Ch. 121..130

Chapter 121

"Mr. Hart will pay, right?" Demi then turned to Hayden. "Is that cool with you, Mr. Hart?"

I half expected Hayden to shut her down, but then he just said, "If she's up for it, sure."

I was floored.

Demi pinched my arm, her eyes wide with excitement, totally picking up on the weird vibe.

Was Hayden just messing around, trying to stir up more drama?

Before Demi could start gossiping, I forced a smile and said, "I'm not exactly broke, so I'm gonna pass."

"Keira..."

Hayden glanced at me, not saying a word.

As we dug into breakfast, my phone buzzed. It was Ms. Brown, the landlord of the apartment across from mine. Figuring she had some news, I picked up. "Morning, Ms. Brown..."

"Keira, I hate to bother you this early," she said, her tone polite.

"No worries, what's up?" I replied, taking a sip of my milk.

"About that rental issue you mentioned, I spoke to the guy, but he wouldn't budge. He even refused compensation, so the situation's still tricky..." Ms. Brown's words had this weird déjà vu, like I'd heard it all before.

"Keira, don't stress. I did a little digging on the guy-no criminal record, no shady stuff, and he's pretty good-looking too. Actually, he used to-" Ms. Brown was cut off when Hayden suddenly called my name. "Can I have your fried egg?" Hayden pointed at the egg on my plate.

I blinked, totally thrown off, missing whatever Ms. Brown said next. I just muttered, "Sure," and hung up, staring at Hayden.

"If you don't want to, it's cool," Hayden added, casually peeling a boiled egg.

"Mr. Hart, you can have mine if you want. I'm not gonna eat it," Demi piped up, ever eager to please.

"No thanks. I'm over it," Hayden dismissed her offer with a cold edge.

I kept quiet, watching him pop the peeled egg into his mouth all at once. It looked like he was choking it down or something.

I couldn't shake the feeling he didn't really want my egg in the first place..

So why did he even ask for it?

Before I could even process what was going on, Hayden had already polished off his breakfast. He stood up, slung his bag over his shoulder, and said, "You guys finish up. I'm heading out."

Demi watched him walk away, then leaned in, whispering, "Keira, it's not that he didn't want to eat just any fried egg; he wanted to eat yours."

I rolled my eyes and said, "What, does my fried egg have some magical power or something?"

Demi said, "He treats you differently. He likes you."

I nearly choked on my next bite. After a couple of coughing fits, I sipped my milk and asked, "Just because he wanted my fried egg?"

"It's not just that," Demi insisted, "It's his whole vibe around you-the way he looks at you... and..." She clicked her tongue a few times like she was trying to find the right words. "It's hard to explain, but there's something there. You two have chemistry." I wasn't clueless-I could feel it too.

Ever since Hayden first mentioned marriage, I had this nagging feeling. But then he'd act so distant, and it made me second-guess everything. Still, over the past few days, especially since last night, it felt like maybe he really did have feelings for me. "So what? I already told you, I don't like him," I said, just as I noticed someone standing near our table.

I looked up, and there was Hayden, back again, staring straight at me with that intense gaze of his.

The awkwardness was off the charts. My fingers curled up, and I saw Demi tense up too. But she quickly forced a laugh, trying to break the tension. "Mr. Hart, what brings you back? We were just talking about Keira's ex-fiancé. She was saying-" "I know," Hayden cut her off, his eyes still locked on mine.

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The awkwardness was thick, but honestly, it was probably better that he knew.

Hayden grabbed his phone, which he'd left on the table, and walked out. The second he was gone, Demi practically squealed, saying it was all over.

But I didn't give it much thought. I never intended to pursue anything with Hayden, so whether he was mad or misunderstood the situation didn't really bother me.

To me, Hayden was just a passing acquaintance. I had zero plans to get tangled up in another relationship. It wasn't like I was swearing off love because of one bad experience, but I just didn't have the emotional energy for it right now.

