Ch. 411..420

Chapter 411

 

But I didn't even have to say no to Jace-Someone else was already waiting for me.

Hayden stood by a sleek black motorcycle, rocking a black T-shirt and cargo pants, looking effortlessly cool.

It was the first time I'd seen Hayden like this. And, okay, I wasn't blind. The whole bad boy vibe? Yeah, Jace used to nail that, too. All cocky, like he owned the world or something.

I still remember the way my heart would practically sprint every time I hopped on the back of Jace's bike, arms wrapped tight around his waist, the wind whipping past us as we tore through the night.

"You're still into motorcycles?" Jace's voice pulled me out of the memory, and it had that same old edge, like he was daring me to answer.

I just gave him a small smile and didn't bother responding. Instead, I walked straight to Hayden.

Hayden spotted me and started making his way over. But before he could get close, someone else swooped in.

Of course. Kylian.

My big boss, stepping out of some fancy car. He was wearing a button-up that barely covered his growing belly. Standing next to Hayden, he looked almost comically tiny, like Hayden was about to give him a lecture or something. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but I saw Kylian glance my way before giving Hayden a nod.

Hayden started walking toward me. I wasn't sure if he even noticed Jace, but his eyes stayed locked on mine, every step confident.

There was this whole boyfriend material vibe about him.

"Been waiting long?" I asked, still standing on the steps while he stayed on the ground, bringing us eye to

eye.

"Just a bit," Hayden replied, his gaze never wavering.

He never broke eye contact when he talked to me. They say you can tell if someone's telling the truth by looking into their eyes. Well, Hayden's eyes? Unshakable.

"Let's go," he said, slipping his hand into mine.

Right then, Kylian walked past us, giving a quick nod as he went by.

I gave him a polite smile before Hayden and I headed toward the bike. He handed me a helmet.

"Why the bike?" I asked.

""Way less hassle."

His answer was straightforward.

Made sense. Cars were always stuck in traffic, but with a bike? Total freedom.

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He gently strapped the helmet on me, his fingers brushing my skin. Then he put on his own. The all-black look with the helmet? He straight-up looked like a dark knight. "You wanna sit in front or back?" he asked.

Wait, what? Sit in front? Since when is that an option?

Whenever I rode with Jace, I was always behind him, holding on tight.

"Uh, I've never sat in front before," I admitted.

"First time for everything," he said, before lifting me up effortlessly and settling me in front of him.

He hopped on behind me, so close I could feel his chest against my back, his cheek brushing mine as he leaned in. His voice, low and calm, murmured, "Lean forward, grab the handlebars..." Before I knew it, I was the one holding onto the bike, like I was actually in control. Hayden reached around me, revving the engine, and the bike roared to life.

The wind hit us as we sped off, the city lights blending into a blur.

As we zipped down the street, I glanced back and caught a glimpse of Jace, still standing on the steps, eyes locked on me until I disappeared into the night.

Chapter 412 Chapter 412

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wasn't exactly shocked when Tanya showed up. What did catch me off guard? The fact that she actually came to my job, instead of lurking outside my apartment or waiting at my door.

It was obvious why she was here-Jace, of course.

But I didn't have time for her drama, so I told my assistant to handle it. "Tell her I'm not available."

Yet, when I stepped outside after work, guess who was still there? Yep, Tanya.

"Ms. Kay, she's been waiting half the day. She hasn't even touched the water we gave her, and she's pregnant. If something happens to her, it'll look bad," the receptionist warned me, clearly nervous. Great. Tanya was pulling the classic guilt trip move, trying to force me into meeting her.

But I wasn't about to fall for it. If I gave in now, she'd make it a regular thing.

"If something happens, it's not our problem. Let her wait if she wants to." I breezed right past her without a second glance.

*Keira!" Tanya's voice sliced through the air, loud enough to make me freeze.

It was rush hour, and her shout had already drawn eyes from the crowd.

She marched right up to me, blocking my way. She was wearing this flimsy white maternity dress, her belly just starting to show, face flushed from how hard she'd been yelling. "Why are you scared to see me?" she snapped, her tone full of bitterness.

Scared? I almost laughed. "Why would I be scared? I didn't steal your man. I just... don't want to see you. Her eyes flickered, playing the pitiful act she was so good at. 'You're guilty.' I frowned.

"Why did you go running to Jace? Why are you still around him when you guys broke up?" Her voice got louder, almost desperate.

