Chapter 302: Chapter 302 Not the part of the family
Ryan slowly opened his eyes after hearing Ariel’s quiet but unwavering voice.
He remained seated on the couch, saying nothing as he looked at the little girl.
Ariel had always hated it whenever adults talked about her mother as though something was missing from her life.
"Your mom is still single?"
"Doesn’t she want to get married again?"
"Every child deserves a complete family."
The pity in those voices annoyed her more than the questions themselves.
She never believed her mother needed another marriage simply to satisfy other people’s expectations.
If one day Rose chose to fall in love again, Ariel hoped it would be because that person truly made her smile—not because society believed a woman couldn’t be happy alone.
Looking directly at James she answered with complete confidence.
"My mommy doesn’t have to marry anybody."
Her bright eyes curved into a smile.
"Because Daddy and I already make our family complete."
Her childish voice carried an innocence that only made the words more powerful.
James was momentarily stunned.
For a little girl barely old enough to understand relationships, Ariel’s protectiveness toward her mother was remarkable.
Before anyone could respond—
Ding-dong.
The sudden ring of the doorbell echoed through the apartment.
Everyone instinctively looked toward the entrance.
James rose from the couch and walked to the door.
Ryan also lifted his head slightly.
His expression remained calm, but his gaze unconsciously followed James’s movements.
The lock clicked.
As the door swung open, Trevor and Rose appeared outside.
Rose had already changed out of her hospital gown into a comfortable cream-colored sweater and jeans.
Although the color had mostly returned to her face, there was still obvious exhaustion in her eyes.
Anyone who hadn’t witnessed what happened earlier would never guess she had narrowly escaped disaster only a few hours ago.
Seeing James, Rose smiled apologetically.
"Mr. Taylor, I’m sorry Ariel caused you so much trouble today."
James instinctively looked her over from head to toe.
Only after confirming she wasn’t forcing herself to stand did the worry in his eyes finally ease.
He smiled faintly.
"Ariel was wonderful. You don’t need to apologize."
Trevor stepped forward beside Rose.
"We came to take her home."
The instant Ariel heard those familiar voices, her face lit up.
"Mommy!"
She jumped off the sofa and ran toward Rose as fast as her little legs could carry her.
Rose instinctively bent slightly, preparing to catch her.
But before Ariel could reach her—
Trevor gently intercepted her.
"Mommy is little tired."
He crouched down until he was eye level with her and spread his arms dramatically.
"So..."
A playful grin crossed his face.
"Would Princess Ariel be willing to let Daddy have today’s hug instead?"
Ariel didn’t knew about Rose’s kidnapping and being hospitalized.
He didn’t tell Ariel as he didn’t want child to be worried. But Rose is still weak and can’t carry her.
So, Trevor came forward to hug her.
Ariel blinked.
Then she giggled.
"Okay!"
Without the slightest hesitation, she threw herself into Trevor’s arms.
He effortlessly lifted her onto his shoulder.
Ariel immediately wrapped both arms around his neck, laughing happily.
Watching the father and daughter together, Rose couldn’t help smiling.
Only then did she notice Ryan sitting quietly in the living room.
He hadn’t moved.
He hadn’t spoken.
He simply sat there with a glass in his hand, his profile turned toward the window.
Their eyes met for the briefest second.
Then Rose calmly looked away.
She behaved as though the room contained only James, Trevor, and Ariel.
Ryan...
Simply ceased to exist.
She gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear before speaking softly.
"Let’s head home."
"Okay."
Trevor nodded.
Still carrying Ariel, he turned toward the door.
James’s gaze slowly shifted back to Ryan.
He still found the scene difficult to watch.
The image before him looked like something taken from a family photograph.
A devoted father.
A loving mother.
Their cheerful daughter.
The warmth surrounding the three of them was so natural that anyone watching would assume they had always belonged together.
Only one person looked completely out of place.
Ryan.
Rose had once stood beside him instead.
Yet today...
He could only watch another man walk away with the family that should belonged to him.
Ryan slowly reached for the crystal pitcher resting on the coffee table.
The sound of water pouring into the glass was almost unnaturally clear inside the silent room.
He didn’t look up.
He didn’t stop them.
He simply raised the glass and took a slow sip.
Just as Trevor stepped across the doorway, he suddenly stopped.
After a brief hesitation, he turned around.
His expression carried neither arrogance nor triumph.
Instead, it was sincere.
"Mr. Knight."
Ryan finally lifted his eyes.
Trevor continued calmly.
"Thank you... for everything you did today."
There was genuine gratitude in his voice.
"I know Rose is safe because you stepped in when it mattered most."
He paused before adding,
"I’ll remember that."
His gaze softened as he looked at Rose standing beside him.
"The two of us won’t forget your kindness."
The room fell completely silent.
Ryan lowered his eyes toward the glass in his hand.
The two of us.
Such ordinary words.
Yet somehow...
They sounded like an invisible line had been drawn.
A line separating him from the woman who had once his wife.
His fingertips lightly tapped the rim of the glass.
Only after several seconds did he finally speak.
"You don’t owe me anything."
His voice remained level.
Cold.
Controlled.
Almost indifferent.
Then he slowly looked at Trevor.
"But if you’re determined to repay someone..."
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"...perhaps you should first remember exactly who you are."
The atmosphere instantly became heavy.
James silently lowered his head.
Ryan hadn’t raised his voice.
He hadn’t spoken harshly.
Yet every word carried unmistakable meaning.
Trevor had thanked him as though he were Rose’s rightful partner.
Ryan’s response reminded everyone present of one undeniable fact.
That position...
Had never truly belonged to Trevor yet.
Trevor understood the implication perfectly.
Instead of arguing, he simply smiled faintly.
"I understand."
He offered no explanation.
No defense.
No attempt to provoke Ryan.
Beside him, Rose frowned.
She knew Trevor had only wanted to express his gratitude.
Ryan’s words sounded calm on the surface...
But beneath them lay unmistakable mockery.
She had no desire to continue this meaningless exchange.
Without sparing Ryan another glance, she reached over and lightly touched Trevor’s arm.
"We should go."
Trevor nodded.
Together, the three of them walked through the doorway.
Ariel waved enthusiastically toward James.
"Bye, Uncle James!"
James forced a smile and waved back.
"Goodbye, sweetheart."
The apartment door slowly closed.
Click.
Silence settled over the room once again.
Ryan remained seated without moving.
His eyes rested on the untouched glass in his hand.
Outside the apartment...
Ariel cheerful laughter echoed faintly down the hallway.
It grew softer...
Farther away...
Until eventually...
There was nothing left to hear.
Only silence remained.
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