Ch. 51..60

Chapter 51 "It's not your fault. Everyone looks out for themselves first. It's human nature," I said sincerely, not blaming Demi.

Demi and I were close, but even between best friends, self-preservation comes first.

"Keira, I-" Demi grabbed my arm, trying to say something else.

I cut her off. "Mr. Johnston made it clear: if we don't fix the lighting issue, it's on us. We don't have time for anything else. Let's just get this done." Demi's eyes went wide. "But it's not our fault. They're acting like we messed up."

"We're in charge of this project. Any problems are on us. No excuses. If we don't want to deal with the fallout, we need to fix it," said, keeping my voice firm.

Demi nodded silently and turned away, muttering, "He's doing this out of spite."

I got it-Jace's actions were totally driven by his issues with me.

I sighed. I knew it all too well. But the more he pushed, the more determined I was to resolve the issue flawlessly, leaving him no room to complain.

Besides, this amusement park was my way of fulfilling my dad's dream. It had to be perfect, no mistakes allowed.

My dad was a perfectionist, and I wanted to show him that his daughter was just as capable and meticulous.

Demi soon returned with the contact info for the lighting supplier and the construction team.

1/3 I called them, and we agreed to meet on-site to discuss the issues and solutions. But they couldn't come until the day after tomorrow, so I had to wait.

Noticing Demi hadn't slept much the night before, I gave her the day off to rest. I decided to visit the Johnston residence.

I had sorted things out with Jace, but I needed to resolve matters with his family too.

Just as I was about to leave, Tanya walked up to me and asked, " Can we talk?"

"I don't think we have anything to discuss," I replied.

I had checked the HR records and knew Tanya had joined the company three days ago in the administration department.

Since I was in the project department, our teams didn't usually interact, so her coming to me wasn't work-related.

"What do you want, Ms. Twain?" I asked, keeping it formal.

Tanya was not only in the administration department but also appointed as a supervisor. Jace's actions were like a guy totally whipped, giving her the job despite the inevitable backlash. He showed no regard for my feelings, even though I was his fiancée, and Tanya had just been involved in a scandal with him.

"It's a personal matter," Tanya said awkwardly.

I checked the time. "Sorry, it's work hours now."

Tanya looked even more uncomfortable. She bit her lip. "Can we talk after work?"

1 grabbed my bag. "I gotta head out. Got other plans after work."

Tanya's face fell. She looked around to make sure no one was close, 21 ***

then said, "I know you're mad about me living in that penthouse. I can move out."

I laughed. "Don't kid yourself. If you wanted to move out, your wouldn't have moved in. Besides..."

I stared hard at her. "You know Jace and I are having issues because of you. Yet you still show up right in front of me. What do you think I am, blind or stupid?"

"I'm just trying to make a living." Tanya argued.

I didn't hold back. "Is Jace's company the only place in the world where you can work? Or is it that you can't live without him?"

"How can you say that?" Tanya raised her hand.

I stepped back, putting some distance between us. "There are cameras everywhere in our office. Don't pull anything, or you'll just embarrass yourself." COIN BUNDLE get more free bonus

Chapter 52 Tanya's little schemes were totally exposed by me, and she looked super uncomfortable.

Even so, she tried to keep her high moral stance. "So, you just assume there's something between Jace and me?"

I thought, 'Do I need to assume? Doesn't she know what she's done?' But I kept my cool and didn't say anything harsh.

Tanya's eyes turned red as she said, "I didn't expect people to have such dirty and vile thoughts nowadays."

I couldn't help but scoff inwardly, 'Look at her, acting all noble.' She continued, "Keira, Jace is a good guy. If you can't even trust him, you don't deserve him."

It was all a buildup to suggest that I was the one unworthy of Jace.

So, she had more to say.

I kept silent, waiting for her to continue her act.

Sure enough, she wiped her almost-tearful eyes and said, "Keira, are you really not going to cherish Jace anymore?

She was setting a trap for me. Did she think I was naive?

I smirked. "If I say I don't want him, are you going to say you do?"

Tanya's face stiffened slightly, her lips pressed tightly together, perfectly portraying fragility and beauty.