People love a good scandal, especially when it's two women arguing over a guy. A small crowd had already started to form, ready for the drama.

I knew exactly what Tanya was doing. She'd done it before-caused a scene, dragged Jace into it, and by the end of the day, everyone knew she was his 'one and only."

But this time, Jace wasn't here. So, what was she planning?

1 had no idea, but I knew one thing: she wanted to destroy me.

Her few words had already stirred the crowd, whispers and side glances starting to spread.

I stepped closer, and Tanya tensed up like a cornered animal. But she didn't back down, Nope, she stood her ground and shifted right back into her classic damsel-in-distress routine.

"Keira, please," she begged, placing a hand on her belly "Just leave Jace alone. For the baby's sake.

Wow. She was really milking this whole pregnancy thing. First, she used the baby to control Jace, and now

 

Chapter 412

she was trying to use it to ruin me, making me look like the homewrecker in front of this whole crowd.

I could feel the judgmental stares already.

I knew what would come next-she'd probably pull some dramatic fainting stunt or break down in fake tears, and by tomorrow, the whole building would be buzzing with rumors about how I was trying to wreck her family. Yeah, it'd be a mess. But it wasn't going to help her either.

Chapter 413

Could she really be here just to mess with me?

Nah, Tanya had to have some other reason for showing up like this.

I was about to say something when Hayden and Ron appeared. Hayden stepped right next to me, his expression ice-cold as he locked eyes with Tanya. "What's your child got to do with us?"

Tanya flinched, clearly not ready to face Hayden's intensity. She pointed a shaky finger at me. "If she hadn't gone after Jace, none of this would've happened."

They've known each other for ten years-where were you then?" Hayden's comeback was so sharp, even I blinked. "Who cares who's chasing who?"

Tanya's shock was written all over her face. Clearly, she didn't expect Hayden to go in so hard or to care so little about her drama.

I started piecing it together-Tanya wasn't here just to cause chaos. She was trying to stir things up between me and Hayden. But what was her endgame? If she broke us up, did she seriously think I'd run back to Jace? That would just make things worse for her. "She's always trying to get between me and Jace," Tanya kept whining, trying to make me the bad guy. Hayden's smirk was almost cruel. "If your relationship was so solid, no one could mess with it. Just like how your little stunt right now isn't going to make me doubt Keira,"

He totally saw through her.

Tanya's mouth opened like she wanted to argue, but Hayden wasn't giving her the chance. He grabbed my hand and said, cool as ever, "Ms. Twain, you stole Keira's boyfriend, and now you think you can show up and blame her? Who gave you that kind of 'courage'?" "Celine Dion!" someone yelled from the crowd.

Everyone started laughing, joining in on the joke.

I had to fight to keep from cracking up. Tanya's face went beet red, like she'd just been slapped in front of everyone.

Then someone actually started singing the song. I mean, seriously?

Tanya looked like she wanted the ground to swallow her whole. It would've been the perfect moment to twist the knife a little more, make sure she'd never try something like this again. But I didn't

Because with

Hayden by my side, I'd already won. Tanya had no one left-Jace wasn't here to back her up, and all her noise meant nothing

I leaned into Hayden a little, the move so easy, so natural. "Let's go."

As we left the building and headed for the parking lot, wrapped my arms around him. "Thanks."

I

"It's my job as your boyfriend. No one's messing with you on my watch," Hayden sald, sounding all confident like he always did.

Chooter 413

 

"Even though you handled it perfectly, people are still gonna talk," I said quietly. "Some might dig into my past." I trailed off, but Hayden just shook his head.

"I don't live my life worried about what people say."

Those words hit me deep. He was right. It reminded me of the teachings Abbot Levinsky once shared, wisdom I had heard so many times but never really took to heart. "Hey, how about we go listen to a sermon sometime? We could pray for Yuna and the girl who donated her heart," I suggested out of nowhere.

Hayden smiled, running his fingers through my hair. "Yeah, let's do it."

Two weeks flew by, and Yuna was finally discharged from the hospital. Funny enough, Matthew, who'd barely survived his own close call, was released at the same time.

I handled Matthew's paperwork first and got him settled in the car. Then I picked up Yuna and brought her home.

Hayden had rented a separate place for Yuna so she wouldn't disturb me.

He told me it was my own private space, somewhere I could go whenever I needed a break.

