Ch. 311..320
Chapter 311
As Hayden and I got out of the car, Yuna was chilling in the yard, rocking in a chair, totally absorbed in her
book.
The breeze played with her dress, making the scene almost unreal, like something out of a movie.
She was so deep in her book, she didn't even notice we'd pulled up until Zach yelled, "Yuna, guess who's here!"
Without even looking up, Yuna fired back, "Zach, your car sounds like a lawnmower. I knew it was you."
I laughed as Zach scratched his neck, embarrassed. "Yeah, well, it's not just me. I brought someone."
Yuna just flipped another page, still not looking up.
Zach was about to say more, but I waved him off and walked over to her. Standing behind her, I peeked at the book-"Still reading this? Thought you'd finished it."
I remembered seeing it on her nightstand
time I was here-one of those sappy romancevels.
She froze for a second, then turned. Her face lit up when she saw me. "Keira!"
I laughed as Yuna jumped up, but the second she spotted Hayden behind me, she dropped her book and bolted straight for him. "Hayden!"
Watching them hug, seeing how Hayden softly ruffled her hair, it hit me-This is why he's so good at spoiling me. He's been practicing with his sister all along.'
While they caught up, I bent down and grabbed the book she'd dropped. The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot. The cover was all worn out, pages yellowed, like it had been read a million times.
I was not usually into romance novels, but it made me curious-what was it about this one that had her so
hooked?
I'd just flipped to the second page when Yuna came back over. "Keira, you can't read that," she said, reaching out like she was about to snatch it from me.
I smirked. "Oh? What's the big secret in this book?"
A blush crept across her cheeks. "No secret. It's just... you and Hayden are already in love. You don't need this kind of thing anymore."
I couldn't help but grin. "Oh, so this is like a love guide for beginners, hub?"
"Keira!" Yuna whined, her face turning an even deeper shade of pink as she pouted.
I decided to let her off the hook and handed the book back.
Just as I did, Hayden strolled over and took my hand. "Come on, let's head inside and grab a drink."
I followed him in, and since Hayden knew his way around, he started pouring me some water. But Yuna swooped in, quick to stop him. "Hayden, I'll make her some tea." It was this special floral blend she always whipped up just for me.
Chapter 311
Without missing a beat, Yuna turned to Hayden. "By the way, I want to have some grilled fish later," she added, totally unapologetic.
"Of course, I'll make it for you guys," Hayden replied, throwing me a quick smile. It was his way of reminding me I was still his priority, even while doting on Yuna.
Yuna's eyes suddenly zeroed in on the ring I was wearing. "Keira, is that from Hayden? It looks so familiar."
"Yeah, it's your family heirloom," I said, looking over at Hayden. He was already busy prepping dinner.
The sun took its sweet time setting here, so it wasn't until after we'd eaten that the sky finally went dark.
When Yuna found out we were taking her with us, she practically bounced with excitement and rushed to pack her things.
"Can you check if I forgot anything?" she aske
king unsure as she stared at her packed suitcase.
I gave it a quick glance and shrugged. "Looks like you've got everything. And even if you forgot something, we'll just buy it."
Yuna scrunched her nose. "That's such a waste of money. Plus, everything where you live is so expensive."
Her practicality made my heart ache a little.
Girls her age-the ones I was used to-were always drinking bubble tea, eating desserts, and shopping for clothes without a care. None of them were as careful as Yuna.
It was true what they say: kids from poor families grow up fast.
"It's okay. Hayden and I make plenty of money." I reassured her.
Yuna stayed quiet, and I knew she had her own way of doing things, her own quiet independence.
After a moment, she looked at me, serious. "There's something I wanted to ask you.
Chapter 312
"What is it?" I asked, still smiling.
Yuna bit her lip, hesitating. "Is my surgery going to cost a lot?"
My heart sank. I'd been worried she'd ask that. "Not at all," I said quickly. "It's really affordable. Plus, Hayden Just landed a great gig as chief engineer, so we're good."
She didn't respond, so I slid closer. There's this thing called the "proximity effect"-sometimes trust isn't about words, just being there.
