Ch. 391..400

Chapter 391

Jace's face was cold, like way colder than I'd ever seen it.

"Huh?" The guy next to him blinked at me, totally confused. "Mistaken? No way, your fiancée is gorgeous, how could I—"

"My fiancée's at home with my parents," Jace cut in, already walking off, his legs moving like he couldn't get away fast enough.

"What? But..." The guy's eyes darted between me and Jace, completely thrown. "They look so alike... practically the same person."

I stood there, frozen. He didn't lie to embarrass me, which, honestly, I didn't see coming.

Jace, of all people, could've called me out and made this painfully awkward for Hayden and me. But he didn't.

Even when he walked past, he acted like I wasn't even there-like he didn't recognize me.

This version of Jace? He wasn't the guy I used to know. No more fiery temper over dumb stuff. Now he could just walk by, emotionless, like I was a total stranger.

Since he came back, other than that one time he popped up outside my place in Willow Residences, he hadn't tried to see me again.

He's over me....right?

I was still spiraling when Hayden nudged me into the elevator.

I blinked, glancing up at him. His face was hard to read, but after what just happened, I had a feeling it bugged him, too.

I reached for his hand, but before I could say a word, Hayden's other hand messed up my hair in that playful way he always did. "It's nothing." he said softly. "We'll probably run into stuff like this again." He wasn't wrong. Whether here or back in Seavora, awkward run-ins like today were kind of inevitable.

The thing is, we could've avoided this one. I should've remembered Steve booked this hotel-of course Jace wouldn't miss his buddy's event. But here we were, and switching hotels would've been too obvious. Jace's appearance left Hayden and me in this weird silence all the way to our hotel room.

When we got inside, I stepped in first, but Hayden yanked me back, his lips crashing onto mine.

I'd teased him earlier, even hinted at this, but his kiss now? It felt different. More intense. Like maybe there was some jealousy mixed in.

He kissed me until he was out of breath, finally pulling back, his forehead resting against mine. I watched his chest rise and fall, still feeling his heartbeat against me.

"Hayden, you care about my past with Jace, don't you?" I asked quietly.

His throat worked, and his voice came out rough. "I care that he had you first."

I froze. Couldn't argue with that-it was true..

Chapter 391

I had loved Jace for ten years. We'd even been engaged. That fact wasn't going anywhere.

"If it's going to be an issue for you, then..." I trailed off.

"Then what?" Hayden's eyes snapped up, dark and intense as they locked onto mine.

My breath hitched. The way he was looking at me-hungry, almost dangerous-made my pulse race.

"Hm?" He leaned in, his body heat wrapping around me. "You're gonna leave me, is that it?"

I couldn't meet his gaze, staring instead at his chest, the rise and fall of his breath quickening. "I can't change what happened, so..."

"Keira Kay," he growled, using my full name, his voice cutting through the air,

He was angry now.

"Don't even think about it," he whispered, his breath hot against my neck. "You're not leaving me."

My lips trembled, my heart twisting in my chest. "But you're jealous. You care... What am I supposed to do?

"That's on me." His voice dropped, rough and husky, "I should've found you first. Should've never let you slip away."

His words hit me hard,

I grabbed his face, then leaned in....

Actions spoke louder than words in moments like this,

We tumbled onto the bed, hands desperate, searching like we'd been waiting for this forever. His touch was relentless, every move fueled by something deeper, maybe even the memory of seeing Jace earlier. It only made him more intense, more demanding. He didn't stop, even as my phone buzzed nonstop. He wouldn't let go.

Chapter 392 Chapter

392

No clue when my phone finally quit ringing, but by the time Hayden carried me back to bed from the bathroom, I felt like total mush. Like, even my bones were jelly.

I was so wiped I didn't even want to open my eyes. I curled up under the covers, and it didn't take long before I crashed.

"Rest a bit. I'll make you some oatmeal," Hayden's voice rumbled in my ear, all low and husky.

I mumbled something back, already slipping into sleep

But even half-asleep, I kept hearing my phone ring.

Ugh, I didn't want to move, and I definitely wasn't opening my eyes. I reached out for Hayden, but all I got was an empty bed.

"Hayden... Hayden..." I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.