Jace used to understand me like that too-he even bought me a house. But Hayden didn't just understand me. He respected me.

Three days after Matthew got home, I got an invite to the opening of the amusement park. I stared at it, lost in thought, when my phone rang.

It was Jace.

"Rea, are you coming tomorrow?"

Chapter 414

Of course I was going.

I didn't even have to think about it.

That amusement park? It was practically my baby-two years of blood, sweat, and tears. It held so many of my hopes, regrets, and... maybe even my second chance.

The second I got the invite, old memories hit me like a movie reel that wouldn't quit.

"Can I bring someone with me?" I asked Jace.

There was a pause. "Hayden?"

I stayed quiet, and he let out a low laugh. "Bring whoever you want. Just... make sure you come."

That was new. Before, Jace would've tried to charm me into coming alone. No compromise. But now? He was different.

"Thanks," I said, about to hang up, when his voice stopped me.

"Rea, my parents will be there tomorrow, too... We'll be waiting for you. His words carried a weight, like he wanted to make sure I couldn't back out. "Okay," I agreed.

But he didn't hang up. It felt like there was more he wanted to say, but he held back. I didn't push it. In the end, I was the one who ended the call.

The amusement park's grand opening was everywhere Ads on every platform, every digital billboard. They were going all out. No surprise-RiverwaveCorp had always been a powerhouse, and Jace? His business sense was solid. No matter what went down between us, I couldn't deny that.

Wayne... he just couldn't compete. Jace had always outshone him.

"Keira, isn't that the park where you and Hayden first fell in love?" Yuna asked, nodding toward the TV ad.

I blinked. "Was it?"

"No," Hayden said, flat as ever.

Yuna, not giving up, leaned in. "Then where?"

Hayden didn't answer, so I filled in. "It was in Chiverton Remember? That cute little courtyard I told you about."

Hayden shot me a weird look but stayed silent.

When he headed to the kitchen, I followed. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Yeah," he muttered.

Yeah?" I repeated, confused.

He glanced at me, his voice low. "It was when you kissed me for the first time."

 

Chapter 41.4

Wait, what? My brain flashed back to that kiss, but before I could fully go there, Hayden added, "You probably don't remember. You were a little kid back then."

Suddenly, his words unlocked a memory I didn't even know I had. A moment that felt like a dream-but it wasn't a dream at all. It was real. A forgotten memory.

I'd already had this man's heart, even back then.

I couldn't help but laugh. "A kiss? From a kid? You took that seriously?"

"I'm not kidding. Hayden said, dead serious. "When you kissed me back then, I knew. I knew you were the one for me.

Chapter

Chapter 415

 

Hayden had one of those faces that just screamed "trust me," Even if he was lying, you wouldn't doubt him. And right now, he was giving me that same look, all sincere and serious.

I couldn't help teasing him. "You really took that 'playing house' thing seriously? Hayden, you're so extra."

He paused, mid-chop, then said, "Only when it's about you."

Well, okay then.

This guy had a real talent for mixing serious and cheesy at the same time.

"Keira, I wanna go tool I've never been to an amusement park!" Yuna chimed in, practically bouncing as she made her announcement.

Honestly, I'd been thinking the same thing. That's why I'd asked Jace earlier if I could bring someone. Of course, he just assumed I meant Hayden.

Not that it mattered-Hayden would've come anyway. He'd helped with the park's lighting design, so there was no way he'd miss the big opening.

The place was packed, but the marketing team had been smart. They set up timed entry so it wasn't a total madhouse. Hayden, Yuna, and I slid in through a VIP entrance. Hayden, sensing I had stuff to deal with, took Yuna off to explore while I headed to the guest lounge for the opening ceremony.

"Rea! Over here!" Lindey called, waving me over. She looked stunning as always, standing next to Matthew, who gave me a warm smile,

I walked up and greeted them. "How are you doing, Matthew?"

"Good! Eating, drinking, sleeping like a champ," he chuckled, flashing a rare smile.

Jace and Wayne showed up next, looking all polished in their suits. I noticed Lindey beaming with pride at her two sons,

"Where's Hayden?" Jace asked.

""He's off showing his sister around."

"We've set up a luncheon later," Matthew said. "Make sure they join us."

"Sure," I nodded, knowing full well they wouldn't.

At 10:10 sharp, the ceremony kicked off.