I gently ran my fingers through Yuna's hair. The doctor handling your surgery is my bestie's friend. He's the best. All you need to do is focus on getting better. You're going to be fine."
Tears welled up in Yuna's eyes. "Keira, you
kind."
I smiled. "Well, if I wasn't, Hayden wouldn't have stuck around."
Yuna giggled. "You and Hayden are like a storybook couple."
Thinking of all the romance novels she devoured, I teased, "Once you're better, you'll have your own love
story."
Her face turned red, and I could tell she'd thought about it.
What girl hasn't? It explained why she kept reading the same romance novels over and over.
While she finished packing, I went to find Hayden. He wasn't in his room or the yard.
Where could he have gone?
Curious, I stepped out of the house and scanned the area under the moonlight. Off in the distance, down by the riverbank, I spotted him.
Even in the dark, I knew it was him. There was a time I could pick out Jace's car by the sound of the engine or hear his footsteps before he even showed up. Now, it's the same with Hayden-I could spot him from a mile away, no face needed. Once someone's in your heart, you just know.
headed toward him. He was so deep in thought he didn't notice me coming, so I snuck up behind him and wrapped my arms around him in a playful hug.
Hayden tensed for a split second, then softly asked, "What are you doing here?"
1 let out a small, teasing huff. "Who am I? How'd you know it was me? Why didn't you think it was one of
the girls around here who's crushing on you?"
I couldn't help but laugh at the hint of jealousy in my own voice.
"No one else would have the guts. And..." He paused, giving me a knowing look, "your scent is one of a kind."
So I'd slipped into his heart too.
Chapter 312
I moved in front of him, looking up into his eyes. "What are you doing out here all by yourself? What's on your mind?"
"Just getting some air," he said, staring at the river. But could see the tension.
I snuggled closer. "You're worried about Yuna, aren't you?"
He didn't answer, but I knew. Even with the best doctor there were no guarantees. Hayden, who faced everything head-on, was terrified of losing her.
I understood that fear. It was the kind of loss he couldn't bear.
Suddenly, a scary thought hit me-if something went wrong, would he blame me? But if she didn't have the surgery, Yuna's time was limited. There wasn't much choice. "Hayden," I whispered, resting my head against his chest, "don't worry. Yuna will make it through. I know it.
He gently rested his hand on my head. "I know. Whatever happens, I've made my peace. You don't have to carry that burden."
I froze he'd sensed my fear.
"It's going to be okay," I whispered.
"Yeah," Hayden murmured, holding me close as we stood together, wrapped in the quiet of the night.
Chapter 313
Hayden and I stood by the river, listening to the water while the wind whipped through the trees.
After a while, my legs started giving out. I was exhausted.
"What's wrong?" Hayden asked.
"I need to sit. My legs are sore," I admitted.
Without missing a beat, he scooped me up by the waist, carrying me over to a big rock like I weighed nothing. Even though he did stuff like this all the time, I still acted shy. "I can walk, you know."
He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just say your legs were sore? How're you gonna walk?"
I stuck out my tongue and let him win that one.
He set me down, then sat beside me, but b I could scoot closer, his arm hooked around my waist and pulled me right into his lap. What was he up to now?
Before I could ask, he whispered in my ear, "The rock's cold."
Seriously, was there a more thoughtful boyfriend than Hayden?
"Thanks, boyfriend," I said, giving him a quick kiss. But the second my lips touched his, something felt off. There was this faint trace of tobacco. 1 froze. Had he been smoking?
So, he came to the river by himself to smoke.
Realizing why I pulled back, Hayden sighed, "I won't smoke anymore. Today was the last time."
I shook my head. "You don't have to quit for me."
He looked at me, his eyes locking with mine.
I brushed my fingers over his brow. "Just don't overdo it. It's bad for you." As I said it, a weird sadness crept in. My chest tightened, and I felt that familiar sting of tears. "Hayden, you're the closest person I have now. Please... take care of yourself. I need you around for a long time."
