Ch. 41..50

Chapter 41 Not too long ago, Jace had also given me a foot massage. It felt sweet then, but it didn't even come close to what I was feeling now.

I couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was Hayden's technique.

As Hayden was finishing up, I heard Macy shouting outside, "Listen up, everyone! If anyone tries to mess with my tenants, don't blame me for getting nasty! I'll make your whole family regret it..." "What's going on?" I asked quietly.

Hayden took my foot off his knee and placed it on another stone bench. As he stood up, I noticed his face was a bit red.

I thought he was just hot, but his next words told me otherwise.

He said, "From now on, don't wear skirts around here!"

I looked down at my skirt, a royal blue silk one that clung to my body and had a slit up the side. Sitting the way I was, the slit had ridden up, exposing my thigh. When he was massaging my foot, he must have seen something. My face turned slightly red, but I wasn't about to lose my cool. I feigned indifference. "Why? Does my skirt bother you?"

Hayden's Adam's apple bobbed quickly. Then he strode out of the yard. Not long after, Macy's yelling stopped.

Curious about what was happening outside, I darted to the door and saw Hayden standing with his back to me. In front of him was Molly, his rumored admirer.

"This is intentional harm. If we call the cops, you'll be held legally responsible," Hayden said, pointing to a puddle of oil on the ground.

That was where I had slipped.

'So, my fall wasn't an accident,' I thought.

"What makes you think I did it? Did you see me?" Molly snapped.

I Macy chimed in, "I asked around. Someone saw you pouring the oil here:

Molly fell silent, her eyes filled with anguish as she looked at Hayden, but her words were sharp. "Who asked her to seduce you?" 'Did she say I seduced Hayden?"

Molly really knew how to throw accusations at me.

Seeing Macy and Hayden defending me, I felt like I had to do something too. So, I hopped over, using the wall for support. When I got there, I didn't shout or argue. I simply took Hayden's arm and smiled at Molly. "Thanks for this. It made me realize how great a guy Hayden is."

Molly turned pale. I squeezed Hayden's arm, feeling his firm, springy muscles. "Let's go. You can cut the watermelon for me."

My voice was so sweet it gave me goosebumps. I'd never been like this before, at least not with Jace.

Hayden looked at me, his eyes darkened, and before knew it, he scooped me up again.

He carried me like I weighed nothing.

"Check it out! He's carrying Keira home while he tossed you out like trash," Macy teased Molly. Molly tried to mess with me, but we totally turned the tables on her. She ended up losing a whole bowl of oil too.

Hayden brought me back into the yard. His cool voice floated above me, "Inside or outside?"

"Outside, I want to eat the watermelon there," I said, nodding toward the spot where I'd been sitting.

Hayden carried me over, and as he set me down, his chin brushed against my nose, tickling me.

I iced his Adam's apple bob, and before I could think, I blurted out, "Hayden, are you trying to seduce me?" COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus

Chapter 42 It was the bluntest thing I'd ever said.

Hayden looked slightly stunned, then replied in a super chill tone, "You're overthinking it.

I did not say anything.

He turned around and started cutting the watermelon, arranging each piece on the plate like little soldiers ready for inspection.

Looking at the perfectly cut watermelon, I suddenly felt this weird urge to snoop around his room. "Why aren't you eating? Just staring at it won't help," Macy teased as she walked over. Macy was such a character-hands on hips when scolding, but super caring and gentle when she showed concern. She could crack a dirty joke like nobody's business.

"I was waiting for you. You really stood up for me earlier," I said playfully, handing her the biggest piece of watermelon.

Macy didn't hesitate. She took a bite and said, "Sweet, but I can't have too much. My blood sugar's high."

I started on my piece, but Hayden went back to his room and stayed there.

When it was time for dinner, he left again. I wanted to ask if he was going to eat, but he moved so fast, I didn't get the chance.

Macy huffed beside me. "Hayden's so aloof. He only acts this way because he's got a thing for you. 'Acting what way?' I wondered.

I didn't ask, but his massage had worked wonders. After a good night's sleep, my foot felt fine.

The next morning, the place was eerily quiet, like it was deserted.

Still in my spaghetti-strap nightgown, I opened the door and was immediately met by two pairs of eyes at the table outside.

Hayden quickly looked away after a few seconds, and I noticed his ears turning red again.

I glanced down at my outfit and felt my face heat up.