I walked on stage with Matthew, Lindey, Jace, and Wayne for the ribbon-cutting. It had this weird, intimate vibe-like it was more of a family thing than a corporate event. It made me feel uneasy. I knew people would talk, and I didn't get why they were making it so personal. But I went along with it.

Snip. The ribbon fell, and the host invited Matthew to give a speech.

"Thank you for joining us today," Matthew started, his voice strong despite recovering from illness. "Some of you might be wondering why it's my family up here for the ribbon cutting."

Even after being out of the spotlight for so long, he still had this commanding presence.

Chapter 415

+25 BONU:

"Before I answer, let me tell you a story. It's about a father and his daughter..."

My heart raced. I could already feel the lump forming in my throat.

So... Matthew knew. He knew about the promise my dad made me. This whole park wasn't just some random project Jace decided to do on a whim because I mentioned it once. "The girl in this story." Matthew said, turning toward me, "is standing right here." He extended his hand, and I took it, still in shock.

"This park was built for her. And it doesn't belong to RiverwaveCorp. Every penny invested came from me personally."

The crowd started buzzing, whispers and murmurs spreading like wildfire.

I was frozen. "Matthew..."

But before I could even process it, he boomed, "As of today, this park belongs to Keira. All profits, all management rights-it's hers."

My jaw practically hit the floor. How could something this massive be handed to me? I was about to speak up, to refuse, but then- "Mr. Johnston, didn't you promise this park to me?" A voice called out from the crowd.

Chapter 416

Tanya stood in the crowd, her pregnant belly on full display, that smug, defiant smile plastered on her

face.

All eyes were on her. Matthew's grip on my hand tightened, and Jace was already storming over.

Of course, Tanya knew how to grab attention. In the silence, she piped up again. "I'm carrying the baby you promised. You said he'd never want for anything."

Lindey's voice cut through the tension. "What does your child have to do with us? Go find the real father instead."

"Enough," Matthew said, shutting her down with a tired but firm tone.

Jace reached her in no time, his face dark with anger. "What are you trying to pull?"

She flicked her eyes toward me. "I agreed when you said you wouldn't marry me, Jace. I accepted your family would never let me in. But how can you promise me something and give it to someone else?"

All I could think was, 'Wow, when someone's shameless, they really go all out."

Tanya wasn't here for anything but money and status, and she didn't care who she had to drag down to get it.

"Shut up," Jace snapped.

But she wasn't scared. She picked a public scene on purpose, knowing no one would touch her with so many people watching. And with phones out, recording everything, she had the upper hand. If anything happened to her now, the Johnstons would be destroyed by morning headlines.

It was obvious she'd stop at nothing to worm her way into the Johnston family and grab the luxury she craved. If they didn't cave today, the internet would be buzzing with drama about them and RiverwaveCorp by sunrise.

"Let her talk!" someone shouted from the crowd. A few others chimed in.

Jace grabbed for her arm, but some in the crowd blocked him, clearly loving the drama.

Things were spiraling fast. I could feel Matthew trembling beside me, barely holding back his anger. Tanya claiming Matthew promised her the amusement park? Ridiculous. If that were true, he wouldn't have announced giving it to me today.

The only explanation? She wanted it, Matthew said no, and now this was her desperate attempt to force his hand.

With the media and all these people around, the Johnstons had to choose: protect their reputation or fight back. Tanya was banking on them folding.

She was disgusting-using her unborn baby as a pawn, throwing away every shred of decency for status. There was no way I was letting her win.

I passed Matthew to Lindey and stepped forward. 'Tanya Twain, you sure you want to do this here, now?" Her eyes met mine, and for a split second, I saw fear. But she quickly covered it up with her usual fake +75 BONUS

Chapter 4

wounded act. "I don't want to, but what choice do I have?"

The crowd was already eating it up, casting us as the villains. Some were even muttering about how the rich always use people.

"Tanya," I said, my voice calm but firm, "you're carrying the child of your dead husband. Do we need to remind everyone how he died, or would you rather I stay quiet?"

Her eyes widened for a second before she masked it with that false confidence. "Go ahead, say whatever you want. But remember, words have consequences." She was bluffing. She thought she'd covered her tracks.

For the sake of the child she carried, I had been willing to let her leave with some dignity. But since she was hellbent on blowing everything up, fine. I'd play along. "Tanya, "I said, my voice cutting through the murmurs, "in your desperation to marry into money, you seduced Jace, knowing full well he was engaged and you were married. "But that wasn't enough for you, was it? You still had your husband in the way.