The idea of forever used to feel so distant, but suddenly, I couldn't wait for it.
He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing as he held me tighter.
My mind drifted to the accident report I still hadn't finished. I'd stopped reading halfway through, unable to bring myself to see the conclusion.
"Hayden, did you read the report about my parents' accident?" I asked, resting my head against his chest.
He held me a little closer before answering in a low voice, "It's over now. Let's not dig it up."
I knew he was worried I'd break down again. "I'm not scared like before."
Even though I said that, the thought of those pictures made me shudder. So instead, I asked him, "Can you just tell me?"
Chapter 313
"Tell you what?" he asked softly.
"What did the report say? How did it end?"
Hayden went quiet, and my heart dropped. I pulled back, looking up at him. "Why aren't you saying anything? Was something wrong?"
His gaze fell, his eyes clouding over.
I swallowed hard. "Hayden."
After a beat, he said, "It was a problem with the car."
I frowned. "What kind of problem?"
Hayden opened his mouth, but no words came out. Suddenly, Lindey's words from before flashed in my mind. "Was it the brakes?" I asked directly.
Chapter 314
Hayden's eyes narrowed, and I instinctively gripped him tighter. "Is it true?"
"Why would you think that?' he countered.
I was about to mention Lindey when, out of nowhere, Yuna's voice called from a distance, "Keira, your phone's been ringing nonstop!"
She was hurrying over, despite her heart condition. She wasn't supposed to be running.
"Okay, I got it!" I quickly jumped off Hayden's lap and rushed over to her.
It was Lindey calling-multiple times. Something had to be up.
"Lindey?" I answered immediately.
"Rea, why haven't you been picking up? I thought something happened!" Her voice was laced with panic.
"No, I just didn't have my phone on me."
She let out a relieved breath. "You scared me. I was imagining the worst."
'Til keep it with me next time," I promised before asking, "What's going on?"
"I'm furious!" Lindey's voice came out sharp and full of anger.
I couldn't help but smile. "Who got you mad this time? Matthew?"
"If it were him, I'd knock some sense into him! No, It's Jace."
I sighed. Lena was right-no matter how over things were between Jace and me, as long as I stayed connected to the Johnston family, his name would keep finding its way back into my life.
"What did he do now?" I asked, playing along.
"He's cut us off because of Tanya Twain! Now, he's just... gone," Lindey fumed, her voice shaking with
frustration.
But Falready knew from Wayne that it was Matthew who cut ties with Jace.
I knew why things had escalated to this point, so I didn't push for details. "Lindey, he's probably just mad. Give him time."
"It's not like that," she snapped. "He's told Wayne everything. He's not coming back. He's done with the Johnston family."
My brow furrowed. "What did he say?"
"He told Wayne to take care of us because he can't anymore. He even handed over the company to him, And get this-he wants Wayne to look after you too. Can you believe that?"
"He's acting like this is goodbye forever, like he's walking out on all of us," she spat, clearly hurt.
I wasn't sure how to respond. This was their family business, and I didn't want to get sucked into the
drama. But something Hayden had said earlier made me think there was more to the story. "Lindey, maybe there's something else going on," I suggested carefully.
Chapter 31-4
She didn't seem to pick up on my hint. "What could be going on? He Just wants to marry that widow who's carrying someone else's baby!"
That left me speechless.
"Jace thinks he can manipulate us with this stunt, but I won't fall for it. If he wants to leave, fine. As far as I'm concerned, I don't have a son anymore," Lindey declared, her voice hard with anger. But I knew she didn't mean it. If she really didn't care, she wouldn't have called me.
"Just try to calm down," I said gently. "You know how he is-he's been like this since he was a kid. Maybe once he cools off, he'll come back around."
I could feel frustration building in me. This whole conversation was draining.
"He's going to be the death of me," Lindey vented, clearly not done with her rant.