After breakfast, I planned to drop Demi off at work before heading to a job interview.

I'd only sent out my resume yesterday, so I was surprised when I got an interview invite this morning. The speed was unexpected, but hey, landing a job quickly sounded good to me.

But as I reached the parking lot, I noticed Wayne's car parked there. He stepped out and opened the back door, and out came Lindey.

They were here to see me.

"Hi, Lindey," I greeted her, walking over.

"Rea," Lindey grabbed my hand, and tears immediately started streaming down her face.

Her reaction left me stunned. I glanced at Wayne for help, and he quickly handed her a tissue. "Mom, you're going to freak Rea out like this. Just say what you need to say-no need for the waterworks."

Lindey took the tissue and dabbed at her eyes. "Rea, let's go home and talk, okay?"

I looked back at Wayne, hoping for some explanation. He sighed and filled me in. "My mom tried calling you, but she couldn't get through. You didn't respond to her messages either. She was so worried she didn't sleep at all last night and insisted I bring her to find you this morning. She already knows what Jace did."

I had a feeling this was about that.

"Lindey, why don't we sit down in the restaurant? You probably haven't had breakfast yet. We can talk while we eat," I suggested, not keen on heading to the Johnston residence.

Lindey shook her head. "I don't have an appetite."

"Then let's just talk," I insisted gently, and after a moment, she agreed.

I turned to Wayne. "Why don't you take Demi to the amusement park? I'll stay here and talk with your mom, then I'll take her home."

Wayne looked at Lindey, then back at me, nodding. "Thank you."

As Demi left with Wayne, I led Lindey back into the restaurant. She tried to refuse when I wanted to order breakfast for her, but I insisted and got her usual favorites. "Rea, I know what Jace did. You were right to hit him-he deserved it," Lindey said, making me look down

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at my hands.

"It's my fault for not raising him better. He's made so many mistakes and hurt you in the process," Lindey continued, shaking her head as if the guilt was too much to bear. I bit my lip. "Lindey, this isn't your fault. Jace made his own choices-he's an adult."

I wasn't sure what Lindey's true intentions were in coming to see me, but I had a feeling she was here to play on my emotions, maybe even to convince me to forgive Jace.

In truth, whether or not I forgave him didn't really matter anymore, but I was worried Lindey might still hope I'd get back together with him.

Lindey nodded slightly. "You're right, so don't let this weigh on your mind."

"Lindey, you're overthinking it. I don't feel burdened by this because I did nothing wrong," I said, keeping my tone calm but firm, catching her a little off guard. After a moment, she nodded again. "Yes, yes, you did nothing wrong. It's all Jace's fault."

I stayed quiet, but she continued, "Rea, about you resigning-Matthew doesn't agree with it either. Jace will personally apologize and ask you to come back."

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Her words hit me like a curveball.

"Lindey, I've already resigned, and I've got another interview lined up today."

"What? That fast?" Lindey looked genuinely shocked.

"Honestly, I decided to leave the day Jace and I didn't get our marriage certificate," I said, meeting her gaze without flinching.

"Working with Jace after everything would just be... weird. Even if Jace didn't want me to quit, I was planning to leave after the amusement park project wrapped up," I explained, trying to keep things simple.

Lindey shook her head. "It doesn't have to be like this, Rea. If it's awkward, you could transfer to another department or even a different branch. Just put some space between you two."

"I get that you're worried I might struggle somewhere else, but I really want to see what's out there," I said, making my point clear.

Tears welled up in Lindey's eyes again. She shook her head, whispering, "How did it end up like this? If you can't be my daughter-in-law, I can accept that, but now you're leaving our company too? Are you planning to cut ties with us completely?" Seeing her so upset made my chest tighten. After everything we'd been through, it was hard not to feel something.

"I'll still visit you and Matthew, I promise," I offered, hoping to reassure her.