"So, you staged the whole thing-letting him catch you two in the act."

Chapter 417

 

I continued, "You knew Desmond couldn't handle being betrayed by his wife and his best friend. You were banking on him losing it, and when he did, your brother swooped in, cutting him off at just the right moment, making sure he'd crash." Tanya's face went ghost-white as my words hit her. She shook her head like crazy. "No! That's a lie! You're just trying to ruin me because you don't want me getting the amusement park!"

Jace grabbed her arm, his eyes blazing. "Is it true, Tanya? Tell me!"

"It's not! Jace, you were the one who always came onto me!" Tanya sobbed, tears streaking her face." Keira, you see? It was always him. From the start, it was all him!" "Cheater! Liar! Shameless!"

The crowd was already getting rowdy, and now they turned on Jace. People started pushing and shoving, and the women were the loudest, throwing insults his way. "Stop!" A deep voice cut through the chaos.

Everyone froze as Hayden stepped forward, holding up his phone. Without a word, he hit play.

Just make sure you cut him off while he's driving... Even if something goes wrong, it won't trace back to you. You didn't touch him...

My sister set it all up. She said if this works, I'll be living the good life as Jace Johnston's brother-in-law...

It was Brad's voice.

Tanya's face went from pale to straight-up ashy. She shook her head, practically falling apart. "No, no, it's

not like that!"

"Your brother's already been arrested," Hayden said, his voice like ice. "The cops will sort it out."

The crowd shifted, and now all that anger turned on Tanya, People were shouting, calling her every name in the book.

"If any of you hurt her, that's a crime too," Hayden warned, totally calm.

The crowd backed off, but the insults kept flying. Soon enough, the police showed up and carted Tanya away, ending her pathetic attempt to take control.

Meanwhile, Matthew had freaked out so badly he had to be rushed to the hospital. Jace just stood there, staring into space like he wasn't even in his body anymore, and Wayne was doing his best to keep things from going off the rails. You knew this whole time," Wayne said quietly, stepping up to me. "Why didn't you say something sooner?

1 turned to look at him, this guy who was always so nice, so easygoing, but right now? He felt like someone I didn't even know.

Vayne shifted uncomfortably under my stare. "Rea..."

 

"Who says just because you know something, you have to speak up?" I shot back, my voice sharp.

He blinked, caught off guard. "I. I was

"What would you have done if I hadn't spoken up today?" I pressed, eyes locked on him. "Let Tanya drag Jace through the mud without saying a word?" Wayne opened his mouth, but nothing came

e out.

I didn't wait for him to find the words. I turned and started walking away.

People are selfish, that's just a fact of life. I just didn't expect to see it play out right in front of me like this.

"I did it for you," Wayne said, grabbing my arm, his voice desperate.

I looked down at his hand, then back at him, my gaze cold. "Saying that just makes it worse."

Chapter 418

Wayne's grip on my hand loosened, his expression softening as the tension drained from his face.

"Do you think even less of me now? His voice was low, almost like he'd given up.

"It's not about looking down on you, Wayne," I said, locking eyes with him. "Back then, I chose Jace because he made my heart race, not because you weren't good enough. But now... after everything? I'm just disappointed." "Do you even know why I did all this?" he asked quietly.

I laughed bitterly. "You were so clear-headed when you left four years ago. How did you end up like this, Wayne? Why are you losing yourself now?"

Back then, when I got together with Jace, whatever path there was with Wayne had closed. Even after Jace and I broke up, Wayne and I were never going to be more than 'siblings."

"You loved Jace for ten expected.

1. s. I've loved you just as long." he confessed, and his words hit harder than I

But sympathy wasn't what I felt-it was just a reminder of old wounds.

Loving someone in silence? I understood that. But I still had to be real with him, no matter how much it hurt.

"I loved Jace because I thought there was a future with him. But you? You knew it was hopeless and kept going anyway. That's not love, Wayne-It's foolishness. You were setting yourself up for pain."

I knew it stung, but it was the truth.

And now, Wayne had tried to sabotage Jace and kept the truth hidden-for his own reasons. That's what hurt the most.

"Foolishness," he muttered, repeating the word with a bitter laugh. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

His tone was mocking, but there was a clear sting behind it-like he was calling me foolish for loving Jace for so long.