He was by my side in a second, leaning down. "What's wrong?"

Without looking, I muttered, "My phone... it's too loud.

""Huh?" He sounded confused.

"My phone. It's loud," I grumbled, super annoyed by the phantom ringtone.

There was a pause. Then, in that soft, comforting tone, he said, "Kiki, you're dreaming. Your phone's off."

Wait, seriously?

Then why did I keep hearing it?

I didn't argue. I just drifted back to sleep, this time deep and dreamless.

When I finally woke up, Hayden was at the tiny table across from the bed, totally lost in whatever he was sketching. He didn't even notice I was awake. I sat up slowly, spotting blueprints spread out in front of him.

Of course, he was working. No wonder Ron never gave him grief about not showing up at the office- Hayden was quietly getting everything done behind the scenes.

I didn't want to interrupt him, so I tried to slip out of bed quietly, but even that caught his attention. He looked up, saw I was awake, and immediately set his pen down, walking over. "Why didn't you call me?"

"I saw you were busy," I whispered, realizing too late how hoarse my voice sounded.

Instantly, the memory of everything that went down between us earlier hit me, and my face turned red.

Hayden caught it, of course. "I'll grab you some lozenges for your throat in a bit."

"No, I don't..." I stopped myself, trailing off.

His eyes locked onto mine. "You don't want them?"

It wasn't that I didn't want them. I just... couldn't stop thinking about baked pears.

1/2

Chapter 392

Baked pears, especially with honey and mint, were my go-to when I had a sore throat. The soft texture, the natural sweetness-it always did the trick. Comforting, soothing, and exactly what I craved when my throat felt scratchy. Back in Seavora, there was this one shop that made the best baked pears. I refused to get them from anywhere else. Yeah, I was stubborn like that-kind of like how I stubbornly loved Jace for a decade,

vi despite everything.

But no way was I about to tell Hayden I was craving baked pears right now. With him staring at me like that, I had to think fast. "I just don't like lozenges," I lied, forcing a smile. "I'll drink more water instead." Hayden made oatmeal for me, topping it with banana slices and chocolate chips. He whipped it up right in the little kitchenette in our hotel room. Honestly, hotels these days were really stepping up their game. It wasn't just about the bed anymore- these rooms were basically mini apartments. After eating, my throat felt way better.

But while I was fully rested, Hayden looked exhausted. I caught him rubbing his eyes a few times, clearly trying to stay awake.

"Hayden, go get some sleep. I'll clean up," I said, gently pushing him toward the bedroom.

"I need a shower first. I smell gross," he mumbled, hinting he hadn't taken a break after making breakfast and went straight back to his blueprints.

I turned him around, nudging him toward the bathroom. "Then go rinse off."

I looped my arms around his neck, pulling him down slightly to sniff his hair. "Smells fine to me-no need to wash your hair."

He frowned. "Who showers without washing their hair?

I laughed. "You can totally shower without doing

Chapter 393

"Yeah, but not every time I wash my hair do I need a full shower," he shot back, making me laugh even harder.

"Whatever, just hurry up before it's morning!" I shoved him toward the bathroom, half-worried he'd drag me in with him if I stalled too long.

On the surface, Hayden's the cool, restrained type-the guy who seems completely uninterested in women. But now I knew better. Once he lets go? It's like opening the floodgates.

While he was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I'd picked up from my parents-never leave dirty dishes overnight.

While Hayden was in the shower, I cleared the table. A habit I'd picked up from my parents-never leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.

I was almost done tidying up when the doorbell rang

At first, I figured I misheard, thinking it was coming from a nearby room. But then it rang again. And again. No doubt it was our room.

Who would be here this late?

I wiped my hands with a napkin and cautiously walked to the door. Even though Hayden was just in the other room, my instincts kicked in. "Who is it?"

"It's me."

The voice froze me in place.

It was Jace.

What was he doing here? And why so late, especially after acting like I didn't even exist earlier?

Before I could even process it, Jace started banging on the door. He wasn't going to leave unless I opened it, and as much as I hated it, I wasn't in the mood to cause a scene in the hallway at this hour. With a heavy sigh, I unlocked the door. Jace stood there, pale, hair slightly messed up, his hand still raised mid-knock.