I stayed silent, realizing just how much other people's negativity could weigh on you. Venting might make them feel better, but it leaves you feeling dr
After a beat, Lindey shifted the conversation. "Rea, where are you? I haven't seen you in ages."
glanced at the river, its surface sparkling under the fading light. Hayden and his siblings' soft laughter floated in the air. A small smile tugged at my lips. "I'm with Hayden, visiting his hometown." There was a pause on the other end before Lindey spoke again. "He proposed, didn't he?"
I was about to reply when she added, "I saw your post on social media."
"Yeah," I said, unable to hide my smile. "I said yes."
Chapter 315
Chapter 315
Lindey said softly, "Hayden's so lucky to marry you."
I gave a small smile, not really feeling the need to say anything. I mean, wasn't I lucky too?
After Jace's betrayal, Hayden came into my life like a hero, fixing everything and pulling me out of the
mess.
"How long are you two goin
long are you two going to be gone?" Lindey asked.
I shrugged, keeping it vague. "No clue."
Lindey groaned. "Rea, when you get back, can we hang out? I'm losing it over here."
I thought about the whole Jace drama and how Lindey had stepped in, basically kicking Tanya to the curb for me. "Yeah, sure. I'll drop by and see you and Matthew when I'm back."
She gave a relieved hum. "Be careful out
okay? New places and all that."
"I will," I promised, before adding, "And, Lindey? Don't stay mad."
Another long sigh. "I'll try."
After we hung up, I let out a deep breath.
Talking to Lindey and Matthew lately felt... draining. I tucked my phone away, glancing at Hayden and Yuna. Whatever they were talking about, Yuna was grinning and tugging at his sleeve like a kid who refused to grow up.
Not wanting to barge in, I pulled out my phone again, opening chat app to send a quick message to Lena. That's when I saw Tanya's unread texts:
[Keira, do you know where Jace is?]
[Keira, I can't reach Jace. Has something happened? Please help.]
[Keira, I'm freaking out.]
Great. Jace didn't tell her about his trip. So typical. Not my problem, though. I closed the chat and snapped a cute pic of the scenery to send to Lena instead.
Still no reply from her. I quickly typed: [I'm here to pick up Yuna]
Lena hadn't replied yet, so I left her a message: Come pick up Yuna.
Before I could hit send, Tanya's voice call came through.
A call? Seriously? Was she that desperate for a reply?
I smirked at the irony. Did she think Jace had run off with me? Amused, I answered, my tone dry, "Hello."
"Keira, I'm sorry for calling so late," Tanya started, all polite and sweet.
I wasn't in the mood for small talk. "What do you want?
"Did you see my texts?"
12
Chapter 315
"Yeah, I saw them."
Awkward silence on the other end. She probably got why I didn't bother responding. After a beat, she asked, 'Do you know where Jace is?"
*Nope. And just so we're clear-he's not with me." Might as well shut down whatever weird theory she had cooking
Tanya quickly backpedaled. "No, no, you've got it all wrong! I wasn't thinking that. I'm just... worried about him."
I raised an eyebrow, even though she couldn't see. "Worried about what?"
Was she scared Jace might just ditch her?
"I'm scared something's happened to him." Her voice cracked, sounding all sad and pathetic. "Do you know what he did before he left?" How would I know?
"He made sure everything was set for me and the baby. Tanya went on, her voice shaky. "It felt like... like he was making arrangements for the end."
Chapter 316
My heart stopped for a second.
First, Lindey said Jace was talking like he was leaving some kind of final message. Now Tanya was saying the same thing, like he was getting everything in order for the end. Something was definitely up with Jace.
Suddenly, a memory of a dream popped into my head, Jace's voice echoed: 'If I died..."
Even though I didn't have any lingering love or hate for him, when it came to life and death, I couldn't just brush it off. Not even if it was about some random dude.
Tanya, meanwhile, was a total wreck, crying like the world was ending. But she was sobbing to the wrong person. I couldn't bring myself to feel sorry for her, and honestly, comforting her was so not happening. Still, I told her straight, "Jace isn't that kind of guy."
Someone who gives up on life just beca. of a few rough patches? Yeah, that kind of person isn't exactly responsible. If they can't even handle their own problems, there's no way they could be there for anyone else. "I don't think he would either," Tanya mumbled, calming down a little. "But I can't reach him, and after everything. I'm really worried."
