Ch. 471..480

Chapter 471

 

"Then you should go back, but not like this. You can't go alone in your condition," Jace said, glancing at Wayne. "You go with Rea."

Wayne nodded. "Alright."

I wanted to argue, but I knew better. In this state, they weren't letting me go by myself.

"What about you?" I asked, eyeing the bandage on Jace's head.

"I'm waiting for Steve. Once he's out, we'll head back together." Jace's answer made sense.

Steve was stuck in a foreign country and had been through hell. If he walked out and no one was there for him, it'd crush him. But seeing Jace like this? That'd just make it worse.

"If Steve sees you like this, he'll blame himself," I warned.

"It's fine. I'll make up an excuse. I won't mention the accident," Jace said, still set on his plan.

There was no point arguing, so I asked, "Can Steve still compete when he's out?"

We don't know yet

Deep dow

Depends on his club and what Quartz Cue says, Wayne added.

down, I knew Hayden could handle this. No one would know better than him.

But Hayden wasn't talking to me. He didn't even want me.

The thought twisted in my chest, so I pulled out my phone and started booking a flight.

"Book mine too," Wayne said out of nowhere.

I hadn't even thought about booking with him, but now that he'd brought it up, I couldn't exactly argue. Send me your ID info," I replied.

Wayne pulled out his phone, and I expected him to start typing. Instead, he said, "Already booked. Two

tickets."

I froze. He added, "Go pack. We leave for the airport in an hour."

I opened my mouth to say something, but Wayne turned to Jace. "Even though the injury on your head isn't serious anymore, you still need to take care of yourself. You're more valuable now." Wayne's words were sharp, but they also reminded me of the blood I'd given Jace. He was hinting that a part of me was in Jace now.

"I know," Jace replied, his eyes locked on mine.

His gaze was complicated, but I only held it for a second before I turned away. "I'm gonna pack."

"help you," Jace offered, stepping toward me.

Wayne grabbed his arm. "You should rest. I'll help Rea pack."

I didn't want to be caught in their little brotherly standoff, and I definitely didn't want to hear it.

I wasn't sure if Jace knew how Wayne felt about me, but the way Wayne acted so casual around him

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made me wonder. Either Wayne was a pro at hiding his feelings, or I really had let go of whatever tension. there used to be.

But right now, I didn't care what Wayne thought. All I wanted was to get back to Hayden and fix things.

When Wayne walked into the room, I hadn't even started packing. I just sat there, lost in thought.

Not that there was much to pack. I'd only brought a small bag.

"What's wrong? Still thinking about Hayden?" Wayne asked.

I didn't answer. Instead, I looked at him. "Did you always know he had golden blood?"

"Yeah," Wayne said, giving a small, wry smile. "My parents were always worried because of his rare blood type. They made sure I kept an eye on him."

It made sense. Ever since I'd moved in with the Johnstons, Wayne always let Jace have his way.

I used to think Wayne was just being the good, patient older brother.

Now I realized it wasn't just kindness-it was because of Jace's special blood.

"And what about me?" I asked, my voice steady. "Did you always know I had golden blood too?"

Wayne's eyes flickered at the question.

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472

I kept my eyes on Wayne, and his reaction told me everything.

"Rea," he said softly, "don't overthink this."

T

Overthink? I wasn't, not until now.

The way he said it just made me think harder. "Matthew and Lindey knew too, didn't they?" I asked, though deep down, I already knew the answer. They'd raised me for years-no way they wouldn't know my blood type.

"They took you in, cared for you like their own. Of course they knew," Wayne said, sounding like he was trying a little too hard to make it all seem fine.

Right. It wasn't weird they knew. What was weird? The fact they never told me.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Please, don't take it the wrong way. My parents have always treated you like their own daughter. There's no hidden agenda," Wayne added, his voice sounding almost desperate now.

But you know that saying-the more you explain, the guiltier you look?

Yeah, that.

"Wayne, honestly, I hadn't thought much about it before you opened your mouth. But now?" I raised my brows. "All this overthinking? That's on you."