But I wasn't a guy; otherwise, her act might have swayed me.

"Jace deserves to be cherished," Tanya said, showing how she really felt.

1/3 I glanced down at her still-flat stomach and then at her flat shoes. Seems like you really want to cherish him. But do you think you're worthy?" Tanya's face twisted, and she clenched the hem of her dress.

"Just so you know, even if Jace and I don't end up together, it won't be easy for you to get into the Johnston family. You know why," I said, not to attack her, but to make her face reality. Even if Matthew and Lindey accepted that Jace wouldn't marry me, they'd never let a woman carrying another man's child into their family. Unless the child she was carrying was Jace's. Tanya's confident demeanor vanished at my words. Seeing her fall silent, I grabbed my bag and left.

Instead of heading straight to the Johnston residence, I went to Lena's place.

I hadn't changed clothes since getting off the plane. I didn't want to look disheveled and make Matthew and Lindey think I was having a terrible time. That would only make it harder for me to leave. Lena, who was supposed to be asleep after working a night shift, was surprised to see me. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

I knew she was busy, especially during this high season for births.

With advancements in technology, people planned births meticulously. Kehlmarkans believed that babies born in spring and summer, when everything was thriving, were healthier and smarter. "I got here yesterday. I had to handle some issues at the amusement park, so I didn't tell you," I explained, taking off my shoes and walking barefoot into Lena's living room.

"Workaholic," Lena, the workaholic herself, teased me.

*15 BONUS I sat on the couch, grabbed a fresh orange from the table, and started peeling it. I gave half to Lena and stuffed the other half into my mouth.

Although staying up all night wasn't unusual for me, it always left me feeling parched, no matter how much water I drank.

"Did you come back alone?" Lena asked, implying something.

I laughed. "Of course, who else?"

"Your romantic interest?" She handed me a glass of water.

Chapter 53 I gulped down over half the glass. "He left Chiverton a while ago.

"Hmm?" Lena sat cross-legged across from me, her face curious.

"I turned him down, so he left. Apparently, he had work to do," I said making Lena pause.

"He left? Didn't he try harder?" Lena shook her head. This guy lacks persistence."

"He knows when to back off, he's not the clingy type," I said, thinking about Hayden's rugged and sturdy demeanor.

Lena tilted her head, looking at me. If he had tried a bit harder, would you have-"

"No," I cut her off. "I won't use one person to heal the wounds another man caused."

*So, no one can easily replace Jace Lena concluded I gave a faint smile. "Jace agreed to break up with me."

Lena was stunned.

I put down my glass. "I'm just here to shower and change before heading to the Johnstons. I need to clear things up with Matthew and Lindey. Jace and I... we're done" As I said it, I lowered my head.

It wasn't that I didn't want to let go, or that I felt relieved. It was just this indescribable feeling.

Ten years. I'm letting go of not just Jace, but my youth and all my beautiful hopes and dreams about love.

Sensing my mood, Lena stretched out her long leg and nudged my foot. Let it go. Out with the old, in with the new"

I laughed. "Yeahs, out with the old, in with the new"

As I said this, I stood up. Tm going to take a shower"

In the bathroom, I turned on the faucet. The water sprayed down, and I closed my eyes.

The water flowed down my hair, across my forehead, and over my eyes...

When I arrived at the Johnston residence, it was just after lunch. Lindey was tending to her flowers.

As soon as she saw me, she dropped her shears. "Rea, you're back! I've missed you so much. You had your phone off; you worried me to death."

Lindey grabbed my hand, looking both angry and happy.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I heard you were sick," I said.

"It's nothing, not your fault," Lindey said, pulling me to the couch and pushing some fruit at me.

I picked up a grape and popped it into my mouth. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes, seeing you makes everything better," Lindey said, still holding my hand.

Her smiling face made it hard for me to say what I needed to say. But I knew I couldn't avoid it forever, I asked, "Where's Matthew? Is he home?"

"He's in the study," Lindey replied, then called out, "Matthew, come out. Rea's back."

With each word she said, the pressure on me grew. I had a feeling she knew why I was here and was trying to avoid it.