There wasn't anything left to say. But I gave him one last reminder. "You and Jace can fight all you want, but don't ever use me as leverage again."

Hayden had been waiting for me outside. The second he saw me, he walked over and grabbed my hand, not asking a single question. He just led me away.

Earlier, Hayden had played the recording that exposed Tanya and Brad's scheme. He had quietly gotten it for me after I'd voiced my suspicions about Wayne's behavior and Tanya's motives. Hayden had done the rest, investigating behind the scenes and showing up today with the proof.

He never made a big deal about it, but he always handled the stuff that made my life easier.

"Where's Yuna?" I asked after a while, realizing we hadn't found her yet.

"She's somewhere quieter," Hayden said, his voice steady and reassuring.

That made sense. Yuna was still recovering, and a crowded place wasn't ideal. I trusted Hayden's

judgment.

"How much further?" I asked, feeling exhaustion creeping in.

"Tired already?" Hayden teased, catching on instantly.

I didn't hide it. "Yeah."

"Want me to carry you?" he offered with a playful grin.

laughed. "Carry me? Don't you think I got enough attention already?"

"So what? Some people would love that kind of attention," Hayden teased back.

His joking made me smile. I pointed to a tandem bike parked nearby. "How about we ride that instead?" "Whatever you want," he said, leading me over to it.

We scanned the code and hopped on. At first, it was peaceful, but after a few minutes, I noticed more people riding alongside us, like we'd accidentally started a biking parade.

"What's going on? Are they following us? Do you think it's because of earlier?" I asked, starting to get a little paranoid.

Hayden just smiled, totally chill. "You scared?"

"A little," I admitted, glancing around.

"Don't be. I'm right here," he said, giving me that familiar, protective look.

looked at the other riders more closely and realized they weren't acting weird. They were just... biking. two big deal. started to relax. Then a little boy pointed at us and asked, "Mommy, why do those bikes have words on The back? 1

Chapter 419 I spun around, and my jaw dropped.

Behind us, all the people who'd been biking around were now riding with streamers trailing behind them. I squinted, trying to read what they said, but before I could make out the words, the bikes picked up speed, and Hayden slowed ours down. When we were surrounded by the bikes, the words became clear: Kiki, marry me.

My heart stopped. I whipped around to Hayden, wide-eyed.

He just looked calm, like this whole thing wasn't a surprise at all.

T "Wait... are you seriously proposing right now?" I blurted, my heart racing.

"Yep," he said, super casual. "I'm taking you home for good. That way, no one else can try.

I knew who he meant-Wayne.

Before I could even react, I heard someone yell, "Come on, Hayden! Get down on one knee already!"

I followed the voice and spotted Yuna, perched on one of the bikes, grinning like she'd just pulled off the prank of the century.

That's when Hayden hopped off our bike, circled around to me, and, like magic, pulled a ring from his pocket and dropped to one knee.

"Kiki," he said, looking straight into my eyes, "will you marry me? Let's walk this life together. You and me." I blinked at him, at the ring, and at the crowd of cyclists, all part of this wild setup. My chest tightened, and I felt this overwhelming rush of warmth. "Say yes!"

""Marry him!"

"Do it, Keira! Say yes!"

The crowd, along with Yuna, started chanting, egging me on.

I climbed off the bike, standing right in front of him. "And if I say no?"

The chanting stopped like someone hit pause. Even Yuna looked shocked. "Keira...

Hayden didn't even flinch. "If you say no, it just means you're not ready yet. I'll wait," he said softly, already starting to stand, thinking I was rejecting him.

But I reached out and grabbed his hand. "Mr. Hart, I think we're ready."

For a split second, Hayden just stared, then broke into the biggest grin.

"Put the ring on her already!" someone yelled.

With everyone watching. Hayden gently slipped the ring onto my finger.

It fit perfectly, covering the little scar from back when everything was a mess with Jace.

Chapter 419 "Flowers!" Yuna called out, rushing over with a bouquet.

Hayden handed them to me with both hands, but the crowd wasn't done.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Yuna chanted, leading the charge.

Hayden and I shared a quick look before leaning in and sealing the deal with a kiss.

Honestly, I didn't think things with Hayden would move this fast. I thought I had it all figured out with Jace, but life clearly had other plans.