I emphasized those last three words.

His expression shifted, like he wasn't sure what to say

"Just help me pack," I muttered, cutting him off before he could say anything else. I didn't want to doubt Wayne or assume the worst, but his whole defensive act had me spiraling down a rabbit hole I didn't even know existed. Sometimes, once the thought's there, you can't un-think it.

As Wayne silently packed my stuff, my mind drifted to my engagement to Jace.

Before my parents' accident, they'd asked me if I'd be okay with an arranged marriage.

I laughed and said no, telling them I only wanted to be with them. I even hugged them, joking I'd never marry, that I'd stay with them forever.

They never brought it up again-until after they were gone. Then, Matthew and Lindey told me Jace was supposed to be my future husband. Apparently, it had been decided when my parents were still alive.

But how? Did my parents know Jace and I shared the same rare blood type? Were they trying to make sure we'd end up together in case one of us needed help, like some kind of insurance?

Or was it the Johnstons who came up with this after the fact? Maybe they saw our matching blood types and decided to play matchmaker, turning me into Jace's future wife-his backup blood supply.

I didn't want to sound cynical, but the idea that Jace and I, with this super rare blood type, almost got

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Chapter 472

married-it felt like more than just some random coincidence.

And the fact that no one in the Johnston family had ever mentioned it? Even though Wayne clearly knew

the truth?

If there was nothing to hide, why keep it a secret?

"Rea... Rea..." Wayne's voice broke through my thoughts.

I blinked, looking up at him. "Yeah?"

"What were you thinking about? You seemed... far away," he said softly.

I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry. "Nothing. What's up?"

"I'm done packing. Is there anything else you wanna take?" His tone was gentle, like he was afraid to push too hard.

I glanced around the room. "No, that's it."

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I'd only really taken a good look around this hospital room twice-once when I was searching for Hayden, and now, while trying to figure out what to pack.

Wayne crouched in front of me, his voice soft. "Rea, how are you feeling? Any discomfort?"

I was about to shake my head when a knock interrupted us. Jace walked in with the doctor.

"Let the doctor check you over. If anything happens on the plane, it'll be hard to deal with," Jace said, hist gaze briefly flicking to Wayne. I noticed the slight crease in his brow.

As the doctor moved closer, Wayne stood up and stepped aside, naturally giving him room.

The doctor listened to my heartbeat, took my blood pressure, and ran through a full exam. "You're recovering well," he finally said. "Everything looks normal."

"Thank you, doctor," Jace said, sounding genuinely grateful.

Wayne chimed in, "I'll walk the doctor out. I need to pack, too. Jace, stay and talk to Rea."

The door clicked shut behind them, and just like that, it was me and Jace. Alone.

Neither of us said a word. We just sat there, wrapped in silence. I stared into space, lost in thought, while Jace's eyes stayed fixed on me.

After what felt like forever, he finally broke the quiet. "I'm sorry."

I turned to him, knowing my eyes were distant, glazed over with everything that had happened.

Jace sat down next to me. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have come to Houston. You wouldn't have been in danger.

"You wouldn't have had to give so much blood to save me... and Hayden wouldn't have misunderstood." I blinked, then lowered my eyes to the second button on his shirt. "There's no need to apologize. Isn't there that saying? Everything happens for a reason." Maybe this was fate.

"Rea," Jace said softly, "why did you do it? Risk your life to save me?"

I didn't look up, just gave a small, bitter smile. "Because if I didn't, you'd be dead.

"But what about your life? Why didn't you think about yourself? I know what happened-if you hadn't given that last 200cc of blood, you wouldn't have collapsed."

I flashed back to that moment, when I'd watched my blood fill the bag for him. I smiled again, but it didn't reach my eyes. "If you're gonna help someone, you might as well go all the way.

I'd already given you so much, might as well finish it.

