down. “I’m not worried you’d do that. I just want to know if you think it’s wrong or not.”


    Ryan’s face went a bit nk and he shook his head. “I’m not sure. My grandma was well–educated and graceful, beautiful inside and out. My other grandma was a painter, super talented. My grandpa treated them both well, but deep down, I bet they both wanted his love all to themselves. Love is selfish like that–nobody wants to share, not even a little.”


    I stared at him, a little dazed. Ryan really hadn’t gone astray–he was still so genuine and pure–hearted.


    “Not willing to share even a sliver?” I echoed under my breath<b>, </b>unease creeping into my heart.


    Was Ryan a total purist when it came to love?


    If that’s really the case, how could I ever be worthy of someone so devoted?


    I looked at this beautiful guy in front of me,pletely torn. I’d already drifted off course, turning into someone who values gain over feelings. But what he wants isn’t profit–it’s love. Could I really give him what he wants?


    If I can’t give him what he wants, how could I even have the nerve to get close to him?


    Ryan noticed I was zoning out and shot me a curious look. “What are you thinking about?”


    My heart skipped a beat and I quickly shook my head. “It’s nothing. Ryan, if we end up together but never get married, would you still want to be with me?<i>” </i>


    AD