Matthew, wearing his reading glasses, came out of the study. He took them off when he saw me and asked, "Have you eaten? If not, your mom can make something for you. She always keeps food ready for you." Before I left, Matthew had me start calling Lindey "mom". Now, even though he knew Jace and I weren't getting married, he still insisted on it, making everything feel even more intense.

Lindey was about to get up to cook, but I stopped her. I knew my next words would hurt them.

But it was better to face this now rather than drag it out and make everyone more anxious.

I took a deep breath and spoke as Matthew sat down. "Lindey, Matthew, I'm here to talk about Jace and me."

Chapter 54 Lindey and Matthew tensed up when I spoke, not surprised but definitely uneasy.

"Rea, we know about it. It's not your fault. It's that rascal Jace's fault, I scolded him. I told him to come back and apologize to you..." Lindey started, cursing Jace before I could even get a word in.

She was trying to keep me from saying what she didn't want to hear.

Matthew, more rational, interrupted her, "Let Rea speak."

'Lindey's grip on my hand tightened, her eyes begging me not to say what she feared.

I lowered my gaze, trying to stay composed. "Jace and have broken up."

The room fell into a heavy silence, with Lindey's grip tightening even more.

"Why?" Matthew's voice was deep and authoritative.

I knew I had to give them a reason they couldn't argue with, or this would never end. Just saying Jace and I were incompatible wouldn't cut it.

So decided to be honest. "Because of Tanya. He cares more about her than he does about me, his fiancée."

Lindey pulled my hand closer. "What has he done with that woman? Rea, tell me, and I'll deal with her myself. Why is she clinging to my son?"

Matthew's face grew darker. "Rea, we don't know much about his affairs outside. Tell us, and we'll make it right."

I wanted to ask, 'Don't you know? The rumors must have reached you by now. Haven't you checked it out?

Knowing Matthew, that was impossible.

RiverwaveCorp was under Jace's control now, but Matthew had founded it. Even as chairman, he still had a ton of influence, even though he passed most responsibilities to Jace. Jace consulted him on many matters.

Matthew was the real decision-maker. He might look like he wasn't involved, but he was actually running the show from behind the scenes. He knew everything.

Jace's scandal with a widow was all over the company. No way Matthew didn't know.

He was just waiting for me to speak up.

So, I laid it out. "He gave Tanya a sup card and let her move into the penthouse meant for me. She bought the beddings he likes. And he's been sneaking off to prenatal checkups with her."

Lena had filled me in about the prenatal checkups.

Jace was smart enough not to register Tanya's prenatal records at Lena's hospital but at some fancy private hospital in Seavora.

He didn't know Lena was a consulting specialist there. The day we were supposed to register our marriage, he had lied about needing to reschedule because of Abbot Levinsky's advice, but he was actually with Tanya for her checkup. 1/2 Lena happened to be there for a surgery and saw the whole thing.

She didn't tell me right away, thinking it would only upset me after we registered.

When she heard we hadn't registered yet, she stayed quiet, not wanting to make things worse for me.

It wasn't until today, on my way to the Johnston residence, that she spilled everything, giving me another reason to confront Jace.

"Is that true? That rascal!" Matthew slammed his hand on the table, making me jump.

It was terrifying.

Matthew was usually so calm and rarely got angry.

Even though his anger wasn't aimed at me, it still shook me

Chapter 55 Lindey's grip on my hand trembled, and she cursed, "That rascal! I'll call him right now and ask him what he thinks he's doing. Didn't he say there's nothing going on with that woman?" She let go of my hand and reached for her phone.

I flexed my hand to shake off the numbness. "Lindey, I've already talked to him at the office. He agreed to break up, and..." I hesitated before continuing, "He's even hired Tanya to work at the company." Saying all this today felt like tattling. Since that was the case, I might as well spill everything Jace had done.

"What?"

They were visibly shocked, especially Matthew, whose face darkened.

Lindey turned to him. "Didn't you say you had control over everything at the company? How could you not know about this?"

Just as I suspected, Matthew might stay home, but he knew everything about the company.

However, small details like an individual hire weren't always on a chairman's radar.

