Ch. 491..500

Chapter 491

Chapter 491

Otherwise, he wouldn't have come around asking if I was pregnant and insisting on driving me to the hospital. Like, excuse me?

He'd hurt me before, sure, but this? This was a whole new level. One sentence, and he'd just crushed me.

But I wasn't about to quit my job just because we broke up. Thankfully, I had some fieldwork lined up, so I could avoid the office without raising any flags. Three days into fieldwork, Yuna called. I wasn't sure if she knew about the split, but I really hoped we were still good.

"Keira, I'm in trouble. Can you help me?" She sounded panicked, like two seconds from crying.

"Whoa, slow down. What's going on?"

"I'm at the library, reading, and my period just hit out of nowhere-my skirt's totally stained!" she said.

I let out a sigh of relief. Here I was, expecting some disaster.

"Could you bring me a skirt? I'll send you my location. Meet me in the restroom when you get here," she added, her voice way stronger than it used to be. And by her tone? She clearly had no clue about my fallout with Hayden.

"Okay, don't worry."

"Keira, please hurry."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, I'm on my way."

I hung up, ditched my hard hat, changed out of my work gear, and headed to the library. On the way, I ordered a skirt and some period panties for her. When I got there, the delivery wasn't ready yet. I checked the status-two more minutes to go. So I waited.

As I pulled out my phone to text Yuna, a familiar figure stepped out of the library.

Our eyes met, and he froze, looking a little uneasy.

Remembering how I'd snapped at him last time, I figured he probably thought I'd misread this as more than a random run-in. But, hey, this was pure coincidence. "Wade! Long time no see," I greeted, giving him a warm smile.

"Hey," he replied, just as friendly.

Seeing him now, I couldn't help but think of Narelle. She'd been gone a while, but Wade seemed to be doing okay.

"I thought you'd left Seavora," I admitted. The last time I'd seen him was back at the hospital.

"I'm working at KRA now," he said, catching me off guard.

I guessed it made sense. Kehlmark Royal Academy had been huge for him and Narelle. She might be gone, but he was still holding on to that part of his life. Chapter 491

 

Maybe it seemed pointless, but everyone has their own way of dealing. If this was how he chose to handle things, nobody could tell him otherwise. "Nice. Maybe I'll sit in on one of your lectures someday" I said, just as my phone buzzed with a delivery notification-Yuna's clothes had arrived.

I didn't have much time to chat, so I smiled. "Do you come here often to read?"

Something flickered in his eyes, and he hesitated. "Not... often. Just sometimes."

I nodded, picked up the clothes, and waved goodbye before heading to find Yuna.

"Thank goodness for you-I would've died of embarrassment!" she whispered when she saw me, looking totally relieved and a little shy.

With not many friends here, I guess I was her go-to in a situation like this.

I'd picked a long, soft green dress for her, which totally complemented her fair skin, making her look even more charming.

With Hayden now part of the Hart family, I wasn't sure if Yuna was, too. I hadn't gotten the chance to ask him before things ended. After all, they took their mother's last name. "You have great taste-this dress is beautiful," Yuna said, smiling as she admired it.

"It's only because you're gorgeous. The dress just gets lucky," I replied, glancing around the library. "Been coming here a lot?"

Yuna nodded. "Yeah, it's perfect here. There's even a café open for lunch. I could stay all day."

A flash of Wade popped into my mind, and I couldn't help but ask, "Do you usually come alone?"

Chapter 492

Yuna's cheeks turned pink as she bit her lip. "... Yeah."

Yeah, right. She was totally lying.

 

I just looked around and shrugged, trying to sound casual. "This place is pretty nice, actually. Maybe I'll start coming here to procrastinate whenever work gets boring."

Yuna didn't answer, which was weird. Normally, she'd be all over the idea of us being study buddies.

So, she wasn't alone. And from the way she was acting, maybe she'd even been here with...a guy? Could it be Wade?

He'd mentioned he only came here sometimes, so maybe I was just overthinking.