"If I stopped halfway and you didn't make it, what was the point of the 600cc I'd already given?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, a thought crept in I slowly lifted my eyes to meet his. "Don't overthink it. Even if it hadn't been you that day-if it was a stranger-I would've done the same." Chapter 473

Jace's eyes narrowed a bit, "Really? Even for a stranger?"

"Yes!" I said, a little too quickly, a little too firmly.

I saw it-the flash of disappointment in his eyes. I knew exactly why.

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"Don't feel guilty," I said, hoping to stop whatever spiral he was about to fall into. "I saved you because we share the same blood type.

"Maybe that's why I'm in your life-to help when you need it.

"And we grew up together, shared meals, lived under the same roof. How could I just let you die?"

Jace's lips curved into a sad smile. "Since we split up, you've built so many walls around yourself. You won't even give me a sliver of hope anymore."

"It's not possible between us now. If I let you hang on to hope, I'd be just as bad as you were back then."

I didn't pull any punches. He needed to hear it. Only then could he understand that the hurt he felt now? That's what I'd gone through.

at

deserve it," Jace muttered, his voice rough. "I've already wronged you so many times, and now!

"1

owe you a debt of blood. I don't know how I'll ever repay it."

glanced at the bandages on his head. "You don't owe me for that. If you hadn't shielded me during the crash, maybe you'd be the one giving me blood."

Jace let out a dry chuckle. "Guess we're destined to be connected by blood."

I didn't reply, and his smile faded, turning stiff. Silence fell between us, and for a long while, neither of us 'spoke.

Finally, he broke the quiet again. "Rea..."

I looked over at him and saw his eyes, red and raw,

"If you and Hayden... I mean, if..." He was struggling, tripping over his words. "If you two don't work out, if you break up because of all this... would you ever give me another chance?"

Chapter 474

I didn't say a word.

Jace leaned closer. "Rea..."

"Don't you think it's kinda low to say something like that right now?" My words cut through the air, stopping him cold.

He froze, staring at me, his face turning red-shame and defeat written all over it. "Yeah... I've let my feelings cloud my judgment before. Hurt Desmond.

"And now, after you risked everything to save me, I've messed things up between you and Hayden too.

"And here I am, shamelessly trying to take advantage of the situation by saying something like that..."

He shook his head, disgusted with himself. "I'm not just a bad person-I'm not even worthy anymore." Without another word, he turned and left.

When Wayne and I headed to the airport, Jace didn't show up to say goodbye.

At the airport, Wayne handled check-in while I sat quietly in the waiting area, feeling... hollow. So hollow it was like my soul had detached, floating somewhere far off. I had no idea where I was going or what I wanted anymore.

"Miss, are you traveling alone?" A soft, sweet voice suddenly pulled me out of my fog.

I looked over and saw a little girl with blonde curls sitting next to me. She had bright eyes, her face full of innocent curiosity. Even though she was clearly foreign, something about her reminded me of home. They say kids can heal hearts, and in that moment, I believed it. Just seeing her brought me back to myself.

I smiled. "No, I'm not traveling. I'm going

"Are you going home to see your mommy and daddy?" she asked, her innocent curiosity so genuine.

I wished I could. But they were gone now.

Still, I didn't want to burden a child with my sadness. I nodded gently. "And to see my boyfriend."

"Hee hee," she giggled, giving me a shy, playful look like I'd just shared the juiciest secret.

"What's so funny?" I asked, tilting my head...

"Let me tell you a secret," she whispered, leaning in closer with a mischievous smile. "I have a boyfriend

too.

I couldn't help but laugh. It was quiet, but it warmed my heart.

"You already have a boyfriend? Wow! That's amazing!" I said, pretending to be shocked...

She couldn't have been more than two or three, her little voice still lisping a bit. I figured "boyfriend" probably meant a close friend in her world.

She beamed, clearly thrilled with my reaction. Leaning in again, she whispered, "I'm going to find my

 

Chapter 474

boyfriend too."

"Oh? Is your boyfriend as cute as you?" I teased.

She nodded eagerly, then added, "He's handsies"

Handsies? Oh, she meant handsome. I couldn't stop smiling-she was just too cute. Even at her age, she knew how to admire a handsome guy..

