Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Hannah slowly opened her eyes. Ryder stood by the bed, his back to her as he buttoned up his white dress shirt.
She watched his long fingers work the buttons for a moment before suddenly sitting up. “Wait, I bought you some clothes.”
Ryder turned, eyebrows raised in question.
Hannah slid out of bed and opened the closet, pulling out a black button–down. “Would you wear this
instead? He… always preferred black shirts.”
Though she didn’t elaborate, they both knew who “he” was.
Ryder took the shirt, his fingers hesitating slightly, something complex flickering in his eyes.
Guilt washed over Hannah. “I’m sorry–forget it if you’re uncomfortable. Did Tamia not explain everything clearly? I approached you because you look so much like-”
“I know,” he said quietly after a brief silence.
Hannah looked up, surprised. “You know?”
Ryder nodded, his voice soft but clear. “I know you contacted me because I resemble someone important to you.”
“So I’ll wear only black shirts from now on,” he continued, his tone warming slightly. “That way you’ll look at me more often. Right?”
Hannah stared at him for a moment before breaking into a genuine smile.
She reached up to touch his face, her voice unexpectedly tender. “Weren’t you just bragging yesterday about your brilliant startup? About not needing my money? Now you’re afraid I’ll abandon you?”
Ryder met her gaze. “Yes. I am afraid of that.”
Hannah couldn’t help but laugh. The contrast between his serious expression and vulnerable words
The Forgotton Love Contract: When Regret Comes Too Late
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Chapter 16
created an unexpected charm that warmed something inside her.
“As long as you have that face,” she said softly, “I’ll never leave you.”
The corner of Ryder’s mouth curved into a subtle smile. “So we could spend a lifetime together?”
Hannah nodded, surprising herself with her certainty. “Absolutely.”
His smile deepened. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
After getting dressed, Hannah remembered the housekeeper was on leave–there was no one to
make breakfast.
She reached for her phone to order delivery, but Ryder was already heading toward the kitchen.
“Don’t bother with takeout. I can cook.”
Hannah followed, watching with surprise as he expertly cracked eggs, diced vegetables, and seared bacon with fluid precision that suggested years of practice.
Minutes later, a perfect breakfast appeared on the table–golden eggs, crispy bacon, and toast with just the right amount of butter.
Hannah took a bite and couldn’t hide her appreciation. “I had no idea you could cook like this.”
Ryder smiled slightly. “I learned while taking care of my grandmother.”
Something shifted in Hannah’s chest at his words. “You don’t have to do that anymore. With me, things will be easier for you.”
Ryder lowered his head, smiling. “Yes. Better days ahead.”
After breakfast, he stood up. “I need to check on my grandmother. I’ll only be gone a few hours. Text me if you need anything.”
“I could use some fresh air,” Hannah replied. “I’ll come with you.”
They walked out of the gated community together, the spring sunshine warming their shoulders.
Hannah tilted her face toward the sky, realizing she felt genuinely relaxed for the first time in… she couldn’t remember how long.
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Dearat Comes Too Late
Chapter 16
Suddenly Ryder stopped walking. He reached toward her face, his touch feather–light as his fingertips brushed her eyelashes. “Cottonwood fluff,” he explained softly.
His touch was gentle, as if afraid of hurting her, the brief contact leaving a cool sensation on her skin.
Hannah looked up at him, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Something darkened in Ryder’s eyes before he leaned down and captured her lips with his.
The kiss was tender and lingering, filled with exploration and a surprising reverence.
Hannah didn’t pull away; instead, she closed her eyes, leaning into the moment.
Lost in the kiss, neither of them noticed anything until a cold voice cut through their bubble:
“What the hell is going on here?”
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