"There's a lot of guys here reading," I said, testing the waters. "Kind of surprising, since I thought most guys these days were glued to video games or esports." Yuna perked up immediately. "That's not true!"

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow but I kept my tone light. "So you actually know a guy who likes to study?"

Yuna froze, totally busted.

This girl had no poker face.

"N-No," she mumbled, trying to deny it.

I couldn't hold back a laugh. "Did you meet some guy here you like?"

"What? No! Don't say stuff like that!" Her face flushed even darker, a little bead of sweat forming on her

nose.

I smiled. "Hey, no big deal. You're beautiful, and it's normal for guys to notice you. Actually, those guys over there haven't stopped staring since we walked in."

She glanced over, then quickly looked down, clearly embarrassed. "Not interested in guys like that."

"Oh? Then what kind of guy do you like?" I asked, pushing just a little.

"Keira..."

"Yuna, I'm not trying to pry. I just don't want you to get hurt by the wrong person." I made my point clear.

She pressed her lips together, then grabbed my hand and led me over to a quiet corner. Once we were seated, she leaned in and whispered, "Promise me you won't tell Hayden.'

"Why? Is Hayden against you dating?"

Yuna twisted her fingers, looking nervous. "With Hayden, I'm like... this blank slate. He's always afraid I'll get hurt."

"He's not wrong to worry," I agreed. "The world's a mess sometimes. Especially when it comes to guys." And I meant it. When I met Hayden, I'd thought he was different. But in the end, he'd turned out like every 1/2

 

Chapter 492

other guy.

Maybe even worse.

"The person I know isn't like that," Yuna said softly, her eyes lighting up. "He's kind, he's helped me with my studies, and he says that if I keep at it, I'll definitely get into KRA."

The mention of "KRA" made me think of Wade immediately. I watched her carefully. "He knows you're aiming for KRA?"

"He's from KRA," she said, and my heart did a little flip.

Could it be? Did Yuna's crush really have to be Wade?

I knew his baggage-especially with Narelle. If Yuna had actually fallen for him, she might be in for a rocky

start.

"A guy from KRA, huh? He must be something," I said, leaning in with a grin. "Sounds like you really like him."

Yuna's blush deepened. "It's not like that... it's just... just..."

She fumbled for words, clearly unsure herself.

Seeing her so flustered, I relaxed a bit. Looked like she hadn't spilled her heart to him yet or anything serious.

"Maybe you just admire him? Think he's accomplished and look up to him?" I suggested.

She nodded quickly. "Yes, exactly! So don't get any weird ideas."

Chapter 493 +25

Chapter 493

I chuckled. "The way you're acting... kinda feels like you might have a little crush."

"Keira..." Yuna blushed, looking away, clearly embarrassed.

Yep, I was right-she totally had a thing for him.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. It's normal to be interested in someone at your age," I said, glanc over at a nearby couple studying together. They were sneaking each other little looks, wrapped up in th sweet, low-key intimacy.

It reminded me of school days, watching couples like that and wishing Jace would do the same. I'd begged him to come study with me so many times, but he'd always bail after a few minutes. Maybe eve then, deep down, I knew we weren't really a match. We just moved at totally different paces.

"Keira?" Yuna's voice pulled me back to reality.

I shook off the memories and grinned. "So... are you gonna tell me this guy's name?"

Okay, I really wanted to know if it was Wade.

She hesitated. "Can I... not say?"

I smiled, waving it off. "Of course, you don't have to if you're not ready."

"It's not that I don't trust you... it's just... we're really just friends. We study together sometimes. It's not like what you're thinking," Yuna added quickly, clearly worried she'd let me down.

"Got it," I said, giving her a wink to keep it light.

She squeezed my hand. "You're the best. Honestly, you feel like my best friend."

Thinking about everything going on with Hayden, I knew she had no clue what'd been happening with us. So I tried to reassure her, just in case. "Not just like a friend, Yuna. I am your friend-no matter what. As long as you're willing."