"My boyfriend is handsome too, and cool," I said, thinking of Hayden. I threw in a little salute for fun.

She giggled and immediately responded, "My boyfriend's cool too," determined not to let her guy be outdone.

I laughed again. The weight of my earlier thoughts was lifting, replaced by the simple joy this little girl brought with her. "When I get home, I'm going to marry my boyfriend," I said, playing along. The girl paused, clearly deep in thought. After a few seconds, she announced, "Tata's still little. I'll get married when I grow up."

Tata? Is that her name? I couldn't help but think it was ridiculously cute.

"Tessa!" someone called.

She spun around, her face lighting up. "Daddy!"

I looked over to see a man in a dark coat walking our way.

"Daddy, Tata likes this miss," she said, like she'd just made the best friend ever.

That's when it hit me-her name wasn't Tata. She was trying to say Tessa, but she hadn't quite mastered it yet. Absolutely precious.

Chapter 475

if

The man reached us and gave me a polite nod. "Sorry my daughter's bothering you."

"Tata's not a bother. Tata's cute," Tessa shot back, puffing up her cheeks like she was about to start a protest.

I laughed, completely charmed. "Tessa's very cute. I like her a lot."

"Tata likes her too," she added, still a little garbled but proud.

I patted her head gently, then turned to her dad. "I thought her parents were, like, both foreign?"

His expression darkened for a split second-so fast, I almost missed it.

Realizing I'd probably overstepped, I quickly apologized. "I'm sorry..."

He just nodded, then held out his hand to Tessa. "Come on, sweetheart, we have to board the plane."

"But she should come with us!" Tessa pleaded, clutching my hand like we were already BFFs.

I was about to explain that we weren't on the same flight when Wayne showed up, holding our boarding passes.

He glanced around, taking in the scene, and extended a hand to Tessa's dad. "Hey there."

The dad shook his hand, smiling politely, while Tessa, totally uninterested in the adult stuff, tugged on my hand again. "Let's go!"

"Tessa," her dad said softly, "this miss isn't on the same flight as us."

"She can change it!" Tessa insisted, like she was some kind of expert on flight rebooking. I couldn't help but smile-this kid was already a pro traveler.

With her golden curls and fair skin, she looked like a little doll, but her deep, dark eyes hinted at her mixed heritage.

"Tessa, don't be naughty," her dad said gently, though you could tell he wasn't really mad. She just gave him a look and turned her hopeful eyes back to me. "Miss, Tata wants to sit on the plane with you, Tessa said, her big eyes full of hope. How was I supposed to say no to that?

I glanced at her dad, who gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, she's a bit headstrong."

He picked Tessa up, giving me a quick nod before turning to leave.

As they walked away, Tessa craned her neck to keep looking at me, her little voice carrying over, "Tata. will miss you...

I waved, smiling. I'll miss you too,' I thought.

I kept watching them until they disappeared into the crowd.

People always say every encounter is a blessing, and for some reason, meeting Tessa felt like something more-a weird, unexpected connection.

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"You like kids, don't you?" Wayne's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Not really," I said, sitting back down.

"You were all smiles talking to that little girl," he pointed out, catching me off guard.

He was right. Talking to Tessa had made me forget about everything else, even if just for a moment.

I shrugged, not answering. Wayne sat beside me. "So, when you get married, would you want a son or a daughter?"

I hadn't really thought about it, but Tessa's adorable face popped into my mind. "I think I'd want a kid like her."

Then it hit me. "Preferably mixed, too."

Wayne paused, then chuckled. "So, you're gonna marry a foreigner, huh?"

I playfully pouted. "If things with Hayden don't work out, maybe I'll just stay single. Or, yeah, maybe I'll find myself a foreign husband." Wayne went quiet for a beat. Once I started, though, I couldn't seem to stop. "Tall, handsome. Our kids would be gorgeous."

"Rea," Wayne interrupted, his tone serious now, "are you just saying this to be spiteful?"

