The Boy Who Tattooed My Name on His Chest novel Chapter 7

I found out Ryan's home address and went to see him.

To my surprise, both his parents were home. His mom had just returned from shopping, carrying various bags.

She was very welcoming, without any of the airs you'd expect from a wealthy woman.

"I've heard so much about you from Ryan. His girlfriend is both beautiful and accomplished. My son really hit the jackpot."

"I hear you'll both attend Tremont University. That's wonderful! We have two villas there. If you and Ryan don't want to live in dorms, you can move in together. It would put our minds at ease knowing you childhood sweethearts are looking after each other."

Ryan's father seemed to dislike me, frowning as he said, "That would be like living together before marriage. Absurd! The kids have crazy ideas, and you're encouraging them!"

I looked at his mother, "Ma'am, I'd like to go up and see Ryan."

His mom nodded with a smile.

"Go ahead. Ryan will be thrilled to see you."

I lightly climbed the stairs and pushed open the door to Ryan's bedroom.

"Ryan—"

My words caught in my throat.

On the large bed with gray silk sheets, Ryan lay sleeping on his stomach.

His upper body was bare, the young man's lean muscles gleaming like honey in the sunlight.

Behind him, Vivi wore a short-strapped nightgown. She propped herself up and smiled at me.

"Hey Haley, what brings you here?"

The strap was so short that when she sat up, it slipped, revealing the slight curve of a young woman's cleavage.

Ryan opened his eyes groggily, his eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of me, but then freezing when he heard Vivi's voice and turned to look back.

I fled!

That night, Ryan waited under my apartment building.

He sent numerous messages begging for a chance to explain.

It started raining heavily in the evening, the raindrops shattering against the glass. He was completely drenched, soaked from head to toe.

Even my mom couldn't bear it anymore.

"He just recovered from being sick. Go down and see him."

"I really can't be without you. Trust me one more time, Haley Parker, I'm begging you."

I slowly pulled my hand away and said quietly.

"Ryan, I applied to Southland University."

"I'm not going to Tremont anymore."

I handed him the umbrella.

"I should go now. You should head home too."

I turned and went upstairs.

Ryan stood under my building for a long time that night.

He didn't use the umbrella. The rain beat down on him, making him look like an abandoned stray dog stubbornly waiting at the spot where he'd met his owner, believing he could still go home.

That was the last time we saw each other before our recent encounter.

After that, I went to Southland, and Ryan went to Tremont.

Miles apart, we never crossed paths again.