She beamed, missing the hint entirely. "Then it's official-you're gonna be my sister-in-law and my bestiel

Seeing Yuna so happy, I couldn't bring myself to mention my breakup with Hayden. Better to let him tell her when he's ready.

"So, how have you been feeling lately? Any weird symptoms? If you feel anything, let me know. Lena and Professor Neumann are always available if you need them," I said, still a little anxious about her health.

Yuna shook her head, then paused, pressing a hand to her chest. "Sometimes... I get this little flutter hare

My heart skipped a beat How often? Does it happen a lot?"

Oray sometimes, she said, though she looked like she wanted to say more

Her heutation made me worry. When exactly? Did you tell Hayden? Have you gone for a checkup

Kelar

x it's not my heart," she said, a bit shyly, 'i ucks something else.

final do you crew? You know you have to be carefid Professur boumar warfed you. Cerunder her

Chapter 493

After a beat, she blushed. "Actually, the flutter only happens... when I see a certain person."

I caught on immediately. "You mean... your study buddy?"

Yuna nodded.

Relief flooded through me-it wasn't her heart, just her feelings.

"I don't really feel like studying today," Yuna murmured. "Will you come home with me?"

Normally, I'd have said yes right away, but now... things were different.

"I can't. I still have work to finish up."

"Keira..."

"I'll come by when I'm done, promise."

As I reached the library doors, everything suddenly went dark. I felt my balance slip, the world tilting as I started to fall.

Just before I blacked out, I heard the panicked voices around me and Yuna's voice calling out, "Keira! Keira..."

Chapter 494

+25 BONU

"Hayden, what's wrong with Keira? Is she sick?" Yuna's voice broke through the haze around me.

"Hayden, why aren't you saying anything? Keira wouldn't come home with me-are you two fighting?"

"How much longer until she wakes up?"

I slowly opened my eyes, finding Yuna clinging to Hayden, her eyes red with worry. She must have been terrified when I fainted like that.

Hayden's face was tense, his jaw set. "Stop overthinking. The doctor said she's fine."

"Then what about you two? Are you fine?" Yuna pressed, clearly not buying it.

Hayden hesitated. "I'll explain later."

"Hayden!" Yuna raised her voice, almost scolding him. "So, you are fighting with Keira. Why? You promised you'd take care of her the way you do for me!"

"Yuna, there are things you don't understand. Please, don't make a fuss. Just go home, okay?" Hayden softened his voice, trying to calm her.

"No way. I'm staying until Keira wakes up," she said stubbornly.

Hayden looked frustrated but kept his cool, trying to be patient. "If you stay here, I won't even get a chance to apologize when she wakes up."

Yuna blinked, a hopeful look crossing her face, and a little smile tugged at her lips. "Fine, I'll go. That's the brother I know."

"Come on, I'll have someone drive you home," Hayden said, gently guiding her toward the door.

But Yuna shook her head. "Just let me check on Keira one more time."

She came back over, and I quickly shut my eyes, pretending to still be out of it.

Even with my eyes closed, I could feel her gaze, heavy with worry. She turned to Hayden, voice soft. She's lost so much weight, and she looks so pale. And now she's fainting from anemia... What's really going on with her, Hayden?" So... I was anemic

Guess giving blood to Jace took more out of me than I'd realized. I'd saved him, but left myself running on

empty.

When Keira's better, you should bring her home with us fil cook for her and help her get her strength back

"Hayden, why aren't you saying anything?

"You love Keira so much so why are you mad at her?" Yuna's question made me gup the sheets, I wishes to hear what he'd say, too.

tre my fault. I upset her, itayden finally admitted

 

Chapter 494

Well, he got that right.

Hearing him own up to it stirred this new ache in my chest, and I felt my eyes prickle.

"Hayden," Yuna said, moving to stand right in front of him. She gave him a couple of light, playful punches on the arm. "When Keira wakes up, you'd better apologize. Big time." Hayden glanced over at me. "I will."

Yuna gave him a satisfied look and finally left. The second the door clicked shut, tears slipped down my cheeks.