I looked at him, still smiling. "Nope. I'm dead serious."

His normally chill expression tightened as he pressed his lips together. Then he said quietly. "If you can

make things work with someone from your own culture, it won't be any easier with a foreign guy.

Was he trying to discourage me?

But the more he pushed, the more stubborn I got. "You never know until you try, right?"

Chapter 476

 

As soon as I got on the plane, I shut my eyes and zonked out. Didn't say a word to Wayne the whole flight.

He must've known I wasn't in the mood, because he didn't bother trying to talk.

When we finally landed, I turned to him. "I'm going to see Hayden. I'll grab a cab."

He hesitated for a second. "My parents are here."

I tensed up. "You told them?"

"Yeah," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "They've been freaking out about you. When you were out, they called, like, every ten minutes to check in, so-

I cut him off. "I get it. I'll let them see I'm alive and kicking so they can chill."

We headed toward the exit together, and sure enough, I spotted Lindey and Matthew in the crowd, looking all worried.

"Rea!" Lindey waved the moment she saw me.

I waved back and hurried over with Wayne.

Lindey grabbed my hand right away, her eyes all emotional. "Oh, you silly girl... what do I even say to you?"

She looked like she wanted to call me reckless, but if I hadn't been, her precious son might not have made it.

Instead, she pulled me into a hug. "You're our brave girl. A total blessing."

Matthew gave a soft chuckle. "Alright, she's fine now. No need for the waterworks."

"You're right," Lindey said, dabbing her eyes. "You and Jace are both safe, and that's all that matters."

"We're really sorry for everything," Matthew added quietly, resting his hand on my shoulder.

I could see the concern and gratitude in their eyes, but the second I thought about how weird it was that Jace and I had the same rare blood type-and all the doubts swirling in my head-I couldn't feel, close to them.

I

I knew I was spiraling again, just like when I thought Matthew might've been involved in my parents' car crash, only to realize I was totally wrong.

This time, though, I didn't want to jump to conclusions needed to ask them straight up.

"Matthew, Lindey... you both knew Jace and I had the same blood type, didn't you?" I asked, watching their faces stiffen.

Matthew hesitated, then nodded.

"Are you thinking we didn't tell you for some shady reason?" Lindey asked, already catching onto where my thoughts were going. They both knew what was up.

I didn't dance around it. "I want to know why you didn't tell me."

 

Chapter 476

"Rea, we didn't say anything because we didn't want you to overthink it," Lindey said quickly. "We were afraid you'd think we wanted you and Jace together just so you could be his personal blood bank." There it was, exactly what had been gnawing at me.

"But not telling me made me overthink it even more," I said flatly.

Matthew sighed, looking guilty. "We underestimated you."

He wasn't wrong. They had.

I hadn't just saved their son-I almost lost my life doing it.

"It's our fault, both mine and Matthew's," Lindey said. "We didn't want you two carrying that weight around. Your blood types are so rare, and we thought if you knew, you'd always feel anxious, like it'd hang over you, affecting everything." Chapter 477

Chapter 477

 

"Yeah, Rea, Dad and Mom just wanted you two to live your lives without feeling like you were any different from everyone else," Wayne chimed in.

"We wanted you and Jace together because of the feelings you shared, not for any other reason," Lindey reiterated.

After all the years I'd spent living with them, I knew better than anyone how they treated me. And now, with everything laid out, it made sense.

If I had known about the blood type earlier, I probably would've been anxious all the time, constantly worried, and my life wouldn't have been nearly as carefree as it was.

But one question still nagged at me. "Lindey, Matthew when my parents arranged for me and Jace to be engaged all those years ago, was it because of our blood types?"

Lindey glanced at Matthew, and after a few beats, he nodded. "When we found out you both! had the same rare blood type-what they call golden blood-it was a shock. But it also meant that if one of you was ever in danger, the other could save them."