"If he's already taken care of everything for you, what's there to stress about?" I shot back, totally
sarcastic.
I might be nice, but I wasn't about to let that slide without a little sting.
This was the girl who took my fiancé. If she thought we were suddenly gonna be besties, she was seriously mistaken. I wasn't gonna pretend like everything was cool.
"I'm just scared something's happened to him," she went on, totally ignoring my attitude. "He doesn't get it... no matter what he's arranged, the only thing that actually makes me feel safe is him."
Wow. Now that's a dagger straight to the heart,' I thought with a bitter laugh. "Is that right? Well, then maybe you should stop calling me. Go find your sense of security somewhere else, 'cause you're not gonna find it here."
I was about to hang up when Tanya's voice cut through. "Keira, if he gets in touch with you, or you hear anything... can you let me know?"
"Sure, I'll tell him to call you," I said flatly, then hung up.
A cool breeze swept in, sending a sudden chill through the night.
Not far off, Hayden was still deep in conversation with Yuna. My mind drifted back to what Lindey and Tanya had said, and after a moment, I dialed Wayne.
He didn't pick up right away. Not the first time that'd happened.
There was a time when he'd answer the second I called,
Finally, just before I was about to hang up, Wayne's voice came through. "Rea."
1/2
Chapter 316
"Am I interrupting?" I asked, staring out into the dark.
"No, just in the kitchen making dinner," he said.
Whether that was true or not? Who knows.
"Did your mom call you?" I cut straight to the point.
"Yeah, she did. She was talking about Jace, got all upset, and started crying. I guess she's frustrated," he said, sounding a little exasperated.
"Same thing happened with me. And Tanya too. They both said Jace's been acting like he's..."
I hesitated. "Like he's making arrangements for the end
"Rea, what kind of crap is that?" Wayne's voice sharpened, clearly not having it.
"It's not my theory," I shot back. "Trust
Jon't want to be involved in this mess, but they both dragged
me into it. So I have to ask-did Jace leave? Has he said anything to you?"
Wayne's silence was all the answer I needed.
Jace had talked to him. He'd said his goodbyes.
A knot tightened in my chest, but I didn't press. I just waited, letting the silence hang between us.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Wayne spoke, his voice low, "Jace told me he's tired. He just wants to take a break for a while. Said as his older brother, it's my turn to step up... He wants to go back to being the carefree Jace he used to be."
Chapter 317
As Wayne's words sank in, an image of Jace from our school days flashed in my mind-back when he was carefree, wild, like nothing could touch him. He had zero worries back then.
I used to think he'd always be that way, but somewhere along the line, he changed. And now, here we are.
Guess the future's unpredictable for a reason.
"Jace also told me to take care of our parents... and you," Wayne's voice softened even more. "He said when you get married, I should let him know so he can personally give you his blessings."
My chest tightened at that. A wave of frustration hit me. Jace had everyone on edge, thinking he was about to do something drastic, when really it seemed like he just wanted to disappear for a while. "So, he wasn't actually making arrangements for the end," I muttered bitterly.
Wayne sighed on the other end. "Maybe h struggles."
aling with things we don't understand. Everyone has their
I let out a mocking laugh. "Struggles? He's got a wife, a kid, and a career that's practically blowing up. What struggles? Is this some kind of melodramatic, 'poor me' thing?"
"You're still holding onto something, aren't you?" Wayne assumed my sarcasm came from unresolved feelings for Jace.
"No," I said firmly. "I stopped loving or hating him the second we drew that line."
Wayne went quiet for a few seconds. "It's not so easy to let go of love or hate, is it?"
The way he said it reminded me of Hayden's take on my situation-and of the feelings Wayne had kept bottled up toward me for so long.
I almost asked him, have you let go?"
But I couldn't bring myself to say it.
Instead, I shifted gears. "What are you planning to do?
"Hm?" He sounded a little thrown by the sudden change in topic.