I spun around to head back to my room, but Macy called out cheerfully, "Keira, why are you going back inside? Come have some lentil soup."

By the time I changed and came back out, Hayden was gone. I looked toward his room. "Why didn't he eat?"

"You scared him off," Macy said, nudging me playfully. "You've got some serious skills.

Macy waggled her eyebrows, and I knew exactly what she meant, but it wasn't true, "You're the one with all the dirty thoughts at your age. Think you can handle it?" I teased her.

She gave me a sharp look. "What did you say? Dirty thoughts? Have I been too nice to you these past few days that you think you can insult me?"

I laughed. "No, no, it was a compliment. Even at your age, you're sharp and perceptive. Nothing gets past you.

"So, do you think there's a chance between you and Hayden?" Macy asked, her tone bouncing between casual and serious.

I stared down at my feet, memories of Jace who used to massage them flooding back. "I just can't deal with romance right now. It's too painful." "Heartbroken, huh?" Macy clucked her tongue. "Best remedy is to I couldn't help but think, This granny is really open-minded."

I pursed my lips. "I just want some peace and quiet for now."

find a new guy."

Macy let out a long sigh. "Some opportunities only come once in a lifetime. But it's up to you."

She got up to wash her bowl, leaving me alone to finish my soup.

After breakfast, I took off on my bike without checking if Hayden was out or still in his room.

When I came back that evening, Macy was humming a tune, clearly in high spirits.

Chapter 43 I'd been here for days and hadn't seen any of Macy's kids or grandkids visit. I didn't ask much about it. She seemed to think of Hayden and me as her own.

One night, while I was getting ready for bed, Lena called, asking when I planned to come back.

"I haven't decided yet. I'm really happy here. It's the happiest I've been since my parents passed away," I told her.

I even considered extending my leave, staying until I got tired of the place.

"Maybe you don't want to leave because of that soldier," Lena teased.

Thinking about my few but oddly heart-stirring interactions with Hayden, I said, "I wouldn't say I can't leave, but when he's around, my heart definitely feels more alive." "Sounds like you're healing pretty well," Lena joked.

I stayed quiet for a moment, then Lena asked, "Has that jerk Jace contacted you at all? Not even a text?"

I licked my lips. "...No."

Lena scoffed, "He thinks you'll never leave him."

I knew she was right. Staring at the moonlight outside my window, I murmured, "This time, I'll show him."

I fell asleep while talking to Lena, waking up before dawn to find the call had ended. Lena left me a message: [No one is indispensable.] I thought to myself, That's right, I can live without Jace. These past few days have proven it. I ate well and slept well."

I smiled softly, ready to drift off again when my phone beeped with a message.

"Who would text me in the middle of the night?' I opened my eyes and froze. The message was from Jace: [Come back when you're done sulking!!

Just those few words, but I could feel his anger through them.

I've been gone for so long, and now he decides to message me? And he still thinks I was just sulking. totally clueless about his mistakes?"

I ignored it and shut off my phone.

I couldn't sleep, so I got out of bed and wandered out to the yard, standing under the ginkgo tree. I heard the creak of a door and turned to see Hayden coming out, a backpack on his shoulders and a suitcase in tow.

He looked surprised to see me, pausing for a second before silently continuing to walk out. "Where are you going?" I blurted out.

"Out of Chiverton," he said, not even slowing down, and in no time, he was out of the yard.

I stood there, dazed for a bit, before heading toward his room.

To my surprise, the door was unlocked. I pushed it open and flicked on the light. His room came into view, and it was both exactly and nothing like I expected.

The bed was made with military precision, and everything was arranged meticulously.

What I didn't expect was that so many of the items looked old, like at least ten years old.

Thinking about the scene my dad had described, I couldn't shake the feeling that these items were the ones my parents had left behind.

When Macy found me still in the room, she seemed to read my mind. Without me asking, she explained, "These things were left by your parents. I wanted to replace them with new stuff when I tidied up the room you're in now, but Hayden insisted on keeping them, saying they were just fine." I touched the items, feeling a pang in my heart.

With these belongings here, I felt an even stronger desire to stay, even if Hayden had left.

But then I got a voice call from Demi, who sounded on the verge of tears, "Keira, the amusement park's lighting system is totally messed up. You need to get back here."

Chapter 44 I thought, 'Messed up? How bad can it be?"

Staying chill, I asked, "Okay, slow down. What's going on?"