I kept my voice cold. "What are you doing here?"

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" Jace demanded, his words instantly reminding me of my phone buzzing earlier when I was with Hayden.

I blinked, my gaze shifting. "I didn't hear it... you-

I was about to ask what was so urgent, but before I could finish, he grabbed my arm. "Come with me."

His hand was icy cold, and a chill ran down my spine. I yanked my arm back. "What's wrong with you?"

His eyes were frantic. "It's my dad. He's not doing well

"What?" I froze, completely caught off guard.

Chapter 393

"He started coughing up blood. The doctor said he might not make it." Jace's voice wavered. "He wants to see you."

My mind went blank, a loud buzzing filling my ears.

Before I came here, Wayne told me Matthew was fine. How could everything change so fast?

"I've got a private jet ready. We need to leave now," Jace said, pulling at my hand again.

This time, I didn't resist. I let him lead me to the door. But after a few steps, I stopped, realizing I hadn't told Hayden. "Wait, I need to-" "There's no time!" Jace cut me off.

In all the years I'd known him, I'd never seen him this panicked. Matthew must really be in critical condition.

One of my biggest regrets was not being there when my parents had their accident. I've wondering if they were still alive in those final moments, waiting for me, hoping to say something. That spent years

regret has haunted me ever since.

Now Matthew, the man who had been like a father to me, was on the verge of death. I couldn't bear to make the same mistake again.

I could call Hayden later.

Without another thought, I left the hotel with Jace. He drove like a man possessed, tearing through the streets at breakneck speed.

I clung to the car door, my heart racing. I wanted to ask him for my phone, but with the way he was driving, I didn't dare say anything.

After twenty nerve-wracking minutes, we reached a private airstrip. Jace wasted no time getting me on the plane.

"Jace, give me your phone," I said as we got ready for takeoff.

Chapter 394

"Sir, we're kinda running out of time," the flight attendant said.

I sighed. I knew even private jets had rules-there was no way I could make a call now without messing up the whole schedule.

"Forget it," I muttered, leaning back in my seat.

"One minute," Jace said suddenly.

He was talking to the flight attendant. Then, to my total shock, he handed me his phone.

Wait, what? Jace was actually letting me make the call? I stared at him, confused. He had every reason to say no, both as my ex and... well, just because he was Jace Johnston.

He didn't bother explaining himself. Instead, he turned toward the window, staring out into the night like we weren't in the middle of something weird.

I hesitated but then handed the phone back to the flight attendant. "Just take off."

Jace looked over at me, clearly surprised. The flight attendant paused, too, like she wasn't sure who was really calling the shots here. After a beat, Jace sighed, his voice all cool and distant. "Take off."

The flight attendant relayed the command through her radio. With that, the plane started to move.

Just then, Jace's phone rang. We both glanced at it. I didn't even need to check the screen to know it was Hayden. He probably just got out of the shower, noticed I was gone, and hunted down Jace to figure out what the heck was going on. Too late, though. The plane was already in motion,

Without thinking, I grabbed Jace's phone, saw Hayden's name, and hit 'End Call. Then I flipped the phone to airplane mode, like, sorry Hayden, not now.

As the plane climbed higher, the flight attendant came by with a blanket and asked if I wanted anything to drink.

"I'm good, thanks," I said, my voice softer now.

Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Jace looking at me again, but I ignored him, turning to stare out the window. It was so dark outside, like the kind of night that could swallow you whole. We didn't say a word to each other the entire flight. Not one.

I didn't even ask him what caused Matthew to collapse so suddenly. Not yet, anyway.

When we finally landed, we rushed to the hospital. Wayne, and Lindey were already outside the emergency room waiting. The second Lindey saw me, she burst into tears, totally losing it.

Lindey was always so upbeat, so seeing her like this hit hard. It made it obvious how serious Matthew's condition really was.

Rea, if something happens to Matthew, what am I going to do?" Lindey sobbed, clinging to me like I was her only lifeline.

12

Chapter 394

I knew exactly how she felt. It was the same terror I felt when I found out about my parents' accident. That overwhelming, heart-crushing fear of losing someone you love and not knowing how to keep going without them. "He's going to be okay," I whispered, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "Matthew's strong. He'll pull through."