A few minutes later, Hayden came back. I kept my eyes closed, pretending to be asleep.

He sat by the bed, just sitting there, staring at me.

Then, after what felt like forever, I felt his hand gently brush away a tear at the corner of my eye. His touch was so soft, like he was afraid I'd break.

Then his fingers traced down my cheek, brushing the corner of my mouth before resting lightly under my chin...

Every move was so careful, so tender.

So, he still loved me. He wouldn't be here, wouldn't be touching me like this if he didn't care.

But if he loved me, then why?

Was it because I'd given blood to Jace? But I'd explained everything. Hayden's never been petty-he got a heart too big for that.

Chapter 495

Why else would he spend all those years helping everyone, scraping by just to pay for his own sister's heart transplant?

And with Jace... if I hadn't given him blood, it would've been like watching him die right there in front of

1. me.

I couldn't figure out what was going on in Hayden's head, and I was done pretending I didn't notice. So, I opened my eyes, catching him off guard, making it impossible for him to hide that tenderness in his gaze. His hand, which had been gently tracing my cheek, froze. The warmth in his eyes flickered-too late to hide it.

After a moment, he pulled his hand back, but I was faster. I grabbed it, holding tight. "Hayden, what are you doing? You clearly care, so why are you putting me through this?" Tears spilled over. I swear, I was one of those people who cried way too easily.

I always told myself to stay strong, but my tears never got the memo. Fine-let them fall. If he was gonna see me cry, at least he'd know how much I cared, how much I loved him. Maybe, just maybe, he'd finally get how much he meant to me.

But he just stood there, silent, not even acknowledging my tears.

A minute ago, he was so careful, brushing them away while I slept. Now that I was awake, crying right in front of him? Nothing.

The way he just stood there, saying nothing-it was killing me.

"Hayden, what do you want? Say something! How can you say you love me and still push me away?" My voice cracked, totally giving me away.

"I've told you already," he replied, his tone low.

I shook my head. "I don't buy it. You're not the type to misunderstand or get jealous for

"And don't pretend this isn't killing you, too.

of that v

"

non

"If it wasn't, you wouldn't be dragging Ron into all-night work sessions or sneaking cigarettes.

Sometimes, I'd catch a faint whiff of smoke on him, something he only did when he was seriously troubled.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "You're right-I do love you. So yeah, this hurts."

He was hurting too?

Those words only made my own pain flare, the sting of betrayal even sharper. "Then why are you still breaking up with me?"

Hayden's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "I love you, Keira, but not enough to watch you risk your life for another man while you're with me."

"I already told you-that doesn't mean I love him. I was just-

Chapter 495

 

He cut me off. "Even if you don't love him, it's still not okay. When you're with me, your life should be mine. If you can give it up so easily for someone else, then maybe you don't love me enough." His words felt so unfair, and my frustration rose up. "I-"

"Keira, you once told me that if you love someone, it has to be with your whole heart. I feel the same. Do you get that?" He interrupted again, leaving me speechless.

It wasn't that I didn't love him completely. But the truth was, I'd nearly risked my life to save Jace.

It reminded me of my time with Jace. He'd said he loved me, but he'd always chosen Tanya, leaving me behind again and again.

I'd sworn I'd never treat someone the way Jace had treated me. Yet here I was, hurting Hayden in the same way.

This was on me. My fault.

I moved closer, gripping his hand tighter. "Hayden, I was wrong. I swear it won't happen again. Can we... give this another chance?"

He stayed silent, and I looked up at him, feeling a humility I'd never felt before. "I don't want to break up. I love you. So much."

More tears spilled over, stinging as they fell, and I pressed against his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Please, Hayden. Let's fix this. Let's not end us, okay?"

My tears soaked into his neck as I held him close, his familiar scent filling my senses.

Holding him again felt like everything I'd lost was suddenly within reach, like he could make me whole. For a second, I thought his silence meant he was softening, ready to give in.