I clarified, "Jace has taken off, leaving everything to you. What do you plan to do?"
Wayne seemed to catch on. "Our parents, and you-whether he left or not, I'd always do my best to take care of you all. As for the company... I'll oversee things until he comes back."
1 knew Hayden was right.
If you're not aiming for the top, what's the point? Back in school, Wayne was always the overachiever, constantly chasing his parents' approval. There's no way he'd be content with just managing things. temporarily. "Matthew kicked him out of RiverwaveCorp. Even if he comes back, I doubt he'll be able to return," I said, hinting at something deeper.
Wayne was sharp-he'd understand exactly what I meant.
Chapter 317
And I wasn't worried if he did. If it weren't for the fact that he'd been so kind to me all these years, I wouldn't have hesitated to be even more blunt. "Rea." Wayne's voice dropped. "You think this is all connected to me, don't you?"
I wasn't wrong. He'd picked up on what I was implying.
"Wayne, actions have consequences," I replied, then hung up the phone.
For some reason, I started trembling. We hadn't argued, but after ending the call, a wave of emotion hit me hard.
Out of nowhere, a warm jacket was draped over my shoulders. I looked up and saw Hayden standing there. I hadn't even noticed him coming over. "I-I started, but he cut me off.
"Let's go home," he said, his voice soft but firm.
I didn't move. I just stared at him.
Under my gaze, I saw his Adam's apple bob as if he was holding something back. Finally, he spoke. "The accident... it was a brake failure."
Chapter 318
I froze, staring blankly at Hayden.
His father had been my dad's driver. If the brakes failed, that meant the driver might've been at fault. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. We just stood there, locked in this strange, heavy silence. Finally, Hayden's hand shifted slightly on my shoulder. My father was driving, so whether it was human error or a mechanical issue, he's responsible.
A chill crept through me-not from the cold air, but from the storm brewing inside.
If Hayden and I weren't this close, it'd be easy to hold his father accountable. But now, with things the way they were between us, I had no idea what to do if his dad was to blame.
"Rea," Hayden's voice was steady, sincere. "You know I've been digging into my dad's death. It's all connected. Once I find the truth, I'll tell you everything.
-
I knew Hayden meant it. He wasn't the to lie or hide things, even if it was about his own family. But if his father was involved, what kind of closure could he really offer me?
It felt like everything was spiraling into a mess I didn't see coming.
I couldn't just ignore the truth about my parents' accident, not even for the sake of our relationship. I had to know what really happened. But Hayden was searching for answers too-he was investigating Thorsten. Yet Thorsten had already told me everything. My head spun with confusion.
Sensing my turmoil, Hayden gently placed his hand on the back of my neck, pressing down softly. "Kiki, don't overthink it. Maybe it's not as bad as we're imagining. It might not be what we fear."
He knew just as well as I did that if it was what we feared, the fallout would be devastating-for both of
1. US.
My whole body trembled harder, and suddenly it felt like my legs couldn't hold me up anymore. I collapsed into Hayden's arms.
I didn't say anything, but inside, a voice screamed: 'Please, don't let it be that. I need him. I need Hayden."
He held me for what felt like forever, waiting until I finally calmed down before he took me home.
When we got there, Yuna was already back. She saw us holding hands and flashed a bright smile." Hayden, Keira! I made some warm chia pudding-come try it!"
Hayden glanced at me. "Let's have some. Yuna's chia pudding is seriously good."
"I stole Hayden's recipe and made my own improvements," Yuna said proudly.
Hayden was a great cook, and Yuna wasn't bad either. Living on her own had definitely taught her how to take care of herself.
I sat down and took a bite of the warm chia pudding. It was soft, sweet, and fragrant, melting in my mouth. After everything-being out in the cold and dealing with the emotional chaos-it was exactly what I needed. Comforting. Soothing. Chapter XIE
Hayden sat next to me, quietly eating his pudding, while Yuna kept up a steady stream of chatter
After a while, Yuna put down her bowl and slipped outside. A moment later, I heard her call, Hayden you help me with something?"