He paused before continuing. "We worried that if you both married other people, it'd complicate things. So, half-jokingly, we thought, wouldn't it be easier if you two ended up together? That way, as a couple, you'd always look out for each other." Matthew sighed. "Rea, we've been carrying that concern every day, afraid something might happen to one of you."

Wayne jumped in again, "My parents even lit a safety prayer candle for you two at Cloudscape Monastery. It's been burning for decades-never went out."

I knew about that candle. I always thought it was just something Matthew and Lindey did because they were the kind of people who had rituals for the whole family.

I never guessed it was specifically for me and Jace.

Guilt hit me hard. I had doubted their love, over and over. How could I have been so clueless? "I'm sorry, Matthew, Lindey. I've been overthinking everything."

Lindey gently cupped my face. "You've done nothing wrong, sweetheart. If Matthew and I were in your shoes, we'd feel the same way. And, more importantly, you saved Jace's life. We should be thanking you."

T

"Please don't say that," I replied, echoing what I'd told Jace earlier. "It wasn't just because it was him. I would've done the same for anyone."

Lindey's eyes softened, though she didn't let it go. "Even if you'd help anyone, you wouldn't have risked your life like that unless it was Jace." Her words were heavy, like she understood the connection I once had with him, even if I didn't want to admit it. I didn't feel like arguing. Let them believe whatever they wanted. I knew how I felt about-Jace-and who I truly loved. That was enough.

Wayne, sensing the tension, cleared his throat, "Mom, Dad, Rea... let's head to the car, We can talk more there."

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Lindey quickly nodded. "Yes, let's go. I even made rice pudding for you, Rea, and brought it along. You can eat some on the way."

I stopped her before she could pull me along. "Lindey, wait." I turned to Matthew, too. I'm not going home with you. I need to see Hayden."

"If you need to find him, that's easy," Lindey offered, still smiling. "Wayne can go pick him up."

Clearly, Wayne hadn't told them about Hayden and me, but he sure hadn't held back on everything else.

"No, Lindey," I said firmly. "Hayden misunderstood what happened when I gave Jace blood. That's why I rushed back-l need to explain it to him. I can't come home with you right now." Lindey

blinked, her expression shifting to shock. "A misunderstanding? Hayden... oh, that boy!"

"He's probably just worried about you," Matthew cut in, shooting her a look.

Lindey hesitated for a second, then smiled tightly. "I just meant... Hayden really cares about you."

I knew she was picking her words carefully. I couldn't help but smirk a little. "Exactly. He cares about me, which is why I need to go see him. I haven't seen him in days.

Matthew and Lindey both gave me awkward smiles, clearly disappointed but trying to hide it. I stepped back, creating a little space between us. "Goodbye."

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Chapter

478

In the car, I dialed Hayden.

This time, he picked up almost right away. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" I asked, not bothering with pleasantries.

There was a beat of silence before he said, "You're back?"

Those two words made my chest feel tight. Of course, was back. Wasn't it him who practically dragged

me back?

"Yeah, I'm back. Where are you? I need to see you," I said, my voice sharp.

"Just go home. I'll come to you," he replied.

I shut my eyes, feeling irritation bubbling up. "Hayden, are you seriously not getting this? I said-I. Want. To. See. You."

He finally caved. "I'm at home. Yuna's here, too," he said, and that last part told me everything. He didn't want me showing up, especially not with Yuna there to witness any drama. Fair enough. Yuna was still recovering, and the last thing she needed was to be caught in the crossfire.

And with her there, having a real conversation with Hayden would be pretty much impossible.

I didn't push further. "Fine. I'll wait at home."

I stared out the window as we drove, the scenery a blur of colors and lights.

The second I walked through the door, I barely got to the foyer before I ran into Tanya.

She had makeup on, looking way better than she did in the hospital, which made me guess she'd been discharged. Probably hadn't even checked on her baby in the NICU.

Tanya glanced at the suitcase in my hand and sneered. "Keira, the virtuous girl, right? Yet here you are, stringing Hayden along while still tangled up with Jace."