But then he spoke, shattering that hope. "Keira, I don't make decisions lightly. Once I've made up my mind, I don't go back."

My arms around his neck froze, going still.

I knew what he meant. He was serious about ending things, refusing to even consider reconciliation. "Hayden... think this through. This is your one and only chance," I said, my voice trembling. Chapter 496

Chapter 496

Hayden

just stared at me, silent.

My heart was pounding like I was waiting for the verdict on some huge screw-up.

Finally, after what felt like forever, he moved. He took my hand and said, "Keira, let go."

And just like that, my heart dropped straight through the floor.

Humiliation flooded over me, hot and stinging. I'd swallowed every last bit of my pride to try to fix things, and still... nothing.

He'd made up his mind.

He loved me, but he wouldn't be with me.

That stubborn jerk.

Anger and frustration boiled over, and before I knew it, I sank-my teeth into his shoulder. Hard.

He let out a grunt, but he didn't push me away-just stood there and let me do it.

And the more I bit, the angrier I got. Part of me wanted to snap him out of whatever trance he was in, to make him wake up, make him change his mind. But even when my jaw started aching, he just stood there, stone-cold.

I'd tried sweet-talking, promises, and now I was biting him with every ounce of frustration I had left, and still, he was set on breaking up.

So, what else was left?

Beg? Keep humiliating myself?

But deep down, I knew it wouldn't matter.

I finally let go, my whole body going weak, and shoved him away. "Fine. Go. Get out and don't come back."

Hayden lingered at the edge of my bed, then turned and walked out.

The second the door clicked shut, everything I'd been holding in exploded. I grabbed my pillow, buried my face in it, and cried until my whole body ached.

By the time Lena showed up, I'd been lying in bed all day, completely numb, like all the life had drained out

of me.

Not even Jace's betrayal had hit me like this.

Lena walked in, throwing me her classic deadpan look. "I heard you lost a lot of blood, but apparently, you lost your soul too."

I blinked up at her, my voice barely there. "Why are you here? Is your suspension finally over?"

"If I didn't come, you'd probably rot here, and I'd end up on corpse duty," she replied, each word a jab.

I grabbed her hand. "Can you not add salt to the wound?"

Chapter 496

 

Lena sighed, letting me lean against her hand. "Girl, what kind of romantic catastrophe are you cursed with? Every guy you date practically sucks the life out of you."

I didn't answer, I could feel the sadness hovering, waiting for one wrong move to pour out all over again.

"Is your suspension over?" I asked, still feeling miserable but trying to keep my focus on her.

I couldn't forget-it was partly my fault she got suspended in the first place.

"Yeah, but I'm taking more time off," Lena said, casually dropping that bomb.

I lifted my head to look at her-she was practically glowing, like she had some big secret.

"Oh, so you and Nate are finally running off into the sunset?" I asked, feeling that pang of loneliness creep in as I said it.

Chapter 497

Chapter 497

If Lena left too, I'd seriously have no one to talk to.

I get that life's just a big cycle of people coming and going-friends, family, relationships. But I wasn't ready for Lena to be one of the ones who drifted away

"It's not like that," she said, catching my worried look." just want some more time off. They suspend me whenever they feel like it, bring me back whenever they want. Do they think I'm that easy?" She rolled her eyes, making me laugh. "Oh, Dr. Lane, are you finally planning to put them in their place?"

"Absolutely. If I don't push back now, they'll drop me the second anything else happens." Lena was always so solid-at work, in love, everywhere.

"Not worried they won't take you back?" I teased.

She poured me a glass of water, smirking. "Please. If one place doesn't want me, there's a line that will." She leaned in close, her face inches from mine. "Think I'm low on options?"

Now that was confidence.

With Lena's skills, hospitals would be lining up for her if this one didn't work out. She'd already turned down a bunch of offers, just because she wasn't the type to jump ship. But if they actually pushed her out, she'd be aiming higher, no question. "Enough about me," Lena said, switching back to me. "What's your plan?"