But she just kept crying, and my heart twisted tighter with every sob.

She used to joke all the time about how tired she was of him, like they were way past the honeymoon phase. But when it comes down to it, love like that runs deep. And when someone's on the brink of death, all the petty stuff just disappears. I held her close, hoping it would help, while Jace and Wayne talked quietly off to the side.

Once Lindey finally calmed down a bit, I asked the question that had been nagging at me since the plane ride. "What happened? Why did his condition get so bad so fast?"

I knew his lung cancer was terminal, but this seemed... sudden.

Lindey shook her head, her voice shaky. "I don't know. He was fine the last few days. Tonight, after dinner, he said his chest felt tight.

"I even gave him a little massage, but it didn't help.

"That's when I told the driver to take him to the hospital."

She paused, looking scared as she replayed the events. "But Matthew said it was late, that the doctors wouldn't be there, and we could wait until morning.

"Then, out of nowhere, he started coughing up blood. I called Wayne, but before I could even get him on the phone, it just... it got worse.

"He kept coughing, and there was so much blood..."

I remembered Wayne telling me that Matthew had to avoid stress at all costs. "Did something upset him? "I asked carefully.

Chapter 395 Chapter 395

"No, no way. It was just us at home, and even the pets don't stress him out anymore," Lindey said, then suddenly went quiet.

I raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. Before I could ask, Lindey grabbed my hand like she was hanging onto a lifeboat. "Wait... after I massaged him and he said he'd lie down on the couch, my phone rang. I picked it up, and... I think I heard him on a call too." My stomach dropped. Could that phone call have set him off?

"Where's his phone?" I asked, trying to keep calm.

Lindey patted her pockets and frowned. "Ugh, I didn't bring it. It's probably at the house."

Perfect. No way to grab it now, but something about that call wasn't sitting right. Like, what if that triggered all this?

Before I could spiral further, Wayne and Jace came back, looking super serious. Whatever Wayne told Jace while I was with Lindey must've been bad. They both looked like they knew more than they were saying, and it made my chest tighten.

I wanted to ask them what they'd learned, but Lindey was practically glued to my side, her grip on me tighter than ever.

After what felt like forever, the emergency room doors finally opened, and a doctor came out, looking totally exhausted. "Doctor, how's my dad?" Wayne and Jace blurted out at the same time.

The doctor sighed. "The bleeding's stopped, but the cancer has spread to his liver. His condition is very serious."

It was like someone dropped a giant weight on us. The room went so quiet, I could hear my own pulse.

The doctor tried to throw in some weak optimism, "Just keep his spirits up. A positive mindset can help extend his time."

Uh, that was supposed to be comforting? It wasn't.

Matthew's life was on a ticking clock now.

"Thanks, Doctor," Jace said, managing to be polite even though we were all falling apart inside..

Matthew

got transferred to the ICU, and only one person was allowed in.

I figured it wouldn't be me, but Jace and Lindey were insistent. Like, really insistent.

*Rea, when they brought Matthew in, he was calling your name," Lindey said, her voice cracking.

That pretty much shattered me. So, I slipped on the isolation gown and headed into the ICU.

Matthew was lying there, hooked up to all these machines, an oxygen mask on his face. Seeing him like that, so fragile... I couldn't stop the tears from spilling down my cheeks.

"His anesthetic's still wearing off, but keep him awake, okay? Talk to him. Don't let him fall asleep," a

Chapter 395

nurse instructed, her voice soft.

I sat down by his bed and gently took his hand. "Matthew, it's me-Rea."

His eyelids twitched before he slowly managed to open them, his gaze turning toward me.

"Re... Rea..." he whispered, his voice barely there, but he still smiled.

It broke

here."

my

heart to see him struggling so much. I squeezed his hand. "Don't talk, okay? Just rest. I'm right

But he shook his head weakly and tried to lift his other hand toward the oxygen mask, like he was trying to pull it off.

I stopped him. "No, you can't do that. Don't move."

Suddenly, the monitor started beeping like crazy, sending me into panic mode. "Nurse! Nurse!"

The nurse rushed over, gently scolding Matthew. "You just stopped the bleeding! You can't get worked up, or it'll start again."

Then she turned to me with this serious look. "Please, don't upset him."