So, she was still hanging onto Jace, knowing exactly where he was. She was watching us both, paranoid that he and I might actually pick up where we left off.

It looked like Tanya wasn't just using him; she had real feelings for him too.

"I'm not in the mood for this today. Back off, I warned,

For once, she seemed to get the hint and didn't push it. But just as I reached the elevator, I heard her say. Keira, how about a little cooperation?"

I stopped, turning to see her smirking. "Wanna come upstairs and talk?"

This was the same woman who had tried to threaten me by going after Lena, and now she wanted to team up? I couldn't figure out her angle, but one thing was clear-she couldn't get around me. There was nothing for her to gain by working with me directly, which only meant one thing: she still wasn't ready to let go of the Johnston family.

 

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"No thanks. Not interested," I said flatly...

Tanya casually blocked the elevator doors with her foot. "Keira, you'll come to me. I'll be waiting."

She said it with this smug confidence, like she already knew how this would play out.

I didn't bother trying to figure out where she got that confidence from. I just hit the close button, watching the doors slide shut on her.

Once upstairs, I unlocked my door, flipped on the lights, kicked off my shoes, and dropped onto the couch, feeling drained.

Hayden showed up about half an hour later. But this time, he didn't just let himself in. He actually rang the doorbell.

That small gesture told me everything. He wasn't just upset-he was serious.

I opened the door, and there he was, as tall and steady as ever. But this time, he'd traded his usual T-shirt and jeans for a black dress shirt and matching pants, looking every inch the polished heir of the Hart family. We just stared at each other for a beat before he broke the silence. "Can I come in?"

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Hayden's one sentence nearly made me see red.

Now I was sure this whole mess between us was because of that ridiculous news report.

Sure, I had some blame in this, but I was still fuming. We'd promised to trust each other, yet here he was, Judging me over a single story without even asking my side.

I felt the fru

frustration rise in my chest. "If I said It's not convenient, would you just turn around and leave?"

""Yes." Of course, he would.

I clenched my teeth. "Hayden, when it comes to being Jerk, you're really unmatched."

He didn't even flinch, just kept that calm, collected look that somehow made it even harder to stay mad.

Fuming, I spun around and dropped onto the couch with a huff. Hayden followed, sitting down too-but he left about a foot between us.

This was the guy who used to pull me onto his lap if I so much as scooted an inch closer. Now, he was holding back. It was obvious where his mind was.

My chest tightened, and I looked at him, my voice wavering. "Do you really want to break up with me?"

"It was you who said you wanted to break up," he replied, his voice deep and even.

I'd noticed his voice always dropped like that when he was hurt, which only made it sound more intense.

I pouted, my throat tight. "I didn't mean it. I was just mad because you didn't come see me.

"I did come," he said, keeping his words short.

"But I didn't know. I didn't see you. I wanted to see you when I was awake." My voice cracked. "Hayden, the first person I wanted to see when I opened my eyes was you."

He didn't respond right away, just looked at me, his gaze softening for a split second before he looked away. "Are you sure it's really me?"

I knew the news story had gotten to him. It made him question everything between us.

"Hayden, I saved Jace not because I still love him but because he's a person who needed help. Anyone in that position-I'd have done the same," I said, inching closer.

He didn't move as I slid next to him, reaching out to hold his arm. "That photo? It showed me holding Jace's hand because he was critical. I was encouraging him while giving blood."

He stayed silent, so I gripped his arm tighter. "Hayden, if you don't believe me, I'll swear-"

But he cut me off. "It's not just the news."

I froze. "Then what?"

His eyes darkened. "Don't you remember what you said?"

Confused, I shook his arm, practically pleading. "What did I say?"

Chapter 479

 

His jaw clenched, and he looked almost painfully restrained. "Are you really gonna twist the knife?"

"No! I swear, I don't know what you mean," I said, shaking my head.

His gaze pinned me in place, intense and searching. "Are you with me because you love me or because of something else?"

"Of course, it's because I love you!" I answered without a second's hesitation.