She meant Hayden, obviously. I took a sip of water, copying her words: "If he's not the one, I'll just move on. It's not like I'm low on options."

Lena grinned and gave me a thumbs-up. "There she is. Men, jobs-they're just the extras. We're the ones who shine, with or without them."

Her words loosened something tight in my chest. She helped me sign the discharge papers, and we headed home together.

That night, Lena and I stayed up way too late, sipping drinks and talking about everything and nothing. Just as I was drifting off, Lena murmured, "Prairies are all the rage right now. Wanna go see where the sky meets the earth?"

"Sure, I'll put in a leave request," I mumbled, half-asleep. Then I remembered how Ron had been extra chill with me because of Hayden, and added, "Hopefully he'll approve it. I've been kinda AWOL lately."

T

Lena grunted, and I laughed, "If he doesn't, I'll quit. It's not like I need that job to survive."

She snickered, and I fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, only to be yanked awake the next morning by the doorbell ringing over and over.

Reluctantly, I stumbled, to the door, and there was Tanya, staring at me like she'd just smelled something nasty. We'd been neighbors for a while now, but she'd never actually come to my door.

I don't usually wake up cranky, but being woken up by her? Not the best start. "If you've got something to say, say it. Otherwise, leave."

1/2

Chapter 497

She gave me a sugary smile. "Nothing in particular. Just thought I'd stop by for a little chat."

Right. She was still fishing for that team-up she'd hinted at before.

 

"If it wasn't clear last time, let me spell it out: we have zero to discuss. And don't get any other ideas, Tanya-we're not the same, never were, never will be. So let's just pretend each other doesn't exist, yeah?" I knew I sounded sharp, but she didn't seem fazed. "Aren't you even a little curious to hear me out?"

"Not interested," I said, shutting the door right in her face..

"Keira!" she yelled, her voice slicing through the quiet hallway, but I couldn't have cared less.

Yawning, I went back inside to find Lena on the phone, saying, she's way too nice. If it were me, I wouldn't even look at you if you were on your deathbed. You nearly wrecked her life-you should be begging for forgiveness..." I frowned, trying to guess who she was laying into. Then she looked up, saw me, and said, "She's here. I'll let her talk to you."

She handed me my phone, not even pretending to be discreet. "It's Jace," she said, way too casually.

Chapter 498 Chapter

498

I held the phone, hesitating for a few seconds, wondering what Jace wanted.

Lena raised an eyebrow, silently urging me to answer.

"Rea," came Jace's voice.

"What's up?" My tone stayed cold, guarded.

Even though things were over with Hayden, there was zero chance I'd go back to Jace. Every time he reached out, my walls shot up on instinct. "I'm back," he said, like he'd just returned from some epic quest.

"Yeah, I know." Wayne had already told me.

Jace paused. "Can we meet? If you don't want to meet alone, we can do it at my parents house. They really miss you."

I pictured Matthew and Lindey, the way they'd always been there for me, the airport pick-ups, the family dinners. Of course, they'd be worried.

"I have some things I need to tell you," Jace added when I stayed quiet. "It's about Steve... and it involves Hayden, too."

My breath hitched. Hayden and I were done; anything related to him shouldn't even matter anymore.

But that thought didn't last. Against my better judgment, I heard myself say, "Fine. I'll come by later." "Great. Mom's been talking about making dumplings for you," Jace said, sounding way too hopeful.

After I hung up, Lena shot me a smirk. "Your ex seems pretty persistent."

I ignored her teasing. "He says it's important, and it involves Hayden."

"Oh, please-that's bait, and you know it. Weren't you just saying you and Hayden were done?" Lena gave me that raised-brow look, knowing exactly what she was doing. She knew I wasn't over him that easily. "I'm going because of Matthew and Lindey, not because of Hayden," I insisted, digging in. "Lindey promised me gnocchi."

Lena let out a snort, clearly unconvinced.

"Forget gnocchi; the Johnston family should be giving you a third of their estate for saving Jace's life," she said with a sigh.