Demi said the lights didn't match the design specs at all. Either the lights from the manufacturer were junk, or there was a problem with the installation. "Look, you know what might be causing it, so just call the right people to fix it. Even if I were there, that's all I'd do," I replied, trying to keep things calm.

"Keira, please come back. I can't handle this alone. And I don't know what's gotten into Mr. Johnston lately. He's been coming to the amusement park every day, and every time he leaves, there are more problems. I'm about to lose my mind,' Demi's voice was cracking. Thinking about the message Jace sent me, I wondered if he was deliberately causing trouble for Demi to pressure me.

After all these years together, he knew me well. He knew I had a soft heart and couldn't stand seeing others suffer because of me.

"Handle it for now," I said, still not agreeing to go back.

It wasn't that I was being heartless, letting Demi handle everything. I wanted her to step up and take on more responsibility. You only grow by learning and dealing with challenges.

I was thinking about leaving the company, which would mean a promotion opportunity for her. She needed to be ready for it.

"Keira, I can't deal with this by myself. The lighting is the heart of the whole amusement park," Demi kept begging.

I thought for a few seconds. "Send me a detailed report on the issues. When you're on-site, call me. It'd be best to turn on all the lights at night so I can see what's going on."

Demi seemed to understand I wasn't coming back. She said, "Keira, I know you don't want to face Mr. Johnston right now. If it wasn't absolutely necessary, I wouldn't be asking." She paused for a moment. "I've got your back."

Those words warmed my heart, even though there was still a hint of sadness lingering.

"Just follow my instructions for now," I said, hanging up. Then I opened my email to check out the amusement park's lighting design plans and effect renderings.

That night, Demi video-called me. "Keira, I'm at the site. All the lights are on. How do you wanna check it out?"

I looked at the video but could only see bits and pieces of the lighting. "Head to the highest point in the park. I need to see the overall effect first. Then, get aerial shots of each attraction's lighting. especially the spots we had issues with." okay, hold on," Demi said. The video wobbled, and I could hear her running.

15 BONUS After a few steps, she suddenly stopped, and I heard her say, "Mr. Johnston, what brings you here?"

"Why are you running?" Jace's familiar, cool voice cut through.

My grip on the phone tightened, and my heart started racing.

Even though he left me with so many scars, a decade of feelings for him couldn't just disappear overnight. Jace, even his voice, still got to me.

I wondered if Demi would mention she was talking to me. What would Jace say? Would he grab the phone and talk to me?

"I need to find a high spot to shoot some videos," Demi told Jace.

Jace didn't respond right away. After a moment, he just said, "Okay," and I heard his footsteps walking away.

"Keira, I didn't tell him it was you. I was worried he might want to talk to you. I figured you wouldn't want that," Demi said thoughtfully. I let out a self-mocking laugh. "You nailed it."

"Hehe, I w you'd think that way. I'd feel the same in your shoes," Demi said as she kept running and then got on the Ferris wheel.

P Comments Demi had taken the video from the highest point. Through it, I saw the amusement park all lit up. It didn't look too bad, but the base color of the lights was completely different from the design plan.

Originally, the lights were supposed to be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was just a solid blue-a deep, heavy blue.

Sure, the color was rich, but it lacked soul.

"Demi, this is the overall view. Any idea if it's a construction issue or a problem with the lighting supplier?" I asked. "Have you talked to both parties? What did they say?"

"The construction team insists they followed the specs, and the manufacturer says the lights meet our requirements. No one's admitting fault, so I'm totally clueless about where the problem is," Demi said, clearly frustrated. "Keira, please come back. I can't handle this alone, and I know you don't want this kind of mess for you've put so much effort into, Demi pleaded again.

the amusement pa "Okay, I'll come back," I agreed this time without hesitation.

After ending the call, I booked a flight. Not long after, Demi sent me some detailed aerial footage, and it was clear the problems were serious.

Early the next morning. I packed my bags for my nine o'clock flight.

"Keira, you're up so early. Yoga again?" Macy asked when she saw me.

For the past few days, I'd been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt myself.

"No, I'm leaving." I said, walking up to her.

Macy was stunned, then muttered, "But you said you'd stay longer."

"There's a problem with a project at my company that I need to handle. Once it's sorted out, I might come back to visit you," I said, though I wasn't making any promises.

I'd be leaving Jace's company, but I still needed to work to support myself.