"But you told Jace that the reason you're with me is because you were 'moved' by me." His words hit like a punch to the gut.

When did I say that?

"Hayden, I never-I didn't-"

"You did. In the car after the accident. I heard every word through the phone. Are you gonna deny it?" My throat tightened as pieces of that conversation came back to me. Jace had said a lot during that crash, but I didn't recall ever saying I was with Hayden just out of gratitude.

"Keira, I don't care who you've loved before. But if you're with me, it needs to be out of love-not out of obligation." He paused, his voice steady but raw. "I can't accept being some kind of second choice."

"Hayden, you're clinging to one thing you overheard, and now you're doubting my feelings. Do you really think I don't love you? Can't you feel it?" I said, my frustration spilling over.

"My heart's telling me-you still love Jace more than me."

Hayden's words hit me like a punch.

Chapter 480

 

Hayden never held back. He always said exactly what he felt, and now his words cut deep-he honestly thought I still had feelings for Jace.

Since we got together, I'd kept my distance from Jace, worried our past might mess things up with Hayden. But clearly, I'd slipped up. I'd made him feel like he didn't have all of me.

This wasn't just about me giving Jace blood. Hayden had been carrying this around for a while, something he'd been feeling long before now.

"All this time, you've thought I didn't love you enough? let out a bitter laugh. "If that's true, then maybe 1 don't even know how to love anymore.

"If you really loved me, you wouldn't have been so quick to suggest breaking up," he said, his voice low.

my eyes, frustration boiling over. "I told you that was just me talking out of anger.

I gave a tired smile and added, "It was a heat-of-the-moment thing, but you jumped at the chance to agree. So, Hayden, should I start thinking you never really wanted me in the first place?" That old saying, "when you want to blame someone, any excuse will do," had never felt more true. When

you're determined to find fault, even the tiniest thing gets blown up.

Hayden's eyes narrowed slightly. "If that's how you feel, maybe breaking up is the right choice."

The wave of hurt and anger that slammed into me was almost too much. I'd tried so hard to explain, but it felt like nothing I said made a difference. He was locked into believing what he wanted.

1 let go of his hand. "So, breaking up is the right thing, huh? Is that really what you want?"

Hayden's throat bobbed as he swallowed, but before he could answer, I laughed bitterly. "I get it. You're the heir to the Hart family now.

"You probably think someone like me isn't good enough anymore, right?

"Or maybe it's because I used to be Jace's fiancée, and being with me would just make people talk."

This kind of baseless suspicion? I hated it.

And yet, here I was, falling right into it.

"Is that what you think?" Hayden's voice dropped, turning cold.

"What else am I supposed to think? I've explained everything, and you're still clinging to it. You obviously just want to end things, so what am I supposed to believe?" I felt myself unraveling, turning into the kind of person I swore I wouldn't be-emotional, irrational. "Fine. If that's what you think, then so be it," he replied, his tone slicing through the tension.

I stared at him, my lips trembling, but the words wouldn't come.

The pressure in my chest was unbearable, like something hot and sharp was lodged in my throat. After what felt like forever, I finally whispered, "So you really want to break up, don't you?" Chapter 480

#25 BONUS

.Yes

That one word, so simple and final, pierced right through me. I couldn't breathe.

My nails dug into my palms as I clenched my fists. "Fine."

Loave

him one word back, hanging on to whatever pride I had left.

If he didn't want to be with me, still caught up in this mess over Jace, I could've kept trying to explain. But if he thought I wasn't good enough anymore, what was the point? Was I supposed to beg?

No way. That wasn't who I was. And even if I did, a relationship built on pity wouldn't last.

"Leave." The word was out before the tears could start falling.

Hayden

didn't move, just stood there staring at me. I was on the verge of breaking, and if he stayed any longer, I'd lose the last bit of dignity I had.

I grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him. "Go!"

He didn't even flinch. The pillow hit him square in the face, and he caught it effortlessly.

After a moment, he set it down, stood up, and headed for the door.

I watched his back as he walked away, and that's when the dam inside me broke.