Lindey wiped away her tears and gave me a serious look. "Rea, be honest with me-are you seeing someone else? Is that why you're quitting? Are you worried he might have issues with your past with Jace?

I couldn't help but laugh at the idea. Everyone seemed convinced that Hayden and I were a thing, even though there was literally nothing between us.

"I'm not seeing anyone right now. And even if I were, no guy would get to make my decisions for me. You're way overthinking this," I assured her.

"Then promise me you won't leave the company," Lindey said, then hesitated before adding, "At least stay so I can see you whenever I miss you, just by picking up the phone."

Her words carried the kind of warmth and attachment you'd expect from a mom.

But I couldn't promise her that. "Even if I leave the company, I'm not leaving town. I'll still be around, and you can call me whenever you want."

Lindey fell quiet, and for a moment, I thought we were on the same page. But then she said, "Rea, there's something I need to tell you, but I'm scared you'll get mad."

Her words made my heart skip a beat. Whatever she was about to say, I could tell it wasn't going to be easy to hear.

"Then maybe it's better if you don't," I cut in.

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Lindey looked a little surprised by my bluntness, but then she smiled. "But I have to say it, because it's about your happiness."

No wonder she was the chairman's wife-she knows exactly how to be both firm and gentle at the same time.

I gave her a faint smile. "Alright, go ahead."

"Matthew is planning to have Wayne start his own business. He's going to register a company in his name. Would you consider helping him out?" Lindey asked carefully, but I caught the real meaning behind her words right away. This wasn't just about helping Wayne-it was about trying to set me up with him now that things with Jace had fallen apart.

The whole thing reminded me of that old saying, 'Keep the wealth within the family.

It was clear they didn't want the girl they had practically raised to end up with someone outside the family. If I wasn't marrying the younger son, then why not the older one?

"Lindey," I said straight-up, "do you really think if I ended up with Wayne, Jace would be able to handle it? How do you think the two brothers would get along after that?"

Lindey's lips trembled a bit before she finally spoke. "But I can't stand the thought of you leaving us, leaving me."

"Then I'd rather just be your goddaughter," I made my stance clear.

Chapter 124 Chapter 124 As far as the conversation had gone, Lindey couldn't push any further, no matter what she was thinking. She nodded, saying, "Rea, you're like a daughter to me."

But if she really saw me that way, there was no way she'd be okay with setting me up with Wayne. Then again, maybe it was Wayne's idea-he did confess his feelings to me, after all.

"Alright, maybe we could have a small ceremony when Wayne and Jace have some free time. I could officially become your and Matthew's goddaughter," I suggested, watching Lindey's expression falter for just a split second.

It was clear she wasn't thrilled about making me her goddaughter.

In Kehlmark, godfamilies were basically like extended family, with all the same social rules. If I became Lindey and Matthew's goddaughter, dating one of their sons would be straight-up incest.

But I couldn't just ignore how kind she'd been to me for the past decade, and I wasn't about to let doubt mess that up.

"Okay," Lindey finally agreed.

I drove her back to the Johnston residence, and as we pulled up, we ran right into Jace. He was rocking a baseball cap and a matching jersey-so different from his usual CEO vibe. Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but remember the guy I used to crush on. Back in high school, Jace would sneak out all the time to ride his motorbike, racing around like he had nothing to lose. He was a total thrill and a complete terror all at once.

I'd watch him tear down the streets in his biker gear, helmet on, looking like the exact kind of rebellious bad boy I'd always fantasized about.

I still remember the first time he took me for a ride. I was terrified, clutching onto him like depended on it-it was the closest I'd ever been to him back then.

my life Afterward, he teased me with that smirk of his, saying, Holding on so tight-were you trying to take advantage of me?"

Eventually, he ditched the motorcycle, traded in his casual clothes for sharp suits, and became the powerful CEO everyone either feared or respected.