"Go ahead, everyone leaves eventually. Except for me, who can't go anywhere," she said, and her words hit me right in the feels.

Then a bold idea sparked in my mind. "Why don't you come with me?"

"You want to take me with you?" Macy was surprised.

"Yeah, come see the bustling city of Seavora," I said with a smile, genuinely excited at the thought Over the past few days, she'd started feeling like a grandma to me.

Macy just shook her head. "I can't go. I'm too old, my legs are weak, and I'd only slow you "You wouldn't be a burden, Macy. Please, just for a few days," I begged, clutching her arm. down."

She gave me a soft look. "Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm staying here. If you ever have time, come back and visit."

Her words made my eyes sting with emotion.

I hugged her tight. "Macy, I'll miss you."

*Miss me? You should be thinking about Hayden. He's such a good guy, and you drove him away," Macy said, breaking my moment of sentimentality.

'Did Hayden leave because I rejected him? Because don't like him that way?"

Before I could say anything. Macy patted my hand. "Keira, Hayden is a good guy. Think it over."

"Alright," I agreed.

Chapter 45 Demi had taken the video from the highest point. Through it, I saw the amusement park all lit up. It didn't look too bad, but the base color of the lights was completely different from the design plan.

Originally, the lights were supposed to be a gradient of blue, like the ocean at night turning into dawn. Now, it was just a solid blue-a deep, heavy blue.

Sure, the color was rich, but it lacked soul.

"Demi, this is the overall view. Any idea if it's a construction issue or a problem with the lighting supplier?" I asked. "Have you talked to both parties? What did they say?"

"The construction team insists they followed the specs, and the manufacturer says the lights meet our requirements. No one's admitting fault, so I'm totally clueless about where the problem is," Demi said, clearly frustrated. "Keira, please come back. I can't handle this alone, and I know you don't want this kind of mess for you've put so much effort into, Demi pleaded again.

the amusement pa "Okay, I'll come back," I agreed this time without hesitation.

After ending the call, I booked a flight. Not long after, Demi sent me some detailed aerial footage, and it was clear the problems were serious.

Early the next morning. I packed my bags for my nine o'clock flight.

"Keira, you're up so early. Yoga again?" Macy asked when she saw me.

For the past few days, I'd been practicing yoga in the yard, and Macy always warned me not to hurt myself.

"No, I'm leaving." I said, walking up to her.

Macy was stunned, then muttered, "But you said you'd stay longer."

"There's a problem with a project at my company that I need to handle. Once it's sorted out, I might come back to visit you," I said, though I wasn't making any promises.

I'd be leaving Jace's company, but I still needed to work to support myself.

"Go ahead, everyone leaves eventually. Except for me, who can't go anywhere," she said, and her words hit me right in the feels.

Then a bold idea sparked in my mind. "Why don't you come with me?"

"You want to take me with you?" Macy was surprised.

"Yeah, come see the bustling city of Seavora," I said with a smile, genuinely excited at the thought Over the past few days, she'd started feeling like a grandma to me.

Macy just shook her head. "I can't go. I'm too old, my legs are weak, and I'd only slow you "You wouldn't be a burden, Macy. Please, just for a few days," I begged, clutching her arm. down."

She gave me a soft look. "Thanks for thinking of me, but I'm staying here. If you ever have time, come back and visit."

Her words made my eyes sting with emotion.

I hugged her tight. "Macy, I'll miss you."

*Miss me? You should be thinking about Hayden. He's such a good guy, and you drove him away," Macy said, breaking my moment of sentimentality.

'Did Hayden leave because I rejected him? Because don't like him that way?"

Before I could say anything. Macy patted my hand. "Keira, Hayden is a good guy. Think it over."

"Alright," I agreed.

Chapter 46 At Steve's pool hall, Jace took a shot and missed all the balls.

Steve shook his head lightly while wiping his cue. "Keira still hasn't replied to your message?"

Jace stayed silent. Steve aimed at the most awkwardly placed ball on the table. With a thud, the ball glided smoothly into the pocket.

"Doesn't make sense. She wasn't mad when you talked to her, so why is she being stubborn now?" Steve was puzzled.

Jace thought about the time Keira had come to play pool. "What did she ask you about back then?"

Steve pocketed another ball and perched himself on the pool table. "I told you, she asked if anything was going on between you, Tanya, and Desmond in school. I told her no, so her leaving has nothing to do with me." "I'm not blaming you. Why are you so defensive?" Jade said bitterly.

