Truth be told, I’ve sometimes imagined our reunion, painting different scenarios in my mind. Ending things on such a sour note gave my bitter disappointment and hurt plenty of room to fuel my fantasies. Mostly, I pictured myself striding past him with a scornful smirk, the epitome of a stunning, successful woman who couldn’t care less about some Ryan King. But I never imagined I’d just freeze like this, struggling to breathe evenly. That ugly pain hissed again at the scars he left on my heart.
Ryan has matured. He’s no longer the twenty-three-year-old boy I knew; now, he’s a young man. There’s a new hardness, a seasoned edge in his gaze. Though his eyes are still that same striking blue, just as beautiful as they were back then. Eyes I once loved to kiss, eyes that could cut you to the bone. His shoulders are broader—clearly, he’s kept up with the gym. No surprise there; Ryan always took pride in his physique. The same stylish stubble, the designer outfit, the confident posture that borders on arrogance, and the look of someone utterly satisfied with life. Well, jerks like him are always pleased with themselves, never burdened by a shred of remorse. I can only imagine how I must look—a pale, flustered girl, struck speechless by this creep. That thought infuriated me, finally snapping me out of my daze.
“Second floor, room twelve,” I spat out coldly. I turned on my heel, keeping my back straight, and walked away. Good thing he couldn’t see my trembling lips. No, I didn’t look back or give his smugness the satisfaction. You’ll never know how much I suffered, Ryan.
For a few minutes, I fumbled with the key, unable to get it into the ignition, frustrated by how rattled I was. He shouldn’t affect me anymore. But somehow, he still does. And I so desperately wanted to be completely indifferent to him!
“Damn it, he’s going to upset George so much that no dog will be able to help him after this!” I muttered under my breath, jumping out of the car and racing back.
I knew it! George’s face was already flushed with anger, Mom was clutching his hand in panic, and Ryan stood across from the bed, hands in his pockets, his expression impassive.
“Came to gloat?” George rasped. “Don’t get your hopes up—your name isn’t in my will! And why are you back?”
“I figured you could use some extra support and another ally. I don’t want your heart giving out too soon,” I said, sidestepping Ryan and sitting on the edge of the bed with my back to my past. “When… he leaves, I’ll definitely bring Hank.”
“He’ll leave, don’t worry,” Ryan said, pretending my words stung him. Of course, we both know how to play with tone. “I don’t need your money anymore. I came to see my father, who’s about to undergo a serious operation.”
“You’ve seen him. Now what?” George hissed through gritted teeth.
“I guess that’s enough for the first visit. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“And who said I want to see you?!”
“George, please, don’t get worked up,” Mom gently touched his cheek. “Calm down, and we’ll talk and think this through. There’s been enough blame and hostility already. We can’t keep living like this. Savi, sweetheart, go ahead—you promised him. Ryan, thank you for not staying indifferent.”
I waited until the door closed behind Ryan, mentally counting his steps to make sure we wouldn’t cross paths in the hallway or on the stairs.
“For the record, I told Mom this was a bad idea. I hope he doesn’t stick around Orlando for long. Alright, attempt number two. This time, I’m definitely coming back with the dog!”
God, why is he still here? He’s standing by the main entrance, looking like he’s waiting for someone. I tried not to meet his eyes, rushing past with an air of urgent business, convincing myself he’s just empty space. Let’s pretend this is a bad dream.
“Savannah, can you do me a favor and talk for a minute?” his voice called after me, instantly setting off all my emotions.
“And what makes you think you have any right to speak to me?!” I spun around, filled with righteous indignation. The nerve of him, staring at me so intently!
“No, Savannah, get a grip. He’s not worth getting upset over!”
Without another word, I got into the car, and this time my hands didn’t shake. Talk, he says! After four years, he suddenly feels the urge! No, Ryan King, every path to me is blocked by massive boulders. I fumed almost all the way to the house, huffing and mentally cursing up a storm. But as I pulled into the estate, another car turned in behind me.
No way! You can’t be following me! I don’t want this!
Okay, first things first—calm down. If I stay cold with him, or better yet, completely ignore him, he’ll get annoyed and back off.
As soon as I stepped through the door, Hank rushed to “hug” me. When this guy stands on his hind legs, he’s almost as tall as I am. But hugging isn’t enough for him—he tries to lick me too! Dogs have such incredible memories. He only sees me twice a year, yet he recognizes me and gets so excited, as if I’m his owner who’s been gone too long.
“Hey there, buddy! Hey, handsome Hank! Did you miss me? I’ve got a mission for you. Wanna go for a walk? We’ll have to gear up, though. I know, I know, you hate muzzles,” I said, clipping on his leash. Instantly, Hank let out a fierce bark, staring at the front door. “You sense him too, huh? I feel it too—makes my hair stand on end. Yeah, there’s a stranger here. But we’re not gonna pay him any mind because you don’t give a second chance to a past that ran you over like a tank. Let’s go! Heel, Hank!” Thankfully, George trained him so well.
Ryan didn’t dare come inside, but he’s pacing near the house, getting on both my nerves and Hank’s.
“You’re acting like a hurt little girl. I think it’d be smart to talk. We’ve got plenty to reminisce about, Savi.”
“Don’t tempt me to sic the dog on you, Ryan Patrick King! Go back to Boston, to your wife and your perfect little life! I have zero interest in dredging up all that crap!”
“I’m not…” Ryan shook his head. “You’re angry,” he said calmly, while Hank and I were practically shaking with rage.
“Your audacity never ceases to amaze me! I suggest you stop trying to talk to me! Unless you’re looking to hurt me even more!”
“Yes, I’m a bit persistent, but I’m doing it politely. Where’s the rudeness or intent to hurt in this, tell me?”
“Just perfect!” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “As always, you’re at the peak of absurdity. Some things never change, just like some people can’t reflect on their actions. I’m also very politely warning you—leave me alone!”
“Maybe that’s exactly why I want to talk—because I’ve reflected?”
Where does he get this bulldog tenacity? He won’t give me a moment’s peace!
“Ryan, don’t you think it’s a little late for that? Everything’s rusted over by now. I have my own life, and your explanations, to put it mildly, mean nothing to me.”
“But you’ll have to talk eventually, Savannah. I’m not planning to leave town just yet,” he shot back with the same stubborn tone.
Not planning to leave, huh! Well, I’m not planning to be a fool anymore!
“I don’t know about you, buddy, but I’m gonna need a sedative after this,” I said to Hank, letting out a bitter laugh. The obedient dog had resigned himself to the muzzle, the booties on each paw, and the disposable paper gown draped over him like a costume. “You look like you’re dressed for Halloween.”
“Savannah, are you trying to get the head of the department to chew me out?” It’s a good thing Archer’s mom, Brianna, still works at the hospital as a senior nurse. She frowned, of course, but I could tell from her kind face that she’d make an exception for me.
“Mama Bri, let us through, please? One patient really needs some positive vibes. George King promised me he’d get better if I brought his best buddy. You know how much my mom worries about him!”
“Oh, you’re making me break the rules. Don’t be so charming… Fine, since you’re looking after my Archie up in New York, I’ll let you bring this four-legged family member in, but just this once, Savannah!” She wagged her finger at me, and Hank and I were off like a shot. Three minutes later, a happy dog was licking a delighted owner.
“That wasn’t so hard,” I sighed, biting my lip. “Getting rid of Ryan, though—that’s gonna be the real challenge.”