But seeing him now, back in those old, familiar clothes, stirred something deep inside me. Yet, deep down, I knew he wasn't the same person anymore, no matter what he wore. That baseball cap? It was just covering up the injury from yesterday. Jace's first words to me were full of sass. "What? Didn't get enough hits yesterday? Here to finish me off today?"

Before I could fire back, Lindey smacked him on the arm. "You've got some nerve talking like that. Rea went easy on you, and that's the only reason you're still standing."

"Mom, come on, I'm not your only son, but you can't be that ruthless. Are you saying you'd rather she beat me to death? Am I even your son, or is she your real child?" Jace, the big, scary CEO at work, could still act like a total goof at home. Chapter 124 "I wish I had given birth to Rea. Maybe then I wouldn't have had to deal with you," Lindey shot back, her usual humor shining through.

"Fine, in the next life, let her be your daughter, and I'll stay far away," Jace said, wrapping his arm around Lindey to dodge another smack.

Watching their playful banter made a pang of envy hit me. If my parents were still around, I'd still be that kid who could throw a fit and run to them for comfort, no matter how old I got.

But life doesn't work like that.

Seeing them together made it hard to breathe. I turned to Lindey and said, "I should get going."

"Wait," Jace called after me. "I need to talk to you."

"We've got nothing to talk about," I shot back, not in the mood to deal with him. I was scared that if he said the wrong thing, I might lose it again.

Once you start hitting someone, it's scarily easy to do it again.

"But I do," Jace insisted, his voice serious.

Lindey pinched his arm. "Don't you dare get all macho, or you'll have to deal with me."

"Mom, relax. My girl's my everything. I'd never hurt her," Jace said, completely shameless.

After spending so much time with him at work these past couple of years, I'd almost forgotten this side of him.

"Go inside, Mom. We need to talk alone," Jace coaxed, gently nudging her toward the house.

But Lindey wasn't totally convinced. She kept glancing back at us, clearly not thrilled about leaving.

Chapter 125 I looked Jace straight in the eye. "What do you want? Here to demand some kind of compensation? Or maybe you're planning to sue me for, I don't know, assault?"

His voice dropped, all cold and CEO-like. "What do you take me for?"

"I'm here to apologize. I was impulsive and reckless yesterday. You were right to hit me," he said, catching me completely off guard.

I glanced at the bandage peeking out from under his cap and just nodded. "Good that you realize it."

Jace let out this bitter laugh. "Rea, I've noticed you've become... a bit more ruthless."

How exactly was I being ruthless? I didn't bother asking. Instead, I said, "What you did was wrong."

"Yeah, I know. Yesterday was on me. And getting too close to Tanya, ignoring your feelings-that was on me too. Letting her stay in the penthouse I got for you, that was just messed up. Even giving her my sup card was wrong," Jace continued, reflecting on his screw-ups. I had no idea where he was going with this, but he didn't stop. "I'm apologizing because I messed up all around."

"There's no need. Right or wrong doesn't matter anymore," I said, starting to walk away, but he blocked my path.

"Rea, I'm not finished."

I glanced at the cap on his head. "Then keep talking."

"I've apologized, and I know I was wrong. And like I said, there's nothing between Tanya and me. As for that kiss you mentioned-it was just a joke, an accident. If you think it's unfair, you can kiss some other guy to even the score," he suggested, his words making me clench my fists.

Jace noticed and instinctively stepped aside, but after a moment, he stepped back. "You can hit me, just not on yesterday's wound. Pick another spot."

Pfft!

I couldn't help but laugh.

Was this really Jace? Or was he trying to joke his way into my good graces?

"Rea," Jace reached out to grab my hand, "let's start over. Or maybe... let me win you over all over again?"

"I must've hit you harder than I thought-you don't even know what you're saying," I pulled my hand free from his grip.

"I know exactly what I'm saying," Jace replied, his eyes locked on mine. "I still want to marry you, to make you my wife."

I scoffed. "Jace, whether you're playing games with me or you really did get your brain scrambled, let me be clear-I don't do second chances."