I kept eating, but their voices drifted back to me, even though they were trying to talk quietly
"Hayden, did you and Keira have a fight? She seems upset," Yuna asked, sounding a little worried.
"No, we didn't. She's probably just tired."
"Really? You're not lying to me?"
"I'm not."
*Keira is such a good person. You better not make her upset. And don't make yourself suffer either," Yuna added with a soft sigh. Hayden chuckled lightly. "Don't worry, I.
"I just want to see you both happy. Whenever you're not, it makes me anxious," Yuna admitted.
Her words hit me hard. My hand trembled, and I almost spilled the pudding
How could I forget that my emotions affect the people around me?
Chapter 319
So, no matter what was going on inside me, I had to push it aside.
Yuna was so pure, so sensitive-almost saint like in her kindness. I couldn't let my emotions weigh on her
By the time she and Hayden came back from their little chat, Ed already finished my chia pudding and had conveniently started stealing from Hayden's bowl
It was the perfect scene-me sneaking bites, caught in the act. No one would believe I'd been feeling down just minutes ago.
Yuna took one look at me pilfering Hayden's food and probably assumed everything was fine between us We clearly hadn't fought if I was pulling a move like that
Both Hayden and Yuna blinked at me, surprised, like I'd completely thrown them off.
scooped another spoonful of the warm chic
another bowl."
ing and tried to look innocent. "I think. I could go for
"Oh! I'll make one right now!" Yuna gasped, first looking shocked, then flustered as she hurried to the kitchen
"No
o need. Let her finish mine," Hayden said, sliding his bowl over to me.
I couldn't possibly eat more, but I gave him a quick wink and took a small bite. "It's fine. I'll just have a few. more bites"
"Let's share it, then," Hayden replied, leaning in and eating the spoonful I'd just scooped up.
I froze for a second, but Yuna burst into laughter. "You two are even sweeter than the pudding!"
That's when it hit me-Hayden had totally caught on to my plan and was playing along.
Yuna, completely convinced by our little act, relaxed, her earlier worry gone. Hayden and I played our roles perfectly, taking turns eating from the same bowl until we'd finished off the warm chia pudding together. After Hayden got up to clean the dishes, Yuna pulled me aside. "Keira, I've already changed the sheets for you guys and set out your toiletries. If you need anything else, just let me know."
"Thanks, Yuna," I said, using the word deliberately to show her how much I appreciated all the care she'd been giving us.
It was clear Yuna liked me, and the best way to show I felt the same was to embrace the idea of being her future sister-in-law-no doubt about it.
Yuna turned to Hayden with a teasing smile. "Hayden, you better hurry up and marry Keira. I can't let someone else steal her away!"
"Mhm, once you're all better, I'll marry her," Hayden replied, completely calm, like it was the most natural thing in the world
Yuna was about to say something when Hayden casually dropped, "Keira's crashing with you tonight, so make sure you don't, like, kick her off the bed or something." Chapter 319
Both Yuna and I froze. Uh, what? He wasn't letting me sleep with him? Seriously, he was sending me to Yuna's room?
Yuna threw me a confused glance. "Hayden, shouldn't Keira be sleeping with you?
"We're not married yet. It's not appropriate for her to sleep with me," Hayden replied, all serious like he was some kind of noble knight. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Wait, was he for real right now?
Before we got here, he wouldn't let me sleep without him, even when nothing was happening between us! And now, in front of his sister, he's suddenly Mister Morals? Separate rooms? Really? "Girls need to know how to protect themselves," he added, like I was some kind of teaching moment for Yuna not to give it up too fast.
But-wait a second.
Didn't Yuna ask earlier if Hayden and I had ki
Fourth, even!
And I'd already hinted we hit way past first base.
"You don't need to use this as an example, I get it," Yuna shot back, rolling her eyes. "Besides, if Keira's with me, are you really gonna sleep that well?"
Hayden glanced at me, his ears turning red again. "I'll sleep just fine," he mumbled.
"Oh." I replied, keeping my tone cool. "Well then, sweet dreams."