Her comment brought up old suspicions, but Matthew and Lindey had explained everything, and they'd been so open about it. Obsessing over it would only drive me crazy.

"Seriously, what are the odds of you and Jace both having that rare blood type? It's like winning the million-dollar lottery," Lena said, watching me with that look.

I asked Matthew and Lindey," I admitted. "They said they'd known about it for years. My parents knew, too. It's part of why they wanted Jace and me engaged."

1/2

Chapter 498

 

Lena gave a nod. "Well, if you ever need a transfusion and Jace hesitates for even a second, I'll personally knock some sense into him."

Then she sighed. "Guess our prairie trip's off, huh?"

"You were actually serious about that?" I'd thought she was kidding.

"Absolutely. I was ready to pack up and go," she said, patting her pocket. "We've got the money; we can go anywhere, anytime."

On that, Lena and I totally agreed. Money equaled freedom. It was our best insurance.

"Fine, but you'll have to wait for me," I said, already dreaming of a break-my last one had been after breaking things off with Jace.

Lena must've thought of that too, because she chuckled, teasing, "Maybe this time you'll find someone more reliable than Hayden."

I laughed. "In that case, let's not call it a trip. Let's call it... a 'search for romance."

"If the first one doesn't work out, on to the next," Lena grinned, patting my shoulder.

just smiled. The whole "next one will be better" thing sounded great in theory. But finding Mr. Right? Not as easy as it sounded.

After Jace, the only reason I'd even managed to open up to Hayden was because Jace had hurt me so deeply. But with Hayden, it was different-this time, I was the one who messed it up, the reason he'd walked away. This was the one relationship I hadn't wanted to end. Even if there was nothing left to hold on to, I wasn't ready to just move on.

Chapter 499

Chapter 499

 

"Who was at the door just now?" Lena asked, clearly trying to dodge any convo that might bring me down.

"Tanya," I said, tugging the curtains open to see rain starting to patter outside. "Last time, she wanted to talk 'collaboration. Today, she was all chatty again. I ignored her."

"Her kid's set to be discharged in a month," Lena said, meaning Tanya's preemie. "The baby's actually doing well, but she hasn't visited even once."

I thought back to the last time I saw that tiny baby. "All she cares about is money. If Jace got custody, she'd be clinging to him so fast it'd make your head spin." "What could she possibly want to 'collaborate with you on?"

"No clue, but whatever it is, I'm not buying it. She's just... drama on two legs. Best to keep my distance," I said, not budging.

Lena stretched and got up. "You're right. Less contact, the better. But let's be real-if she's set on getting to you, she's not gonna back off after one or two brush-offs."

She laughed, heading to the bathroom. I picked up my phone and ordered breakfast.

After we ate, Lena headed out, and I made my way over to the Johnston residence.

Both Jace and Wayne were there. The second Lindey spotted me, she was all over, studying my face." You look pale, sweetie. I bet you haven't been resting or fully recovering." Her eyes got all misty. "Rea, why don't you come stay with us for a while? At least until you're healthy again. Wouldn't that be better?"

Uh, no, it wouldn't be better. Not even close.

Matthew must've caught my hesitation because he quickly jumped in. "Let Rea sit down first. Standing around like this must be exhausting."

"Oh, I got so caught up worrying," Lindey said, guiding me to the couch. Then she bustled off to the kitchen, probably to bring me some rice pudding.

Matthew gave me a long, thoughtful look. "You've lost weight. Is it just your health, or is there more to it?"

He knew me too well, but there was no way I'd tell him the truth. If I said it was health, they'd feel guilty; if I said it was about Hayden, they'd start jumping to conclusions.

I forced a small smile. "Just work stress. New project's got me running in circles."

"That's no good. Jace, maybe you could talk to her boss?" Lindey suggested, setting the rice pudding in front of me.

Jace, ever ready to stir the pot, smirked. "Her real boss is the Hart family."

The room fell quiet.

Finally, Matthew spoke up. "So... are you and Hayden having issues?"