"I know you're angry right now. It's fine, be as angry as you want. I'll wait for you," Jace's shameless persistence was starting to get on my nerves.

Chapter 125 I pressed my lips together before saying, "Your mom didn't tell you, did she? She wants to make me her goddaughter. That would make you my godbrother. Do you still think we can get married?" Jace's expression immediately darkened, and he frowned. "That's not happening. My parents only want you as their daughter-in-law."

I wasn't in the mood to argue or listen to more of his nonsense, so I turned and walked away.

Just as I was getting into my car, I heard him call out, "Rea, I've also rejected your resignation."

'Damn it!' I slammed my hand against the steering wheel, fuming inside. 'I'm literally on my way to a job interview, and now he's refusing to approve my resignation? How am I supposed to explain that?" Jace was pulling out all the stops, clinging on and refusing to let go.

But no way was I letting him win this.

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I got to the interview spot at eleven sharp. The office was kind of out of the way-not in the downtown area, but like a twenty-minute drive from my place, on the edge of the city.

I'd already done some digging on this company. They were into lighting development and had even put in a bid for the amusement park's lighting gig, though they didn't end up getting it. Actually, when the amusement park had those lighting issues, I thought about hitting them up to help sort it out.

These two things made me keep an eye on the company, and as luck would have it, they were hiring for a job that matched what I was good at-marketing and promotion.

I applied to them first, and they were the first to call me in for an interview.

The company had rented out an office building-not exactly as fancy as RiverwaveCorp Tower, but it still took up three floors. I rode the elevator to the right level and followed the signs to the HR office. As soon as I walked in, someone greeted me with a smile. "You must be Keira Kay, here for the interview?"

I smiled back and nodded. "Yeah, that's me."

"Please, have a seat!" The guy looked to be around thirty-nothing special in the looks department, but he had this warm, friendly vibe that instantly stood out.

They say a smile is the easiest way to show kindness, and that definitely felt true in this case.

"We only have one interview scheduled for today," he added, as if reading my mind about how he recognized me so fast.

"Nice to meet you," I said, holding out my hand. He seemed a bit surprised but quickly smiled again and shook it before introducing himself.

"I'm Ron Shane. I've gone through your resume, and it's impressive. It really lines up with what we're looking for. I'd love to hear what your expectations are, Ron said, all professional and businesslike.

I had already noticed his name badge during the handshake-HR manager and deputy CEO. Since I was interviewing for the Director of Marketing and Promotion role, it made sense he'd be involved. But the fact that he seemed to be waiting just for me suggested they might really need someone with my skill set, and soon. I didn't overthink it and just focused on answering his question about my expectations.

"I'm interested in talking about salary, vacation time, and the company's growth plan," I said, getting straight to the point. "We can start with the first two, and if we're on the same page, then we can dive into the last one."

I was just like anyone else I needed to make a living and take some time off, so my priorities were pretty standard.

Ron handed me a glass of water and set it down in front of me. "We've looked over your work history and know you were an executive assistant at RiverwaveCorp. We're aware of the salary range there. We can't match that base salary, but we do have a performance based bonus structure."

I wasn't shocked by this. Ron continued, "Your base salary here would be fifteen thousand a month, with a

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year-end bonus that's three per thousand of your total annual performance. Insurance and holiday benefits are in line with standard regulations. Does that work for you, Ms. Kay?"

"Sounds good," I agreed. The monthly salary was five thousand less than what I made at RiverwaveCorp- about a 25 per cent drop. But I was okay with that.

This company wasn't on the same level as RiverwaveCorp in terms of size. If they'd offered me the same salary I got there, I'd be a little suspicious.

Plus, at RiverwaveCorp, my title as an assistant was just for show-everyone knew I was the CEO's fiancee, so my pay reflected that.

Here, though, I was just me. I'd be earning based on my actual skills, and the offer seemed fair.

"Ms. Kay, if you have any other requests, feel free to let us know," Ron said.

