<b>Chapter </b>515


    Ryan was the kind of guy who always knew how to make you feel better. When it came to emotional. support, he was wless.


    I slipped my hand into his big, warm hand. He squeezed it softly and helped me into a seat.


    “Let’s go,” Ryan told the driver.


    The car immediately headed toward the city. Ryan handed me a bottle of water. “Are you tired?”


    I took a sip and said, “Not really, but I am a bit hungry.”


    “Let’s get you something to eat,” Ryan said, taking off his sunsses and hat, his bright smile lighting up his whole face.


    I couldn’t help but swoon for a second as I looked at him. Ryan just radiated health and energy–no wonder his lips were so red and his teeth so white.


    I already knew just how hot and young his body was. If…


    If I could really have this man by my side for a lifetime, if we could love each other forever, maybe I could actually think about marrying again.


    “Vic, spacing out again?” Ryan said, sounding a little annoyed as he snapped his fingers in front of my


    face.


    The snap jolted me back, and I quickly shook,off those silly thoughts.


    What’s the point of getting married, anyway? Just to take some guy’sst name and be someone’s


    Mrs.?


    Then you have a kid with his name, and when you fight, all it takes is one ‘You’re not really family‘ to erase everything you’ve done,


    I pressed my lips together and smiled. Yeah, maybe marriage just isn’t for me.


    “I wasn’t sparing out. I was just admiring how handsome you are,” Vic said with a smile, trying to


    reassure him.


    Ryan blushed, his ears turning a little pink. “Really? Do you think I’m better looking than yourst two boyfriends?”


    Vic blinked in surprise. “Why would you ask that?”


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    Ryan’s voice dropped, sounding a little insecure. “Jared and Nathan are probably better–looking than me. They’re the ones women usually go crazy for.”


    That exined why Ryan sometimes felt a little self–conscious about his looks–my exes were just too


    handsome.


    “They’re just older than you, so theye off as more mature and steady. Most women want a husband who seems reliable–sure, looks are nice, but what really matters is what’s on the inside,” Vic said, trying to reassure him.


    “Really?” Ryan asked, actually taking her words to heart.


    Vic nodded. “Honestly, your biggest advantage is that you’re young.”


    Ryan lowered his head, a shy smile ying on his lips before he looked back at her. “You don’t think I’m too clingy, do you?”


    “It’s fine, you’re not that annoying,” Vic replied with a grin.


    “Annoying?” Ryan’s eyes darkened, and he gave Vic those big puppy eyes. “Did I mess something up?”


    Vic was caught off guard. People always said dating a younger guy meant you had to do a lot of reassuring–turns out, it’s true.


    “You’re doing great, don’t overthink it,” Vic said, giving his arm a reassuring pat.


    Ryan stiffened up, and his face flushed bright red.


    You really couldn’t tease a young guy like him–they got flustered way too easily.


    Trying to lighten the mood, Vic asked Ryan to tell her about what was outside and the neighborhood. Ryan was relieved to finally talk about something else.


    The ce Ryan took her for dinner was a hidden courtyard restaurant. From the outside, it looked unremarkable, but inside, it was like stepping into a secret world.


    It didn’t look like the kind of spot that was open to just anyone. The moment Ryan walked in, the staff immediately recognized him and respectfully escorted them straight to a private room.


    Ryan pulled out a chair for Vic, “Sit down. What do you want to eat?”


    The waiter handed Vic a menu with a big smile. As she flipped through it, she noticed there were no prices anywhere, but the menu was packed with all kinds of dishes.


    Vic picked out two of her favorite dishes and passed the menu to Ryan.


    11:35 Thu, 4 Sept <b>W </b>


    Ryan ordered a few more dishes, and after the waiter left, he poured her a cup of hot tea. “Did you bring a jacket? It’s getting chilly here.”


    <b>65</b>%


    That’s when Vic noticed Ryan was dressed in a gray hoodie–he looked so youthful and full of energy


    in it.


    “Yeah, I brought one, but I was nning to buy a few more here,” Vic said. She hadn’t packed much, figuring she’d just shop for clothes locally.


    “NI have someone send you some clothes,” Ryan offered out of the blue.


    “No need, I can buy my own,” Vic replied. She didn’t want to keep epting favors from him.


    Ryan’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “You’re my girlfriend now. Spoiling you is just what a boyfriend’s supposed to do.”


    “But I can’t just spend all your money. It wouldn’t feel right,” Vic said with a smile.


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    Ryan blinked his deep, dark eyes, looking mysterious. “Rx, I’ve got plenty in my ount. Go ahead, splurge all you want.”


    “I never would’ve guessed you’d join the diplomatic corps and be such a young diplomat,” Vic said, unable to hide her admiration.


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    AD


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