Matthew didn't respond, but his eyes showed clear anger.

Lindey urged, "We need to call Jace back and ask him what's going on."

I stopped them. Jace's presence would only complicate things.

"If you both find this unacceptable, imagine how I feel. He totally ignored me as his fiancée by bringing Tanya into the company after their scandal."

"Rea, we'll make him get rid of her," Lindey said, grabbing my hand again.

"Lindey, the day before we were supposed to get married, he cut off all contact with Tanya right in front of me. But it didn't stop him from secretly accompanying her to her prenatal checkup the next day. Kicking Tanya out won't fix this," I said.

I pressed my lips together and continued, "The real issue is that Jace's heart is with her. For her, he's willing to lie and ignore everything else."

Saying this left a bitter taste and a sense of humiliation. Despite all the years with Jace, I couldn't compete with a pregnant widow for his affection.

In the end, I lost.

Matthew and Lindey couldn't argue with me. I laid it all out there.

"Even if you make Jace stay with me, his heart wouldn't be in it. A loveless marriage would just hurt me. If you really care about me, you wouldn't want me to go through a lifetime of tears, right?"

"Rea..." Lindey's eyes filled with tears: "Maybe Jace is just confused. Can't you give him another chance to think things over and make it right?"

"Wait for what?" Matthew's voice was firm. "He's the one who hurt Rea. Why should she wait for him?"

1/2 Matthew's words felt so protective, it brought a lump to my throat.

"Rea, it Jace doesn't know how to appreciate you, don't give him another chance. You deserve better. And you don't find anyone, I know some great guys I can introduce you to," Matthew said, sounding like a caring dad.

if Lindey, however, seemed flustered, glaring at him. "What are you talking about? I've already accepted Rea as my daughter-in-law. I'm not letting her marry anyone else." Their exchange lightened the somber mood a bit.

"Planning to have another son?" Matthew joked.

Before Lindey could respond, a familiar voice came from the doorway, "I think that's possible."

I looked up and saw Wayne, dressed casually, standing there with a suitcase. His eyes met mine, shining brightly.

Chapter 56 'Wayne is back!' I hadn't seen that coming, just like I didn't think he'd remember my dad's number.

Matthew and Lindey were equally surprised, staring at Wayne in disbelief.

Wayne had been gone for four years without a single visit. His sudden return was a total surprise and a real thrill for them.

"Mom, Dad, what's up? Aren't you guys happy to see me?" Wayne said, walking over with a grin.

Wayne had always been the warm, big brother type. In the ten years I spent with the Johnston family before he left, he brought the most warmth to the house.

Unlike Jace, who was all about showing off how well he treated me, Wayne's kindness was the real deal- quiet and genuine, more about what he did than what he said. "Wayne," I called out to him.

This brought Matthew and Lindey back to their senses. Lindey released me, stood up, and walked to Wayne, lightly hitting him twice. "You still remember you have parents? You still know how to come home? Matthew chimed in, "Why didn't you give us a heads-up?"

Wayne glanced at me, then flashed a faint smile. "I wanted to surprise you guys."

Lindey's eyes welled up as Wayne hugged her and said, "Hi, Mom."

Lindey playfully hit him before pulling him close. "You've been away for so long. Your dad and I thought we upset you."

"What are you talking about? I was just super busy abroad," Wayne said, his eyes locking with mine, making my heart skip a beat.

I couldn't help but think, 'Is he back because of me?' Wayne's arrival shifted the conversation away from Jace and me. I had said all I needed to, and Matthew seemed to accept it. Lindey was still struggling, but with Wayne and Matthew's support, she'd eventually come to terms with it. Wayne mentioned he hadn't eaten and missed his parents' cooking, prompting them to rush to the kitchen to make a meal, insisting that I join them.

With just Wayne and me left in the living room, the awkwardness from our last phone conversation lingered.

Wayne broke the silence. "I thought you wouldn't come here anymore."

"What are you talking about? This is my home. I can come whenever I want," I replied. Then I remembered had another task: packing my things.

Seeing Matthew and Lindey busy in the kitchen, I knew this was the perfect time to pack my belongings and avoid the emotional strain of doing it in front of them.