"I'd like to review the company's development plan," I replied. This was crucial to me-I needed to know where the company was headed. I wasn't about to invest my time and effort into a job that might not even be around in a few months. Ron walked over to his desk, grabbed a file box from a shelf, and handed it to me.

I spent about ten minutes flipping through the documents before passing them back. "Mr. Shane, if you're good with it, I'm ready to start as soon as possible."

Ron's smile got even wider. "Today's Thursday. You can finish up your onboarding paperwork now and officially start on Monday. How does that sound?" "Sounds perfect," I agreed.

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"Welcome aboard, Ms. Kay." Ron reached out to shake my hand this time, then called someone over to help me with the paperwork.

In less than thirty minutes, I was officially part of the company.

That was when it hit me-Jace still hadn't approved my resignation. But if push came to shove, I could always ask Matthew. He'd definitely have my back. My phone buzzed in my pocket, vibrating a bunch of times. I'd ignored it while I was talking to Ron.

It was Lena calling. "Where are you? I'm off today-want to hang out?"

Lena, with a day off? It was super rare.

She had been buried in work lately because it was peak baby season.

"So, you're finally getting a break from delivering babies?" I teased.

"Yeah, it's like all these moms decided to sync up their due dates, and now suddenly, they're all holding off," Lena groaned. I'd heard this rant before.

These days, people were so extra-they would plan everything down to the last detail, even when to have their babies. Some would even follow these weird superstitions, like consulting monks to pick the perfect time for conception and birth, hoping it'd give their kids a leg up in life.

What they didn't get is, if everyone was aiming for the top, just being average might end up being the real

win.

"Are you home? I'll come over." I knew how rare her days off were, so I didn't want her to have to go anywhere.

"Yeah, come on over!"

"How about we have a drink or two at lunch?" I asked, already grinning.

"Sounds good. I'll handle the food, you bring the wine," Lena said, way too excited.

I ended the call and glanced at the other missed calls from unknown numbers. Probably more companies I'd applied to. If they really wanted me, they'd call again.

I didn't just grab wine-I also picked up some fruit and a tea maker, thinking we could make some tea or something.

When Lena opened the door, she took the stuff from my hands and noticed the tea maker. She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "You're seriously the best. I've been wanting one of these forever but just haven't had the time."

"I figured even if you did buy it, you wouldn't have time to use it," I joked.

Lena paused for a moment, then quipped, "Time is like a woman's cleavage-if you squeeze it, you can always find some."

I burst out laughing and glanced at her flat chest. "Not always. Can you squeeze any out?"

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I wasn't trying to hit a nerve, but Lena really was on the smaller side. In the summer, she often just wore a bra without any padding, and honestly, it didn't make much difference.

"Don't underestimate me. Someday, this small chest will be a treasure for my baby. Yours might be bigger, but it might not be as useful," Lena shot back. She really knew her stuff-not just about delivering babies, but about raising them too. "Then when the time comes, we'll both have babies, and you can breastfeed them both," I teased.

Lena gave me a playful kick. "Only you would come up with something like that."

We both cracked up, but then my phone rang again. It was another unknown number, so assuming it was

a potential employer, I answered, "Hello, Keira Kay speaking."

"Ms. Kay, your wedding dress has arrived. We'd like to schedule a fitting appointment."

"What?" I was totally caught off guard. "You must have the wrong number."

"I don't think so," the person said, then read off my number.

It was definitely mine.

But I hadn't ordered any wedding dress. What kind of prank was this?

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Just as I was trying to figure out who could be messing with me, more calls started rolling in-one about a ring order, another about the wedding venue.

That was when it hit me: this wasn't just a prank. When I finally asked who'd placed all these orders, I learned exactly who was behind it. Jace. Of course.

