The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Chapter 1264

Kari couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort as she bridged the decade-long gap between now and the image of Ronald as a youthful figure from ten years ago.

"You should smoke less," she blurted out, immediately feeling she had no right to say it. But the last thing she wanted was for Ronald to fall ill, especially from something as harmful as smoking. "Okay," Ronald agreed instantly, as if quitting smoking was akin to climbing Everest.

Kari knew all too well the struggle of kicking the habit. After a moment's thought, she offered, "I've picked up some snacks recently. I can get you some. If you're ever feeling edgy, they might help take the edge off." Ronald caught the care in her voice, his lips curling up in a slight smile. "Sure."

"I'll walk you up."

Ronald, still concerned, asked, "How will you get back down?"

As they stepped into the elevator, Kari yawned, "A nurse's rounds woke me up."

"I saw a car I recognized downstairs when I got up."

Ronald, smiling, shared, "I left the Malone family gathering late. Didn't want to disturb you, nor did I feel like going back, so I thought I'd just hang around downstairs."

Kari, his words felt like an unspoken

her expression neutral,

sofa as she climbed into bed. It had been ten years since they last shared a room. Though physically exhausted, Ronald's mind was buzzing. Watching Kari sleep soundly,

seemed to have forgotten her earlier reticence, no longer avoiding Ronald. And Ronald,

he had free time, Ronald would personally prepare and

Who was Ronald?

the Malone family, notoriously out of

presence by Kari's side didn't

Kari to give Ronald a chance, considering him to be quite the catch. Influenced by their encouragement, Kari

the subject, she felt it wasn't her place to make the first move, leading

winter deepened, Kari was preparing for the Christmas season when she received news of Brittany's accident. Learning of her friend's plight, Kari immediately canceled all her engagements and booked a flight to Craneville. Before departing, Ronald rushed to see

had the chance to meet Kari before hearing about her international travel plans. He was visibly anxious as he caught up with her at the airport. "You're going abroad?

forehead, Kari felt a tightness in her chest, "Don't worry, Brittany had an accident in H city.

washed over Ronald upon hearing she wasn't leaving because of him. "That's

he inquired,