I hadn't said anything to upset him! Matthew just wanted to talk.

"He wants to take off the mask to talk to me," I explained. "Is that okay?"

Matthew gave a tiny nod, backing me up.

The nurse sighed, then relented. "Fine, two minutes. Make it quick."

She carefully removed the mask, and Matthew gasped for breath, his voice raspy as he struggled to speak. "Rea... I... I might not... make it. There's something... I need to tell

Chapter 396

Seeing Matthew struggle so hard to speak, I couldn't hold back my tears anymore.

I'd seen him in so many ways-confident, strong, always in control-but never like this, never this weak.

"Don't cry, Rea... don't cry," Matthew whispered, lifting his hand with all the strength he had left, trying to wipe my tears

away

I quickly grabbed his hand, wiping my tears on my sleeve instead. But then I froze.

Wait-this wasn't my jacket.

It was Jace's.

He'd dragged me out of the hotel earlier, and I was still in my nightgown. Once we got in the car, he handed me his jacket. I wanted to refuse, but it's not like I could go out in just a camisole, so I put it on. And I'd been wearing it over since.

"Mm, I won't cry," I promised, lifting my tear-streaked face and forcing a small smile.

Matthew looked at me with an expression that was both gentle and complicated, the kind that made my stomach twist. I tightened my grip on his hand. "You'll be okay. You have to be ok kind that made my

"I know my own body," Matthew whispered, his voice so weak I had to strain to hear him.

He'd weathered so many storms in life, always calm and logical. But this time was different.

"You're just like your mom," he said suddenly, catching me off guard.

My mind immediately went to Narelle, who looked so much like me but was a total stranger. It sucked that we never got to talk-not even once. But she's in a better place now... happy, I hope

"I bet my mom was beautiful too," I said, forcing a smile.

Matthew smiled faintly. "She was... and really good at taking care of everyone."

"Just like Lindey, right?" I replied smoothly.

Matthew's eyelids fluttered. "You're a good kid. You... will be happy."

I knew what he was getting at. He felt bad about everything that went down with Jace. Guilt was practically written all over his face.

"I am happy. Hayden treats me really well," I said, not wanting him stuck on Jace's screw-ups any longer.

He didn't respond, just kept staring at me.

Honestly, since I walked in, he hadn't taken his eyes off me.

Earlier, he'd said he had something important to tell me. Jace had flown me here on a private jet just because Matthew wanted to see me. Even the nurse warned we only had two minutes. So I finally asked." What did you want to tell me?" "Rea," Matthew said softly, "Don't look into your parents accident anymore."

I froze, completely blindsided by his words.

Chapter 396

A moment passed before I swallowed hard. "Why? Why don't you want me to investigate?"

His eyes flickered, almost like he was hiding something. "Because... I want you to be happy."

What does my happiness have to do with finding out the truth about my parents?

"Rea, trust me. Stop digging," he urged again.

stayed quiet.

After a few seconds, Matthew sighed, looking at me like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders." You're so much like your mom... but that stubborn streak? That's all Alan."

I wasn't stupid. There had to be more to my parents' accident for him to be pushing this hard. "There's more to their crash, isn't there?" Especially since I'd always had doubts.

Chapter 397

"No," Matthew insisted, shaking his head. "Don't let your thoughts run wild... I just think you should focus on your work, and your future with Hayden."

His voice grew weaker with every word. The nurse stepped forward, clearly ready to step in, but Matthew stopped her with just a look. She sighed and said, "One more minute, at most."

I knew how bad things were with him, and even though I needed to know what he was hiding, I couldn't push him now. His health had to come first. "We can talk later. You need to rest." But Matthew gripped my hand, tighter than I expected. "Rea, promise me."

His desperation hit hard. The more he insisted, the more certain I became-there was something off about my parents' accident.

But I could see it in his eyes-he wasn't going to say anything more. It felt pointless to push him. With how fragile he was, I could only let it go, at least for now. "Alright, I.promise." The tension in his face finally eased, but he still didn't let go of my hand. "Rea, look forward. Don't forget.

what I've said."

Funny, I'd said almost the same thing to Wade not too long ago.

But how could I just let the past go like that?