I knew he wouldn't do something as childish as prank calls just to get under my skin. Realizing what he might actually be up to, I called him directly. "Jace Johnston! What the hell are you trying to do? We've already broken up, and here you are ordering a wedding dress and a ring. Who are you trying to gross out?" "Don't think so lowly of me. You think I'm doing this just to annoy you? You've always doubted that I cared, doubted my love for you. Well, let's get married now. That should prove I only want to be with you, right?" Jace's words made my disappointment sink even deeper.

"Jace, do you really think love is about forcing someone into a wedding dress and shoving a ring on her finger? Do you still not get why I left you?" I snapped.

Jace went quiet for a few seconds. "Isn't it because of Tanya?"

"Exactly!" I admitted. "So, what's your plan to deal with that?"

There was a long pause on his end before he finally said, "I won't have any more contact with her. I'll even have her leave the company. Will that be enough?" Listen to that tone-so unwilling, so grudging.

"And then what? You're gonna hide her like some side chick?" I shot back, dripping with sarcasm.

Jace snapped. "Enough! Why are you being so unreasonable? I've already told you, Tanya's alone and pregnant. She's pitiful. Can't you show a little compassion?" His voice was loud, almost shouting.

I pulled the phone away from my ear, not wanting him to bust my eardrums.

Even so, he kept going, "You're a woman too. What if it were you in her place? Just like when your parents died-if it weren't for my family taking you in, how desperate and helpless would you have been?" Taking me in?

Those words cut like a knife.

So, in his eyes, I was just some pitiful, unwanted girl that his family had so graciously sheltered.

"So, all the kindness you showed me was just charity, huh?" My voice shook with the realization.

Jace was quiet for a few seconds before saying, "No, that's not what I meant."

"Jace, I don't need your charity. So go ahead and give your love and affection to whoever you want. I was once a pitiful, orphaned girl, and you gave me love out of pity. Now Tanya's the pitiful one-so go ahead and love her," I said, biting my lip, feeling like I'd just been dunked in ice water.

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Our love had soured, his feelings had strayed, and none of that even mattered anymore.

After all, the world changes every second, so it's no surprise that people and hearts do too.

But I never imagined that the affection he once showed me was fake, just pity from the very start.

"You're being completely unreasonable. You know that's not what I meant," Jace protested.

"It doesn't matter what you meant anymore. Please, just stop bothering me, alright?" I was exhausted, worn out from this endless back-and-forth.

But Jace only let out a cold laugh. "You're my woman. If I don't let go, you have no right to say no."

His domineering words made it clear-he just couldn't handle being the one who got rejected.

But I'd already made up my mind. No matter how much he tried to cause a scene, I wasn't going back to him.

"Then go ahead and make a scene if you're not ashamed," I shot back before hanging up.

Just like before, this call had drained me. I was left trembling with exhaustion, completely unaware that Lena had come up behind me.

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I didn't even realize Lena was there until she handed me a cup of tea. "Jace is such a jerk. I never thought things would get this ugly once he showed his true colors."

I took a sip, letting the warmth seep through me. "Turns out, he was just pitying me."

Even though Jace and I had broken up, the memories of the good times still clung to me. But today, his words shredded those memories, leaving only the bitter truth behind.

Lena put a comforting hand on my shoulder, rubbing it gently. "Better to see him for what he really is now than later."

I didn't say anything, just stared into my cup. Lena nudged me. "Wanna get back at him?"

"What?"

Jace's words had cut deep, reopening wounds I thought were long healed, dragging me back to the worst time of my life.

He wasn't totally wrong-after the car accident that killed my parents, when they were lying cold in the morgue, I really did feel like I was all alone in the world. I had no idea what to do.

I was so lost, I couldn't even bring myself to go home. I thought about ending it just so I could be with them again.

It wasn't until Matthew and Lindey showed up, hugged me, and told me I'd be living with them now, that they'd be my new parents, that I stopped being so afraid.

At the time, they were the only thing I could hold onto in all that darkness. I honestly believed the world still had some love left for me.