1/2 "I'll take Wayne's luggage upstairs," I said, standing up to grab his suitcase.

"No need!" Wayne refused, reaching for it.

Our hands touched, and I quickly pulled mine back. Wayne's fingers lingered for a moment. "I've never let you carry anything heavy since we were kids. I'm not starting now."

It was true. Whenever we were together, he never let me carry even a piece of paper.

Besides being treated like a fallback girl by Jace, I never felt mistreated in this family.

"You've always been good to me," I said, flashing Wayne a nostalgic smile.

"I thought you'd forgotten that," he replied.

Not sure what to say next, I extended my hand. "Let me take your bag."

This time, he didn't argue. I grabbed his bag and followed him upstairs.

His room was at the very end, next to mine and Jace's. Mine was in the middle, and Jace's was the outermost.

With all the renovations going on, Jace's room door was open, showing the mess inside.

Chapter 57 Wayne paused, looking at me puzzled.

I gave a bitter smile. "Your mom had it renovated."

Handing him his bag. I said, "You go ahead and settle in. I've got some packing to do too." He nodded, and I headed to my room.

The room still had both my and Jace's stuff. It was clear no one had stayed here since I left.

'Looks like Jace hasn't been back at all. So where's he been? At Splendor Heights with Tanya?

Thinking about it made my chest tighten again. I thought I had moved on from Jace, but the wound still needed time to heal.

I forced myself not to dwell on it and started packing.

Over the the years, I had developed a habit of minimalism, so my clothes and personal items weren't excessive. Everything fit into one suitcase.

As I was almost done, there was a knock on the door. I walked over and opened it to find Wayne standing there.

He had changed clothes and glanced past me to see the open suitcase on the bed. His brow furrowed. Are you moving out of our home?"

"Yeah, it would be awkward to stay," I said, turning back to finish packing.

Wayne followed me into the room. When he spotted Jace's clothes still hanging in the open closet, his hands clenched slightly.

"You've been with Jace for so long. Leaving like this... are you really okay with it?" he asked slowly.

"Okay with it? That phrase again?' I thought. I said after a pause, "You know I'm good at letting things go."

Wayne stayed quiet while I kept packing. When I finally zipped up the suitcase, I was about to lift it off the bed when Wayne reached out and pressed it down.

I looked up and met his eyes.

Wayne's eyes were clear and pure, refreshing and calming, totally different from Jace's frosty glare and Hayden's smoldering intensity.

"Rea, you said this is your home," he said softly, his voice heavy with unspoken emotion.

I got it he wanted me to stay.

"Wayne, do you really think I belong here now?" I gestured toward the bed with the two pillows side by side. "Do you expect me to share a bed with Jace after our breakup?" Something flickered in Wayne's eyes, too fast for me to catch He slowly withdrew his hand, his voice deep. "Will you still come back?"

"Of course," I said, smiling.

Chapter 57 But I knew even if I did, it would be rare, or maybe I wouldn't come back at all.

That whole thing about staying friends or family after a breakup-it never worked for me.

"Will you still consider me your brother?" Wayne asked, sounding hurt.

My heart ached, but I forced a smile. "Always, you'll always be my brother."

"Then..." He hesitated, his gaze deepening. "Can I hug you one last time?"

I was momentarily stunned. Before I could respond, he pulled me into his arms.

His warm breath brushed against my hair, slipping through the strands and into my skin. It hit me right in the heart.

Chapter 58 Cutie Pie, you still have me," Wayne said, gently patting the back of my head before letting go.

I hadn't cried at all until now. Suddenly, my eyes filled up, and the tears just started pouring. I didn't want to cry in front of him, but I couldn't stop. 'I can't let these tears fall, they'll give me away," I told myself. Swallowing them back only made them flow faster. I turned my head, trying to hide my face. Wayne's hand landed on my head again, gently ruffling my hair. It's okay to cry in front of me, you remember?" He had said that before. Now, he said it again.

But in this moment, his words tore at the last shreds of my dignity. I turned my back to him, quickly wiping away the tears.

Sensing my discomfort, he picked up my suitcase. "I'll put this in your car."

