<b>Chapter </b><b>455 </b>


    Every time the topic of love came up, Ryan would just fix his gaze on me, unwavering.


    That look made me feel like a real heartbreaker.


    But since I couldn’t give him the pure love he deserved, if I was going to be a heartbreaker, I should at least be upfront about it, so he wouldn’t feel yed.


    “Why are you saying things like that again?” Ryan seemed to see right through me, letting out a soft sigh. “You know, ever since I met you, when you say ‘see you tomorrow,‘ it feels like a promise. When you say it, it actually makes me look


    forward to the next day.”


    The way he said it–those few words, even more irresistible than a love confession–really got <i>to </i>me.


    I lowered my eyes, guilt weighing on me, my voice sounding tired. “Ryan, if we’re going to be together, let’s not get hung up on where this is going, okay? Chase whatever you want, just don’t go after some unrealistic, illusory love.”


    Ryan looked genuinely shocked, staring at me like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Being together isn’t about heading straight for marriage–it’s about chasing happiness. So marriage isn’t the real goal; happiness is.”


    I blinked, wondering to myself if we were even talking about the same thing.


    1 could only smile and give him apliment. “Pretty insightful for someone your age.”


    Ryan just gave me a look and took a bite of his food. “Don’t talk to me like you’re some wise old elder. Seriously, look at yourself you’re not even that old.”


    I instantly felt awkward. Guess I got a little too cocky and totally forgot to keep my cool.


    “So, what do you think we should really be after?” I asked, trying to sound serious.


    Ryan took his time with his food and said, “I don’t know, and honestly, I don’t even want to know.”


    “Ryan…” I pretended to be mad.


    He looked at me, all innocent. “Why do we have to want something out of this? Just sitting here with you, eating and talking, that’s enough to make me happy.”


    “So, is itpanionship you’re after?” I asked.


    “That works for me,” Ryan said with a soft smile. “But will you stay by my side?”


    “Uncle Ryan said you’re about to head back to Braylin. We’ll be living in different cities–how are we supposed to stay together?” I asked, still smiling,


    Ryan’s face clouded over. “Then I’ll just apply for a job here in Shaville. That way, we won’t have to be apart.”


    “Don’t be impulsive,” I said, stopping him. “Ryan, I know you already have a clear path ahead of you.”


    Ryan’s gaze slowly cleared, and he nodded. “Yeah, I promised Uncle Ryan. He’s not stopping us, but I can’t just do


    10:30


    Sat, 30


    60%


    whatever I want.”


    “You’re giving up a whole forest for just one tree. Is that really worth it?” I hadn’t expected Ryan to actually make a deal with Edward. Guess young people really are impulsive.


    “Then don’t let me regret it, okay?” Ryan said with a smile, his eyes shining bright.


    I felt a little embarrassed under his gaze and looked out the window.


    I always thought Ryan was at some science and tech school, but he totally fooled me–he’s actually a star student at Eastbridge University, majoring in economics.


    After we finished eating, I started clearing the table. Ryan wanted to help, but he ended up just standing there, watching <ol><li>me. </li></ol>


    “I can’t let you stay the night,” I said, ncing over at him as I finished tying up the trash.


    “I know, I’m not staying over,” Ryan nodded.


    I checked the time. “It’s almost nine–thirty. You should head back.”


    “L… I don’t want to go back yet,” Ryan said, his handsome face flushing with embarrassment.


    Of course I knew what he wanted, but I just couldn’t let things go any further between us.


    ‘He’s still in college, he has no idea what it would really mean if things went that far,‘ I thought to myself.


    “Vic, I…” Ryan said, and after I washed my hands, he suddenly pulled me into a hug from behind.


    My breath hitched, my chest heaving as my heart pounded.


    “Ryan…” I murmured.


    <i>“</i>Ever sincest time, I just can’t get it out of my head,” Ryan’s voice was low and rough. “I know you’re not ready to go all the way with me, and I won’t push you, but… could you give me a hand again, like you did before?”


    Ryan was young and full of hormones–after that first time, he just couldn’t get enough.


    Before I could even react, my mind wentpletely nk–his lips were already at the back of my neck, igniting a fire that made it impossible to think straight.


    “Vic, please,” he whispered, his voice hoarse <b>and </b>needy, nuzzling against my skin with a desperate tenderness