Last time, I brushed it off, thinking Hayden and I could work things out. But now? That ship had sailed.

1/2

 

Chapter 499

"We broke up," I said.

Lindey's eyes widened. "You really broke up?"

I nodded. Jace cut in, "Because of what happened in Houston?"

"Yes," I replied firmly.

I wanted him to know he was the reason Hayden and I were over-and that he shouldn't get any ideas. I wasn't giving him another chance.

"You didn't try to explain?" Jace pressed.

"I did," I said, letting the silence sink in before adding, " even begged him."

My words hung heavy in the air, freezing everyone into silence.

I knew they'd be shocked-that was the point. I wanted them to realize just how much Hayden meant to me, that he was it for me. No one else would ever compare. Jace got up, signaling for me to follow him to the door. "Come on. There's something I need to tell you."

Chapter 500

 

"It's raining outside. Can't you talk here? Lindey muttered, but one look from Matthew shut her up

"Mom, didn't you say you were going to make gnocchi? Let me help." Wayne finally spoke up, breaking the tension.

I didn't respond, just got up and followed Jace to the door, where he was waiting with an umbrella

Honestly, if he wanted privacy, there were a dozen rooms in the house. No real reason to head out into a downpour. But clearly, he had his reasons, so I didn't ask

"You cold? Need a jacket?" he offered, sounding unexpectedly thoughtful.

I couldn't deny that he'd been more considerate since our breakup. But it was too late for that

"No, I'm good." I took the umbrella from him and stepped into the rain.

Jace fell into step beside me, quiet for a beat. "Remember the last time we walked together in the rain like this?"

Of course I remembered. It was about a year ago, when Seavora had been half-flooded from days of nonstop rain. Some streets were so submerged they were basically lakes, impossible to drive through.

I'd suggested we walk home. But Jace wanted to call a helicopter.

I'd told him, "Sure, you could leave in a chopper, but what about everyone else? You're the CEO-if you fly off while your employees are wading through floodwater, how do you think they'll feel?

Reluctantly, he'd listened. Instead of the helicopter, he'd walked with everyone, umbrella in hand, sloshing through the flooded streets.

At first, we'd tried to stay dry, carefully lifting our pants to dodge the water. But in that kind of rain, dry was never an option.

Jace had been visibly annoyed that day, but his irritation didn't make me feel any better. So I'd stomped through a puddle on purpose, splashing him. He'd retaliated immediately, sending a wave of water right back at me.

We kept going, splashing, laughing, and somehow, all that frustration melted into joy. By the time we got to dry ground, and a car arrived to pick us up, neither of us wanted the fun to end.

Now, as Jace brought it up, I could see why he wanted to walk in the rain with me again.

But those memories? They belonged in the past.

So I shut him down, bluntly. "I forgot."

Jace's smile turned bitter. "You don't have to be so guarded with me."

I ignored him, splashing through another puddle with a small smirk. "Just avoiding any unnecessary mess

"You're so... rational now. Feels like a whole different you," Jace sighed.

"I've always been rational. It's just about knowing what I want and what I'm willing to let go of," I said,

1/2

 

Chapter 500

looking him in the eye. "So, what did you need to tell me? This about Hayden?"

"You don't need to keep poking at me. I know-losing you was the biggest regret of my life," he said, staying right beside me.

"Then let's talk about Steve," I said. "Is he safe now with that competition overseas? We won't have any more trouble, right?" Even though it was supposed to be resolved, I couldn't shake the unease.

"There shouldn't be. Apparently, the orders came straight from the top of Quartz Cue," Jace paused, "and it was Hayden who sorted the whole thing out."

I knew that already, but Jace's tone hinted there was more. "Is there a problem? Some new complication?" "Have you wondered how he pulled it off?" Jace asked, watching me carefully.

I had thought about it. "Probably used money or his family's connection."

"It wasn't that," he said, nudging his umbrella away from mine. "I thought the same-money, Hart influence-but I tried throwing money at it too. Didn't work. And even the connections I reached out to? They couldn't touch it."