My parents' death... I had to find out the truth. How could I visit their graves knowing I didn't do everything

I could?

The nurse came over and adjusted his oxygen mask, and Matthew's breathing started to even out. He was so tired, his eyes kept fluttering shut, like he could barely stay awake. The nurse wouldn't let him fall asleep yet, so I tried some small talk, but all I got were weak little grunts in

response.

Finally, visiting hours ended, and as the nurse gave Matthew the okay to rest, I slipped out of the room.

Wayne and Lindey were gone, leaving only Jace standing there, leaning against the wall, head down, staring at the floor like he was lost in thought.

I walked over, and only then did he slowly lift his head, his eyes meeting mine.

We'd come here together on a helicopter, but I hadn't really looked at him. Honestly, ever since everything. fell apart between us, I hadn't been this close to him at all.

Now, standing just a step away, I could see him clearly for the first time.

He looked worn out, defeated, and thinner than I remembered. For a second, it was like he was someone else-someone I didn't even recognize.

"How's my dad?" Jace asked, his voice rough.

"He's alright, sleeping now," I replied, then added pointedly, "Where's your mom?"

"Her blood pressure spiked, so Wayne took her to the rest area," Jace answered, his gaze drifting to my shoulder.

Chapter 397

I followed his eyes and saw the damp spot on the gray jacket-his jacket-now stained with my tears.

Jace was always a neat freak, the kind of guy who'd take his clothes straight to the dry cleaner if anything touched them. I knew the stain was probably bugging him, so I quickly said, "I'll get it dry cleaned." "No need," he said shortly, then gestured toward a nearby room. "I'll take you to my mom."

He stopped, turning just enough to look at me.

"I left my phone at the hotel," I said, feeling a wave of guilt. Hayden hadn't heard from me in hours, and I knew he'd be worried.

Jace's gaze darkened a bit. "He called already. I explained everything."

Instead of feeling relieved, a wave of unease hit me. After all, Jace was my ex, and I'd flown out here with him without even telling Hayden. I couldn't help but worry Hayden might be overthinking it. I still wanted to explain things myself, so I asked, "Can I borrow your phone?"

Jace didn't respond right away, and the silence stretched uncomfortably. I took it as reluctance, which instantly irritated me.

"You dragged me out here in the middle of the night. My boyfriend's worried. I need to let him know I'm okay," I snapped, holding out my hand, fully expecting him to hand over his phone.

Instead, he swallowed hard, then walked toward me. For a second, I thought he was finally going to hand it over, but no-he leaned in, his body hovering way too close to mine. Chapter 391

Chapter 398

The familiar scent of him hit me, and so did that suffocating feeling.

I stood frozen for a moment, until his low voice cut through the tension. "Do you really care about him that much now?"

My fingers curled at my sides. There was a time when I cared this much about Jace, too. I used to text him just to let him know I was having dinner with Lena, even though he never really appreciated it.

And now, when my care was for someone else, he had the audacity to get upset and ask me this?

"Yeah, I do. Of course I care about him. He's my man. Why wouldn't I?" I locked eyes with him as I said it, letting it sting.

A direct hit, a trick I'd learned from him.

Even though Jace and I had been over for a while, it didn't erase the pain he'd left behind.

There were moments when those scars still burn.

So if I can throw a verbal punch and make him feel even a sliver of what I went through, why not?

Of course, that only would work if he still cared. Otherwise, my hit wouldn't land at all.

Jace's eyes narrowed, a coldness creeping in. A sure sign his anger was building.

That reaction told me everything I needed to know-he still cared.

Interesting.

I never would've guessed that, even after publicly moving on with someone else, he'd still be hung up on

1. me. His ex.

Good. That meant whenever I wanted to, I could dig in, a small way to ease the sting from the wounds he had left behind.

But right now, I didn't have the energy for that. I needed to find a phone and explain everything to Hayden.

He had dropped everything-left his recovering sister-to travel miles with me for that pool game because of me. And now, without a word, I'd run off... worse, with my ex. No matter how much Hayden loved me or trusted me, I knew this would hit hard. It was the same way Jace used to ditch me for Tanya, over and over.

I knew that pain too well. It's not something you just forget.

There's no way I'd ever make Hayden feel the way I once did.