Hayden looked at me, but I just linked arms with Yuna. "C'mon, let Hayden finish up. We're going to bed."
Chapter 320
Chapter 320
For the next few days, I kept crashing in Yuna's room.
Hayden, the guy who could hold me all night and still stay cool, was handling it just fine. But I couldn't wait to see how he'd manage once we were back in Emberholm, where Yuna would be living with us.
We ended up staying at Pencetown for four days, which totally caught me off guard. I figured Hayden would rush to get her surgery scheduled ASAP so she could start recovering. But nope, he took his time. We spent the days fishing, and every evening, he'd cook us these insanely good meals.
Yuna and I were living like total princesses, soaking in every minute like we'd stepped into some magical escape, miles away from real life. If we stayed any longer, I wasn't sure I'd ever want to leave.
"Hayden, when we're old, we should retire here," I said, "I swear, I could live to be 150 in a place like this." Hayden laughed. "Alright."
"And me! I want to live to 150 too!" Yuna added, grinning with this bright, newfound excitement for her future.
Lena had already sorted out everything for Yuna's hospital stay, so we could head there whenever. But she insisted on seeing our apartment first.
Hayden was about to mention that he'd rented an apartment across from mine-one he'd barely used since he'd basically been living with me. But before he could say anything. I stopped him. I didn't want Yuna feeling guilty, thinking she was somehow a burden because her brother hadn't settled into a permanent place yet.
"This apartment was passed down from my parents. It's old, yeah, but it's cozy and perfect for us," I said, trying to make it sound a little better than the reality.
Yuna turned to Hayden with a sly grin. "So, you've been living at Keira's this whole time? Does that mean you two have been secretly shacking up?"
This girl didn't waste any time teasing him.
I caught Hayden's silent plea for help and had to bite back a laugh.
"Keira, I really like your apartment, Yuna said, completely sincere, like I was already part of their family." Once I'm out of the hospital, can I stay there for a bit? Is that okay?"
"Of course! You can stay as long as you want," I replied automatically, then remembered-the building. was getting demolished soon. Awkward.
"But I'm not staying tonight," Yuna added, catching both Hayden and me off guard.
"Where do you want to go?" Hayden asked.
A faint blush spread across Yuna's cheeks. "I've never been to a big city before." She was talking about Seavora.
Her meaning was clear, and Hayden and I exchanged a look. Yuna linked her arm through mine. "Keira, it's not that I don't like your place. I just really want to see the big city, you know? The kind I've only ever seen on TV."
1/2
Chapter 320
It hit me then-the peaceful, idyllic life I'd always envied in Yuna was actually her prison. Hayden, in trying to protect her, had unintentionally locked her away from the world.
Her excitement about the city made me think of that famous line: The grass is always greener on the other side.
Hayden and I exchanged a quick look before he tapped her lightly on the head. "Why didn't you say something sooner? You should've told me you wanted to visit the city."
"I did, but every time I asked, you'd shut me down," Yuna grumbled,
I laughed. "That's because he didn't meet me soon enough. If he had, you'd have been here ages ago."
"Exactly! So, you're my lucky charm," Yu id, resting her head on my shoulder. She threw Hayden a playful look. "You better treat Keira like gold, Hayden. Seriously. If you don't, I won't forgive you."
Most girls would probably be wary of marrying a guy with a clingy little sister, but not me. I had the rare privilege of being adored by my future sister-in-law, and honestly, I loved it.
We
That evening, Hayden and I took Yuna into the city. We wandered around, showing her everythinnergy
were a bit worried about her pushing herself too hard, but she was way too caught up in the city's to care about being tired.
As we strolled through the neon-lit streets, Yuna licked her ice cream cone, her face lit up in this way that made me smile, even as tears glistened in her eyes.
"Keira, I could die happy just having a day like this," Yuna said softly, her voice thick with emotion.
Her words hit me hard. It wasn't the sparkle of the city she craved-it was the feeling of being alive.
She wasn't just uncertain about her future; she was terrified of missing out on really living it.