As he left, I covered my face and let the tears flow freely. When I finally went downstairs, Matthew and Lindey were still busy in the kitchen, their joy at Wayne's return overshadowing their anxiety about losing me as a daughter-in-law. I didn't say goodbye. I couldn't bear for them to see my tear-stained face or risk them trying to make me stay.

Wayne was waiting by the car, staring off into the distance, lost in thought. Seeing me approach, he smiled softly. "Need a ride?"

I shook my head, forcing a smile. "You've been gone for four years. Seavora has changed. You might get lost."

Wayne's lips twitched slightly. "Is that so?"

I focused on my feet, avoiding his gaze to hide my red, swollen eyes. "I'll be going now. I'll treat you to dinner another day."

Wayne said nothing as I opened the car door. Just as I started the engine, he leaned in at the window. Can you tell me where you're staying?" My grip tightened on the steering wheel, and I stayed silent.

He gave a sad smile, stepping back. "Drive safe."

As I drove away, I watched the house shrink in the rearview mirror, and my tears started all over again.

I whispered to myself, 'Goodbye to the home I lived in for ten years. Farewell to my first love. Farewell to -the person I used to be."

Lindey didn't call me. Maybe Wayne had talked to her.

Back at my own place in Emberholm, I unpacked, cleaned up a bit, and then crashed into bed.

I slept until the next morning. When I opened the window, the rising sun promised a fresh start.

I'd made a promise to Jace, so I'd spend most of my time at the amusement park, conveniently avoiding any run-ins with him. Demi was all set for a month of hard work since that was the deadline for the park's completion.

1/2 Chapter 58 "Double-check the arrival times for the two companies' reps tomorrow," I told Demi.

"It's confirmed. One's arriving at ten in the morning, and the other at two in the afternoon. I've got their rooms booked at the nearest Holiday Inn," Demi reported efficiently.

"Book one more room," I said.

"Is someone else coming?" Demi asked..

Chapter 59 Chapter 59 "No, it's for us. Since the best time to see the lighting effects is at night, we need to be prepared for all-nighters. Going back home wouldn't be convenient," I explained. Demi gave me a thumbs up. "Keira, you're so thoughtful."

"And if you have a boyfriend, give him a heads-up. We'll be taking up your quality time," I teased her.

"No worries. It'll be a good test for him," Demi said, smiling happily and sweetly.

"Alright, let's get to work. To save time, we need to identify all the issues so that when the experts arrive, they can get straight to solving them," I instructed.

Demi nodded and pulled out the blueprints. "I'll handle zones A, D, and F.

"I'll take the rest," I replied. Even though I was in charge, I had to work just as hard as Demi.

The next day, we met with the two representatives from the construction team, Mr. Hudson and Mr. Wyatt.

In the afternoon, we welcomed the lighting supplier's reps, Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Larson..

We discussed the issues Demi and I had identified, followed by an on-site inspection. We all agreed the lights were of good quality and the construction was solid. The problem lay with the lighting adjustments.

According to the contract, the lighting adjustments were the responsibility of the lighting supplier. Mr. Larson immediately contacted his company and then informed me, "We'll send over two lighting engineers. They should arrive by tomorrow afternoon." That made me a bit uneasy. "Is there any way they can come sooner?"

Even though we had a month left and had identified the issue, fixing the lighting was a painstaking task. Each light might need multiple tweaks, and with tens of thousands of lights in the amusement park, we needed to hurry to stay on track.

Plus, we had to give Jace enough time to inspect and approve everything. If he found any issues or thought something was off, we'd have to adjust again.

"One of them is currently out of Seavora, but he's hurrying back. Tomorrow afternoon is the earliest he can get here," Mr. Larson explained.

They were doing their best, so I couldn't push further. We'd have to wait.

"How good is he?" I asked Mr. Larson casually over dinner.

Mr. Larson's full name was Eugene Larson. He was a friendly, slightly overweight guy in his forties who always smiled. "If he claims to be the second-best in the industry, no one will dare claim to be the first."

I thought, 'Wow, that good?' I smiled. "That's reassuring to hear."