That was why I misread Jace's smile at first, thinking it meant something more. Looking back now, it probably wasn't friendly at all-more like he was mocking me, right?

But back then, I saw it as a ray of hope....

"You need to find someone to date, or even marry, just to make Jace realize you're serious," Lena said, turning me to face her. "Show him you can live without him, that you don't need him at all." "Guys like him, with all their stupid pride and arrogance, need a reality check before they realize what they've lost," Lena added, giving my shoulders a firm squeeze.

I could see she was just as pissed as I was-completely over Jace's crap.

I let out a bitter laugh. "You think this is some kind of TV drama where you can just start a relationship like

that?"

"TV dramas are based on real life, you know. And if it helps you get rid of Jace once and for all, and makes him see what he screwed up, then it's totally worth it," Lena insisted, trying to pep me up.

I stared at the floor, my thoughts all jumbled. But Lena wasn't letting it go. "What about Hayden? He'd be perfect."

"No way. Absolutely not," I shook my head hard.

Hayden already had feelings for me. If I brought this up and he took it seriously, I'd be in even deeper trouble. Chapter 129

"He's the best choice, and you know it," Lena pressed.

"Let me think about it," I mumbled, feeling overwhelmed.

But Lena was stuck on the idea, convinced it was the perfect plan. Even after a couple of drinks, she kept pushing. "Just call Hayden right now. Lay out the conditions-make it clear it's just pretend. If he says no, then whatever, forget it." "What if he takes it seriously?" I still wasn't convinced.

Lena countered, "Maybe he'll be down to play along."

ye

00

After way too many drinks, I finally caved to Lena's relentless nagging and dialed Hayden's number.

"Hey, what's up?" His voice was deep, smooth, and way too attractive for my own good.

I stared at the wine swirling in my glass, trying to focus "Hayden, would you be cool with pretending to be my boyfriend? Like, just pretend. Not for real."

Chapter 130

Hayden paused for a few seconds before asking, "Have you been drinking?" His voice was magnetically pleasant.

I brushed off his question and pushed harder. "Are you willing or not?"

Instead of answering, Hayden asked, "Where are you?"

I sighed, frustrated. "Forget it, I already know what you're gonna say," I muttered, ready to hang up, but Hayden's voice stopped me.

"Keira, where are you? Are you at home or somewhere else?" Hayden's voice had this tone that made it clear he wasn't messing around.

All the emotions I'd been holding back just burst out. "Who do you think you are, and why do you care? I

can be wherever I want-"

Before I could finish, Lena leaned in and grabbed the phone. "Don't worry, she's at my place. I'm her best

friend," she said.

Then she whispered in my ear, "Be nice if you want his help."

I pushed her away, laughing, still wrapped up in our little back-and-forth, when Hayden's voice came through again. "We'll talk when you're sober tomorrow.

He hung up before I could say anything else. I just stared at the phone, totally stunned. "He thinks I'm drunk."

Lena burst out laughing. "He's probably worried you'll say something now and regret it later."

Sure, I'd been drinking, but I wasn't that out of it.

Maybe this was his way of shutting me down.

I mean, he knew I didn't like him like that. He probably thought I was messing with him-or maybe he was getting back at me for rejecting him.

That night's drinking left me so out of it that I didn't even realize when Lena left for work the next morning. I didn't wake up until my phone rang, dragging me out of my sleep. "Hello," I mumbled, not even bothering to check the caller ID.

"Ms. Kay, can you come to the amusement park?" Gavin's anxious voice eut through the fog in my brain.

I frowned. "Gavin, I quit. Didn't you get the memo? If there's a problem, talk to Wayne."

"Ms. Kay, I'm calling you specifically," Gavin insisted. His persistence made me chuckle and also fully woke me up.

I rolled over, stretching my arm out to smooth down the mess my hair had become from sleeping." What's going on?"

"We really need you to come. You'll understand once you're here," Gavin said, with just enough mystery to pique my curiosity.