Steve looked at the last ball on the table but glanced at Jace instead of taking the shot. "You really don't know why she left? Why she refused to marry you?"

"I don't know. She's just throwing a tantrum. I've spoiled her all these years!" Jace snapped.

Since Keira and Jace didn't get married, Jace's parents had been giving him the cold shoulder, and even people at work were talking. Rumors were flying that he cheated, which was why Keira left. People can be so quick to fabricate stories.

"Spare me. You spoiled her?" Steve laughed. "You just got used to having Keira around, thinking she'd never leave. That's why you could say you weren't into her and why you haven't even tried looking for her." "How am I supposed to find her? Should I plaster 'missing person' posters everywhere?" Jace remained stubborn.

Steve shook his head, deciding not to argue. He effortlessly sank the last ball, showcasing his skill.

Jace huffed in annoyance. "Let's play another round.

"Jace," Steve said as Jace lined up his next shot, "Keira loves you, but has dignity. If you did not do something to shatter her, she wouldn't have left like this." "What did I do?" Jace sounded frustrated.

"That's for you to figure out," Steve said, nudging his chin. "Sometimes, you need to ask yourself if you truly love Keira or if you're just too used to her." "Even if the passion is gone, she's been part of your life for ten years.

"You owe it to her to find her. If something happens to her, you'll never forgive yourself."

Steve's words made Jace miss his shot again. He threw his cue onto the table in frustration and stormed out. Even playing pool couldn't go right today.

"By the way," Steve called as Jace was about to leave, "I heard the Hart family found their missing son from twenty years ago. He'll be back soon." Jace frowned slightly.

"Apparently, this guy is pretty extraordinary," Steve continued. "If you're planning to work with the Hart family, you'd better hurry before any complications arise."

"And about Keira-if you still care about her, drop the pride and make the first move," Steve advised as Jace exited.

Watching Jace leave without a word, Steve sighed. "You'll regret it someday."

Chapter 47 At three in the afternoon, I got off the plane and went straight to the amusement park without even dropping off my luggage.

Demi was there, and as soon as she saw me, she hugged me tightly. "Keira, you're finally back."

I patted her shoulder. "Come on, let's check out a few spots first."

I had barely slept the night before, stressing over what could go wrong. Even though I suspected the construction company and the lighting supplier, it seemed unlikely they'd mess up. This project was huge, and any mistake would cost them big time, both in money and re I figured there might be other problems, but as a non-professional, I couldn't exactly pinpoint them. I needed to see for myself.

We turned the lights on and off, comparing everything to the design plans. I was busy until two in the morning.

"Keira, you're like a volcano erupting after a week of dormancy," Demi joked, exhausted.

Had it really been a week? I couldn't even tell anymore.

Without wasting time, Demi and I headed to the office and worked through the night to prepare a detailed report on the issues we found. We planned to contact the construction company and lighting supplier and report to Jace the next day.

According to Demi, Jace was already aware of the situation and was furious.

She also mentioned that even if we resolved the issue, we'd still be punished.

Jace might not be great with personal relationships, but he was always professional and strict at work, so this didn't surprise me.

"Even if we get punished, we need to do our job right," I said, standing by my principles.

By six in the morning, Demi and I were done. She was so tired she fell asleep at her desk.

My eyelids were heavy, but for some reason, I didn't feel sleepy. I washed my face in the restroom, made a cup of coffee, and kept reviewing the issues.

If my assessment was correct, the problem lay in the lighting adjustments.

""Ms. Kay, you're back?!"

"Ms. Kay, so early!"

Aş people started arriving at the office, they greeted me warmly but with noticeable curiosity in their eyes.

Demi had already told me that everyone knew about the issues between Jace and me.

They knew I had lived at the Johnston residence, and even though Jace and I weren't officially married, we were basically a couple.

I never cared about what others said about me. Facing their curious glances and whispered discussions behind my back, I pretended not to notice.

Everyone talks behind others' backs, and everyone gets talked about.

Our breakup was out there, so their curiosity made sense.

By ten in the morning, I was barely keeping my eyes open after a sleepless night, so I headed to the break room for another coffee.

As I walked out with my cup, Jace appeared.

His eyes narrowed when he saw me, and I could feel the mix of anger and frustration in his gaze.

"Morning, Mr. Johnston," I greeted him, trying to walk past with my coffee.

"Come to my office," Jace demanded, his tone so stem it made my hand shake a little.