"He's single, too. If there are any suitable girls around here, feel free to introduce them," Eugene joked. "Sure, but aren't you afraid he'll fall in love with someone here and never want to leave?" I teased back. "We have positions for employees' families at our company too," Eugene quipped.

Chapter 59 The dinner was light-hearted and enjoyable, a nice break before the intense work ahead.

When I got home, my phone rang. It was Jace.

I wondered what he wanted at this hour, but I answered anyway. "Mr. Johnston."

"Rea, you're ruthless. You really had to insist that something's going on between Tanya and me, didn't you?

His voice was icy.

I scoffed inwardly, 'So, he called to settle scores.

Apparently, someone had already given him an earful.

"Which of the things I mentioned did you not do?" I asked calmly.

Jace sneered. "Fine, I'll grant your wish."

"Huh?

Before I could ask what he meant, he hung up.

After washing up, I lay down on my bed and opened my phone. There were tons of unread messages in a group chat called "The Roast Toasters".

This group had Jace, Steve, and some other friends. Jace added me since everyone could let their significant others join.

I opened the chat and saw I'd been tagged a bunch of times.

Chapter 60 Quentin: [Keira, is it true that you and Jace broke off your engagement?] Eric: [Keira, Jace has gone mad with anger. Don't be upset. We'll sort him out for you.] Daniel: [Keira, when you have time, let me treat you and Jace to dinner.] Toby: [Count me in. I can definitely help patch things up between you and Jace.] Andrew: [Guys, stop making a fuss. Couples have their fights and make up. You're just stirring things up.] I stared at the screen, puzzled. 'What have they heard that made them tag me in the group?"

The chat had eight members, and all guys were Jace's sworn brothers. Besides who had posted, there were Jace, me, and Steve. Steve was the only one who hadn't said anything, but he knew me best.

In the brotherhood, Jace was the third eldest, and Steve was the sixth. I met Steve before Jace and I were officially a couple. It was before Steve and Jace had sworn brotherhood.

I sent Steve a private message: [Steve, what rumors have they heard?] Steve replied almost instantly: [Jace posted on Instagram. You didn't see it?] I knew he must have seen the group messages. He had stayed silent because he knew about my situation, with Jace.

After reading his reply, I immediately opened Instagram and found Jace's post. It was a picture of a freshly picked red rose with the caption: [Red is still the best.] I loved white roses, which everyone knew. By posting this, Jace was basically telling everyone he didn't want me, the white rose, anymore.

Considering the harsh words he said to me over the phone, this was also his way of saying he wanted to be with Tanya.

The group members were still waiting for my response. I had to reply, so I liked Jace's post and then responded in the group: [Thanks for your concern, everyone, Jace and I have ended things. From now on, we're just friends, like all of you.] As soon as I sent the message, the group exploded with shocked and horrified emojis.

I glanced at them, then opened the group settings and left the chat.

Whatever they might say now, I no longer cared.

However, I barely slept that night. My dreams were filled with everyone from the group asking why I had broken up with Jace.

I woke up before dawn, my eyes puffy from crying.

I used some ice to reduce the swelling and put on some makeup. Then I packed a few changes of clothes. since I'd be staying at the Holiday Inn starting today.

When Demi got to the amusement park, I was already working. She looked shocked. "Keira, did you stay here all night?"

Chapter 60 "No, I just got here a bit carly," I replied. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet," Demi admitted. She was always cutting it close and then sneaking in breakfast.

"Go grab something to eat first. We'll start after you eat. And no more sleeping in if you're working with me, "I reminded her with a grin.

Demi stuck out her tongue but promised, "Okay, no more sleeping in. But once we finish the project, you owe me a week off to catch up on sleep."

Once the project was done, I planned to resign. Would still have the authority to grant her time off?

I agreed anyway. By then, I should still have enough influence to get her that break.

Around noon, just as Demi and I had ordered takeout, Steve showed up.

"Let me treat you to lunch," he said.

"I can't. I have to meet the lighting engineers this afternoon," I declined.

Steve glanced around the amusement park. "You really are dedicated to this place."

I smiled. "If you have something to say, just say it."