Later that night, the grand opening of the amusement park was trending all over social media. But somehow, that wasn't the top story. That spot was taken by... me. [Cinderella Takes Over Amusement Park with New Fiancé!] [Fairy Tale Proposal and a Billion-Dollar Park: Cinderella's Double Win] I couldn't help but laugh at how over-the-top it all sounded. On a whim, I left a comment: [Cinderella's always been a princess.] Unsurprisingly, being the top trend meant my phone wouldn't stop buzzing.

Lena called, practically squealing with excitement. Demi called too, offering congrats and ranting about Tanya. Even Steve called, which totally threw me.

I thought it was about the proposal, but he opened with "I've got updates on that investigation you asked for."

Chapter 420 I knew exactly what I had asked Steve to look into, but this wasn't the time I'd imagined getting an update. My head was spinning with everything that had just happened, but now this uneasiness crept in, making my eyelid twitch. "What did you find?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"The info you had wasn't the full story. There's a final conclusion you missed," Steve replied, sounding just as confused as I felt.

I took a slow breath. "Were you able to find it?"

"No," Steve said, and suddenly his tone got more serious. "The officer who handled the case died shortly after your dad's accident."

A cold shiver ran through me. "When?"

"One month after the investigation was closed."

For a second, I couldn't even breathe. Steve's voice cut through the panic buzzing in my head. "Rea... you there?"

I jumped in, my mind racing. "Do you think his death was connected to how my dad's accident was ruled?" "Tve thought about that," Steve admitted. "But officially, it's listed as sudden cardiac arrest. There's a hospital report and everything." His words left me hollow, like the air had been sucked out of the room.

"I tried talking to his family, but they didn't know anything that would help," Steve added, and the chill in my bones deepened.

"So... there's nothing left, right?" I asked.

"That's what it looks like," Steve said, sounding defeated. "Unless the officer left something behind, but his family doesn't know of anything. And with his sudden death, the trail's gone cold."

It was starting to feel like the truth about my dad's accident was buried too deep-too many years had passed, and anyone who could help was either gone or didn't want to stir up the past.

"What about his colleagues? Friends? Did you check with them?" I pushed, not ready to give up.

"We did," Steve replied, but there was a finality in his voice that told me not to expect much more.

I closed my eyes, feeling like a weight was pressing down on me, "So unless someone comes back from the dead, this is where it ends."

"Not necessarily," Steve said, trying to sound hopeful, but I could hear the doubt. "I'll keep reaching out to the officer's family, see if anything turns up.

I stared out at the dark night, a void that reminded me too much of the night my parents never came Home. "No need, Steve. If they knew something, they'd have said it by now.

Whoever wanted the truth hidden did a good job. After ten years, those secrets were buried deep. And anyone who could tell me what really happened was either long gone or would stay silent. Chapter 420 "Sometimes," Steve said gently, "it's best to let the past stay where it is."

I could tell he didn't believe in digging any further. He had helped me, but deep down, he didn't think it was worth pursuing anymore.

"I get it," I said quietly. "Thanks, Steve. I really appreciate everything."

"I'm sorry I couldn't find more," Steve paused before adding, "Oh, and congrats on the other news."

I wasn't sure if he meant the park opening or Hayden's proposal, so I just said, "Thanks."

Someone called for him in the background, and after a quick goodbye, the call ended.

I sat there, my thoughts spinning, before I typed out a quick message: [Steve, what was the officer's name?] His reply came back almost instantly: [Grady Crosby.] I stared at the name on my screen, lost in thought, when Hayden walked in, fresh from his shower. I quickly put my phone down, and before I knew it, he scooped me up and sat me on his lap. "Tired? Want me to carry you to the shower?"

"Exhausted, but I don't want to shower, I murmured, leaning my head against his neck.

"I could wash you," Hayden teased, a playful edge to his voice.

I shook my head, snuggling into him. "Not right now. Let's just sit."

"Something on your mind?" he asked, picking up on my mood like he always did.

I couldn't shake the feeling-he'd once told me he was looking into the car accident that took his dad's life.

The timing of everything was too close, and before I knew it, I asked, "Hayden, how's your investigation into your dad's accident going?"

His arms tightened around me, his voice dropping. "They said it was brake failure. But the officer who handled the case died of sudden cardiac arrest not long after. I've talked to his family, his colleagues, but no one knows anything." His words echoed what Steve had just told me, confirming that Hayden hadn't hidden anything.