I turned to leave, but Jace grabbed my waist, pulling me back against his chest.

"Jace!" I pushed against him, instinctively, but he only tightened his grip.

"I know you're punishing me," he said. "I deserve it. I brought this on myself, and I accept it."

Wait, what?

25 1

Chapter 398

Punishing him?

He actually believed I was with Hayden to punish him? To get back at him?

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I thought Jace had come to terms with the fact that we were over-that he'd accepted I was with Hayd and we'd both moved on. Never did I imagine he still thought I was using Hayden to get revenge on hin

I let out a mocking laugh. "Is something wrong with your brain?"

"Rea, I know I messed up. I know I deserve the pain. But once I've paid for my mistakes... let me come back, okay?" His voice cracked with emotion.

I blinked, genuinely stunned. I shoved him harder this time. "Are you out of your mind? We're done. There's no future for us. What kind of fantasy are you living in?"

But his grip tightened. "You love me. We've been together for ten years. Don't tell me Hayden can replac that in such a short time."

Wow. His confidence was next level.

Maybe I had loved him too much back then-enough to make him believe I'd never move on.

The memories of those days, how much I bent over backward for him, made me feel sick. I was disgusted, even ashamed, at how pathetic I'd been.

"Is that so? Then go ahead and try," I snapped, lifting my foot and stomping down hard on his.

He winced, but instead of letting go, he chuckled. "See? You're still the same. Whenever I piss you off, th is how you punish me."

I was speechless.

Back then, whenever I got mad, I'd stomp on his foot. And just now, I did it again-purely out of habit.

Chapter 399

Since I couldn't shove Jace off, there wasn't much else I could do. He really was something-so full of himself.

But if he wanted to live in his little fantasy, fine. Let him. The deeper he clung to his delusions, the harder he'd fall. Maybe that was karma catching up with him. Or maybe it was my parents, watching over me, making sure he stayed stuck in the past while I kept moving forward. "Gavin will bring you a phone soon. Get some rest," Jace finally said, releasing me.

He turned and walked away, back straight-just like always.

There was a time I'd watch him walk away and feel a rush of happiness. Now, I felt nothing. Detached. Like he was a stranger.

I headed downstairs, and as soon as I hit the lobby, there was Gavin already waiting for me. "Ms. Kay, Mr. Johnston asked me to get you a new phone, the same brand you prefer, but it's the latest model," he said, handing me a bag.

I didn't even look at it. "I don't need it. Just give me your phone," I replied, not in the mood for any of Jace's so-called generosity.

Gavin froze for a second. "Ms. Kay..."

Whatever he was about to say, he swallowed the moment he saw the look on my face. He knew me well enough to know that when I said I didn't want something, I meant it.

"Are you going to let me use your phone or not? If not, then forget it," I said, already turning toward the door.

"Of course, of course," Gavin said quickly, handing over his phone.

I took it, glancing at him before dialing Hayden's number. Gavin wisely gave me space, stepping away as I pressed the call button.

"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable."

The automated message made my grip tighten around the phone. Hayden's phone was unreachable. Had he already boarded a flight home?

I tried calling my own phone next, just in case, and it rang. But no one picked up.

'Something's not right."

For a second, I wondered if he was mad enough to block me, refusing to take my calls. But that wasn't like him. Hayden wasn't that kind of guy-he wouldn't just shut me out, no matter how upset he was. He'd at least hear me out. 'Then why can't I reach him?

A wave of worry rolled over me, so I called the hotel where we'd been staying. The front desk confirmed it: Hayden had checked out.

He was gone. And I had no clue where.

Chapter 399

My mind was racing, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Panicking wasn't going to help. Gavin was still nearby, and it was too early to start blowing up anyone else's phone, especially Steve's. He had a big competition today, and by now, he was probably already at the venue. Taking a deep breath, I put the phone away and walked back toward Gavin, handing it over.

Gavin opened the car door for me-Jace's car, his usual one. I'd ridden in it so many times before.

There was a time I thought I'd never sit in it again.

But I wasn't going to be dramatic. Letting go wasn't about avoiding every trace of someone's existence. It was about being able to face them and their world without getting all tangled up in feelings. Yet, the second I slid into the seat, I realized... I wasn't quite there yet.

