Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 70: New Roads

Chapter 70: New Roads

Chapter 70: New Roads

The sound of keys jingled in the hallway broke the quietness inside the apartment.

A moment later, the door opened, and Sana walked in.

She paused when she saw Rylan leaning against the kitchen counter, flipping through the papers in the folder he had brought.

"Oh," she said, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "I didn’t know we had company."

Rylan looked up, gave a smile that was just a little too smooth. "Sana, right?"

"Yeah." She glanced between him and Eira. "And you’re...?"

"Rylan," he said, stepping closer and offering a hand. "Callian’s brother. Thanks for letting me crash this little meeting."

Sana shook his hand. "No problem. Didn’t think you Reed boys knew how to say thanks." She smiled back before heading toward the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

Rylan watched, sliding his hands into his pockets. "You’ve got a sharp tongue. I like that."

Sana frowned, not catching the undertone. "I get that a lot. Probably because I’m surrounded by sharp people who keep doing dumb things."

She gave a look to Callian, who was still sitting on the couch, brooding.

"Touché," Rylan said with a soft laugh.

Sana turned back to her water, oblivious to his long gaze.

Eira cleared her throat, drawing Rylan’s attention back. "Don’t distract her, Rylan. She just got here, and she’s got better things to do than listen to you flirt."

Rylan smirked. "Who said I was flirting?"

Eira rolled her eyes, and Sana glanced over her shoulder, looking genuinely confused. "Wait, were you?"

Rylan chuckled, shaking his head. "Never mind."

Sana shrugged. "Anyway, if you guys are wrapping up, I’ll head to my room. Long day."

"Don’t let us keep you," Rylan said with a grin.

As Sana walked away, Callian finally spoke. "You’re shameless, Rylan."

"Shameless?" Rylan replied back. "I call it charming. You should try it sometime."

Callian didn’t respond, instead turned to Eira. "Come here."

She blinked, confused. "What?"

"Come here," he repeated, standing and closing the distance between them.

Eira frowned but stepped closer, her arms crossed over her chest. "What is it?"

Callian didn’t answer. Instead, he cupped her face with his hands and kissed her.

The kiss was soft but deliberate, his lips stayed on hers like he wanted to make sure she felt every part of it.

Eira froze for a moment before melting into it, her hands reached up to hold his arms.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested against hers. "Pack your things," he said softly.

Eira blinked up at him, her breath uneven. "What?"

"You’re coming with me," he said, stepping back. "I’ll pick you up in an hour."

Her eyes searched his face. "Callian, I—"

"Just pack," he said firmly. "Please."

Eira hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

He smiled faintly and turned to Rylan. "We’re leaving."

Rylan raised an eyebrow. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

Callian grabbed his coat and headed for the door, motioning for Rylan to follow.

Rylan took the last glance toward Sana’s closed bedroom door before sighing and trailing after his brother.

// Inside the Car //

The car was silent except for the engine as Callian drove through streets.

Rylan leaned back in the passenger seat, fiddling with the radio but not settling on any station.

After a few minutes, Rylan let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "You’re really something, you know that?"

Callian glanced at him. "What now?"

Rylan smirked. "Pretending to be all vulnerable. ’Oh, Eira, pack your things. Oh, Eira, come with me. I hate everyone. I’m so tired of everything.’ You should’ve been an actor."

Callian shook his head, fighting a smile. "Shut up."

"I mean it," Rylan continued, grinning now. "You had the whole sad, tortured hero thing going. Bet she ate it up."

"Rylan," Callian warned, though his tone was more gentle than angry.

Rylan gave him a playful shove. "Admit it. You’re good at it."

Callian shoved him back, causing Rylan to laugh. "Keep it up, and I’ll make you walk home."

"See? There’s the real Callian."

Callian rolled his eyes but couldn’t help chuckling. "You’re such an idiot."

"Yeah, but I’m your idiot," Rylan said with a grin.

The laughter faded after a moment, and Rylan’s tone grew serious. "I can’t believe she’d do this to you, though."

Callian’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Mother?"

"Yeah," Rylan said. "Selling you off to the Anands just to get rid of Eira? That’s low, even for her."

Callian’s jaw clenched. "It’s not about Eira. It’s about control. She doesn’t care who she hurts as long as she gets what she wants."

Rylan shook his head, staring out the window. "Still. Using Mita like that? It’s messed up. Even for her."

"I told her she’s dead to me," Callian said quietly.

Rylan looked over. "You mean it?"

Callian nodded. "I don’t see how I can go back after this."

Rylan didn’t reply right away. Instead, he reached over and turned the radio off. "Well, if you’re cutting her off, guess that makes me the cool brother by default."

Callian let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You’re insufferable."

"True," Rylan said, leaning back with a grin.

The car fell into a comfortable silence as they continued driving.

"Why does Mita want you so bad?"

"Maybe because she’s desperate?"

"No. She doesn’t look desperate, but maybe she really loves you?"

"I don’t care."

Rylan looked at him. "Even if she dies?"

Callian let out a long sigh before answering. "You know... I really wanted her to die."

"...."

"I’m tired of her. My whole childhood she was stuck to me like she didn’t know anything else. She ruined and crashed my every date in high school."

"She’s mental, but still, wanting her to die..."

"I know..."

"What did Eira think about this situation?"

Callian looked through the window. "I think Eira feels guilty. I mean, Mother doesn’t like her, and I don’t blame her. Then, having to deal with this craziness, it’s normal for her to feel this way."

"Will you ever let her go then?"

"No, never."