Chapter 43: Kai
The moment the name left Alexander’s lips—
the entire room fell silent.
Kailey froze instantly.
Because something about the way he said it—
softly.
Naturally.
Like he had said it a thousand times before—
made her chest tighten unexpectedly.
“…What did you call me?” she asked quietly.
Alexander stared at her for several long seconds.
Almost like he was realizing what he had done only now.
Then slowly—
his usual composure returned.
“My apologies,” he said calmly. “I must have mistaken it for something else.”
But Kailey knew that wasn’t true.
Because the moment she heard the name—
another fragmented memory flashed through her mind.
A young boy sitting beside her beneath a pavilion while rain poured outside.
“Kai is easier to say.”
A child version of her lau