I took a deep breath. "Alright.

COIN BUNDLE: get more free bonus

Chapter 48 Jace sat in his chair, dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and a tie dotted with stars.

That tie was a birthday gift from me last year. He'd never worn it before, probably because he didn't like it. But now, after our breakup, he had started wearing it.

His expression was grim, eyes locked onto me with fierce intensity. I knew why he was angry, but I calmly began, "Mr. Johnston, what do you need?"

"Where have you been?" His voice was icy.

"On vacation," I replied, dodging the question.

Jace's fingers curled on the desk. "I asked where you went."

"Chiverton," I said honestly. I had nothing to hide.

His frown deepened, confusion flashing in his eyes. He probably had no clue where Chiverton was.

It was a small, obscure town. How would he know?

If he cared about me, he'd remember I mentioned it before. It's where I was born, where my parents wanted to take me..

But he had heard it and forgotten, just because he didn't care enough to remember.

"Touring that place?" Jace's question made me want to laugh.

I did laugh, nodding with a smile.

"Then why was your phone off? Why didn't you respond to messages? His tone was accusatory.

I pressed my lips together before saying. "That's my freedom, Mr. Johnston."

His face turned even more ashen. "Yes, it's your freedom, but the company policy states that employees must not let personal issues affect their work." "Did I neglect any work?" I asked, keeping my cool.

Jace swallowed hard. For some reason, I thought about that time Hayden's chin brushed against my nose, watching his Adam's apple move.

Hayden's Adam's apple was more pronounced, giving him this stronger, more masculine vibe.

"The amusement park..." Jace pointed at me. "Can you seriously say you did not neglect any work?"

"I didn't neglect it," I shot back. "Whether I took my vacation or not, the lighting issue would still be there. As soon as I found out about it, I cut my vacation short and came back immediately." My vacation was supposed to be ten days, but I had only taken a week.

Jace was momentarily silent, then nodded angrily. "But it's your project. Any issues are your responsibility."

1/2 "I understand. I am actively working to correct it and ensure it doesn't affect the park's completion," I promised. Jace knew my capabilities and my stubbornness. He nodded. "Fine, but if this delays the project, don't blame me..."

H He didn't finish, but I knew what he meant. I completed his sentence for him. "If it's not completed on time, I'll take full responsibility for the losses."

"Can you bear that?" he suddenly shouted.

My fingers curled slightly. "I know I can't, so I won't let it affect the deadline."

He argued, and I responded. This should have reassured Jace, but I could see it only made him angrier.

Jace fell silent, just staring at me.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Johnston? If not, I'll get back to work," I said, turning to leave.

"Stop!" he commanded coldly.

"What else do you need?" I asked formally.

Chapter 49 Jace raised his hand, tugging at his tie. "Rea, what the heck are you even trying to do? Why'd you bail on our marriage registration and then just disappear?" The convo had shifted from business to personal stuff, which was his main worry.

"I'm not causing trouble," I said firmly.

"This isn't causing trouble? Do you have any idea how crazy things have been at home? My mom was so upset she ended up in the hospital," Jace snapped.

Hearing that Lindey was hospitalized made me feel guilty, but that didn't change anything. My guilt toward Matthew and Lindey couldn't erase the pain Jace had put me through. "I'll explain and apologize to your mom."

"That's not the point. Why didn't you want to register our marriage?" Jace tugged at his collar.

I thought, 'He's the one who cheated, yet he acts like I'm the one at fault. Fine, if that's how he wants. to play it, I'll make it clear who's really been wronged.

it I lowered my gaze, staring at his wristwatch. "I went to Splendor Heights."

The moment I said it, his chair screeched loudly against the floor.

Jace went stiff, his expression shifting fast. "Rea, listen to me-"

"There's nothing to explain. No matter how you splh it, Tanya living there is a fact, and..." I paused for effect, "When I bought bedding with her, she picked everything you liked." "It's not what you think," Jace stood up and started toward me.

I took a step back, keeping the space between us. "Jace, I don't like overthinking or guessing, but I have eyes. I see things, and I have a heart. I feel things.

"Rea..." Jace shook his head slightly. "That house was meant for you. It was decorated to your taste because I wanted to give it to you."

"But you ended up giving it to someone else," I whispered.

"I didn't give it to her. I just let her crash there for a bit. You know her in-laws are treating her like dirt after Desmond died. She had nowhere else to go, so let her stay," Jace explained quickly. I smiled. "So, you were gonna give it to me after she left, huh?"

