After 999 Nights, He Said We Were Never Together Chapter 22

After 999 Nights, He Said We Were Never Together Chapter 22

Early the next morning, the Whitfields packed their luggage and prepared to leave for the ski resort.

When Sophie didn’t see Ryan outside, she relaxed and wheeled her suitcase toward the back of the car.

She had just loaded it when Thomas made a surprised sound.

“What’s this? Sophie, did you leave one of the neighbors’ birthday gifts by the door?”

Sophie turned, saw the familiar box, and frowned.

She hurried over, took it from him, and handed it to the house manager. Then she sent him the Blackwood address and asked him to mail it back to the United States later.

Her parents grew even more curious and questioned her about the gift throughout the drive.

When she could no longer avoid the truth, Sophie admitted Ryan had brought it. She also told them about the birthday messages from Richard and Grace.

The car fell quiet for a moment.

Thomas nodded several times.

“Your mother and I have been wondering how we should handle the Blackwoods after everything that happened. This may have started between the two of you, but you’re our daughter. Naturally, we stand with you. We already agreed that if you wanted no further contact with the entire family, we’d respect that. They’re thousands of miles away now, so it wouldn’t be difficult.”

“But if you’ve decided to draw the line only with Ryan, we understand that too. Richard and Grace are elders who cared for you for years. You haven’t forgotten that kindness or blamed innocent people for what their son did. You made your own decision, and we’re proud of you.”

It was the first time since the truth came out that the three of them had discussed the situation calmly.

Their support filled Sophie with warmth.

She leaned against Helen and began talking about the rest of their trip, her voice light again.

The family recovered their good mood and continued to the resort.

Sophie hadn’t skied in years, so she fell several times on her first run.

Her balance gradually returned, but by the time she came down the mountain, her legs ached.

Back at the hotel, she saw that her knees were bruised, swollen, and red. She sucked in a breath and

immediately searched for a nearby pharmacy.

The closest medical station was more than thirty miles away.

Looking at the distance and the darkening sky outside, Sophie hesitated.

After thinking it over, she decided to buy medicine the next day. For the night, she would make do with a few

heating pads.

She changed into clean clothes and limped into the hallway, intending to go to the restaurant.

The elevator arrived just as she stepped outside.

She looked up at the sound, and her gaze met a familiar pair of eyes.

Ryan.

Sophie’s face turned cold the instant she saw him.

“You’re following me.”

It wasn’t a question.

Seeing her anger, Ryan panicked and stumbled over his explanation.

“Sophie, I was only… I was worried about you.”

“Worried? My parents are with me. What is there to worry about? And what right do you have to worry about me? Don’t dress up stalking as something romantic.”

Ryan had no answer.

When Sophie entered the elevator, he hurried in after her.

“I was wrong. Don’t be angry. I saw you get hurt on the slope, so I drove out to buy medicine. Please don’t take chances with your health.”

Hearing those words from him almost made Sophie laugh.

The scar from the car accident was still visible on her forehead.

The chandelier had left a four-inch wound on her arm.

Trying on more than a hundred pairs of heels had made her feet bleed until calluses formed.

She had suffered injury after injury because of Ryan, and he had never offered a single word of comfort. He had ignored every one of them.

Now she had a minor bruise that hadn’t even broken the skin, and he was performing concern as though it

proved some grand devotion.

She didn’t look at the bag he held out.

The instant the elevator doors opened, she walked away.

Her indifference sent pain through Ryan’s chest.

Still, he refused to give up and followed close behind.

When he saw her request a heating pad, he understood what she planned to do and grew more anxious.

“Sophie, I bought medicine. Why won’t you accept one kind gesture from me? Do you really have to stay

angry?”

Sophie gave a soft laugh. Her eyes were perfectly steady.

“Angry? We have no relationship at all. Why would I waste anger on you? I simply don’t want you involved in my life.”