Everything in the car was exactly the same. Nothing had changed. Even the neck pillow on the passenger seat-my neck pillow-was still in its place.

I used to rest on it during our commutes to work, back when Jace and I were inseparable. But now? We were broken up, and he was publicly with Tanya. Shouldn't he have tossed it by now? Had he forgotten? Or was he still clinging to some delusional hope that I'd come back and use it again?

Lost in thought, I barely noticed when Gavin handed me a small box. The packaging caught my attention, pulling me back to the moment. I looked at him, confused.

Gavin smiled. "Mr. Johnston arranged this."

Chapter 400

+25 BONUM

"Baked pears. He specially ordered them in the middle of the night," Gavin explained, placing the still-warm bag of pears. "He said your throat sounded hoarse, so he got this to help."

The warmth seeped into my palms as I stared down at the bag and tea. It was such a thoughtful gesture- one that left me more confused than comforted.

Gavin had already started the car. "Ms. Kay, should I take you to Emberholm?" he asked, referring to Willow Residences, where I lived.

Hearing that, I suddenly realized how Jace had found me outside my place that night. Clearly, Gavin had done some digging and passed the info along. "No." I said flatly.

Gavin paused, his meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "Then... where should I take you?"

"Pull over," I said quietly.

Gavin jolted slightly at my request but obediently pulled the car to the curb. He glanced back, clearly confused. "Ms..."

I cut him off. "I'm not going home. I'll head to the surgical recovery unit."

For a moment, I had been so caught up in everything that I nearly forgot-Yuna was still in the hospital recovering.

Gavin's expression shifted, like he understood. He knew about Yuna's surgery, which meant Jace probably did too.

"You haven't rested at all. Are you sure you're okay?" Gavin asked, though I wasn't sure if he was genuinely concerned or just worried about getting in trouble for not following Jace's orders. "I'm fine," I said, reaching for the door handle.

"Ms. Kay," Gavin called, his gaze dropping to the bag of baked pears in my hands. "Mr. Johnston really does still care about you. If it wasn't for my mistake... maybe you two would already be married." He was still blaming himself for what happened back then.

I didn't want to get into it. With a faint smile, I replied, "He cares just as much about other people too." Gavin looked like he had more to say, but I didn't give him the chance. Lstepped out of the car. "Be sure to eat the baked pears while they're still warm" he called after

me.

I gave a quick wave and walked briskly toward the hospital building.

As the elevator carried me up to the recovery unit, I glanced down at the baked pears in my hands..

The soft, golden pears glistened in the clear glass bow a few mint leaves perfectly arranged on top. They looked just as flawless as the first time Jace had bought them for me. I'd loved them so much back then that I'd even snapped a picture and posted it on social media.

But now, holding the same baked pears, a tightness formed in my throat, making it hard to swallow,

Chapter 400

When I reached Yuna's room, I assumed she'd still be asleep. But to my surprise, she was sitting up in bed, reading-not a romance novel this time, but study material. "Keira, what are you doing here? Weren't you and Hayden supposed to be at the competition?" Yuna asked, looking behind me as if expecting him to walk in..

"We didn't go. Something came up, so I came back early," I said, placing the baked pears on the table and sitting beside her.

Yuna's face immediately filled with concern. "You didn't have a fight with Hayden, did you?"

I laughed softly. "No, we didn't fight. If we had, trust me, I wouldn't be here."

"That's not fair," Yuna teased, a grin spreading across her face. "Even if you two broke up, you'd still have to take care of me."

She quickly realized what she said and smacked her mouth lightly. "But you won't break up! No way! You'll always be my sister-in-law."

I grabbed her hand, pulling it away from her face. "Really, Yuna, we're fine. Hayden and I are better than ever. I came back because a family member of mine is seriously ill." Yuna still looked skeptical, so I added. "He just had emergency surgery. He's in the ICU now."

"Oh, thank God," Yuna breathed, visibly relieved.

"How about you? How are you feeling today?" I asked, watching her face for any signs of discomfort.

"Great!" Yuna said enthusiastically, motioning toward the stack of study materials next to her. "That's proof.

I picked up the book she'd been reading and flipped through it, raising an eyebrow. "Thinking about going to college?"