Jace's mouth moved, but no words came out.

But I knew the answer.

A sharp pain cut through my heart, my nails digging into my palm. "So, Jace, I'm only good enough for a place that's already been used by someone else?"

"No, Rea, I'll get you a new one," Jace said, trying to soften his tone.

1/2 -15 BONUS I laughed. "Oh, that way, you can keep one girl and hide another one."

"Real" Jace snapped.

I stayed calm, staring at him.

Finally, he nodded. "Do you have to be this petty? You used to be so kind and generous. Why can't you tolerate Tanya? She's really struggling, pregnant, and Desmond's gone."

"Yeah, she's having a rough time. I know that, which is why I'm stepping aside for her. Go ahead, take care of her, marry her, and be a dad to her kid." I smiled.

The next second, Jace grabbed my arm. "What are you talking about? What do you take me for?"

"You're the one who wanted me to be generous!"

"So, your idea of being generous is dumping me?" Jace asked, his voice icy.

I stared at his face, the one I'd loved for ten years. "What else? Should I share you with Tanya?*

"Why do you always have to say such harsh things?"

Jace tightened his grip on my arm. It hurt, but the pain made my mind even clearer.

"Jace, if I were taking care of another guy, would you be cool with it?" As I said it, Hayden's fac for some reason.

flashed

Chapter 50 Jacé didn't say anything for a long time, then nodded mockingly. "If you're doing that just to throw a fit, go ahead."

Even now, he didn't think he was wrong. He still blamed me.

I couldn't be bothered to argue with him anymore. "I'll move out of your family's house."

"My family house?" Jace's dark eyes narrowed. "Rea, you never really saw it as home, did you? My parents' love for you was just wasted."

I pressed my lips together. He didn't get that it wasn't his parents' love I needed; it was his.

I had already decided to break up with him, so there was no point in arguing anymore.

"Mr. Johnston, I have work to do," I said, not mentioning my resignation since I planned to finish the amusement park project first.

"Are you seriously breaking up with me?" Jace asked again.

Maybe he didn't catch it the first time. I looked at him, the face I'd admired for ten years, and gave my final answer. "Yeah, Jace, I'm breaking up with you. From now on, we're done. We'll marry other people and have nothing to do with each other." He let out a bitter laugh. "Fine, you said it. Don't regret it."

'Regret?!"

This was the second time he'd mentioned it. I had no idea how he could be so confident to say something like that.

Maybe it was because of my ten years of dumb devotion, trailing behind him like a lost puppy, putting up with his coldness and neglect without ever leaving.

"Goodbye," I said, turning to leave.

Jace didn't stop me. Just as I reached the door, there was a knock.

I opened it and was surprised to see Tanya.

Her eyes flashed with panic, but she smiled warmly like we were best friends. "Keira, you're back?!"

I just stared at the document in her hand, my eyes zeroing in on the red RiverwaveCorp header. I couldn't believe it.

Anything with a red header was supposed to be for RiverwaveCorp insiders only, but there Tanya was, holding it.

I was already shocked she was here, but her having company documents? That was on another level.

Tanya shifted uncomfortably under my gaze. "I came to drop off some files for Jace-I mean, Mr. Johnston."

The way she called him "Mr. Johnston" made everything click, Jace hadn't just given her a place to stay; he'd brought her into the company, too.

Demi hadn't mentioned any of this. Maybe she was too busy or just didn't want to upset me.

But it didn't matter now. Whether Jace brought Tanya into the company or even married her, it wasn't my problem anymore. "Please move, I need to get through," I said.

I wasn't trying to be rude to a pregnant woman, but the right thing to do was to let people out before going in.

Tanya moved aside, and I walked out quickly.

As the door shut behind me, I heard Jace's voice, "Why didn't you tell me Keira went to Splendor Heights?"

I didn't care how Tanya explained it. It didn't matter to me anymore.

When I got back to the office, Demi rushed over. "Keira, you went to Mr. Johnston's office. What did you talk about? Did you two make up?" "What do you think? I shot back.

Demi nervously grabbed my arm under my stare. "I'm sorry, Keira. I didn't mean to keep it from you. was just worried you'd be upset-"

"And afraid I'd get distracted from work, which would get you into trouble too, right?" I finished for her. "I'm really sorry, Keira."

D