Ch. 531..540

Chapter 531

But right now, I couldn't push him away-I needed something to hold onto, even if it was just for a little. while.

My whole body felt weightless as Hayden lifted me in his arms. Lindey's voice trailed after us, desperate," Rea, Hayden, you two-

"I'm taking her home. Whatever she decides, we'll deal with it later," Hayden said, his voice hard as stone, then carried me out in long strides.

When he set me down in the car, I clutched his shirt, burying my face in his shoulder as everything finally cracked open, and I broke down, sobbing into him without holding back. Hayden didn't flinch, letting me cry as my tears soaked through his clothes.

I cried so hard, I couldn't even catch my breath, and he ended up taking me straight to the hospital.

Lying there, I eventually calmed down, but my mind was still a storm.

What was I supposed to do next?

Turn Matthew in? Get him arrested to somehow avenge my parents?

But would that even feel like revenge? It'd just be justice against a terrible man. And even if I did it, it wouldn't bring back anything I'd lost.

Thinking like this, a wave of helplessness hit, leaving me feeling like a tiny boat lost at sea. Even if Matthew and Thorsten were locked up or worse, it wouldn't fill the hole they'd left. I'd never felt this lost before, like everything around me had dissolved into nothing.

"Want some water? Hayden's voice was gentle when he saw I was awake.

My eyelashes fluttered. "Hayden, tell me... what should I do?"

He propped me up, handing me a glass of water. "First, drink."

But I didn't take it. I just stared at him, like he was the only solid ground left to stand on.

He brought the glass to my lips. "Your throat's hoarse.

Hoarse? I hadn't even noticed. But even then, I didn't drink.

He sighed, his eyes softening with a kind of helplessness. "Be good."

Those two words made my heart ache, and tears spilled over again.

How long had it been since he'd spoken to me like that? I thought he never would again.

I opened my mouth and took a small sip, but as soon as I swallowed, I started coughing. Hayden quickly set the glass down and pulled me close, rubbing my back until the coughing stopped.

I took the chance to hold him tighter, pressing my face against his chest.

He stiffened, but then I heard him murmur, "We're enemies now, Keira... the kind with a blood feud."

 

Chapter 531

My heart twisted; I knew exactly what he meant.

I didn't respond, just held onto him tighter, refusing to let go.

He didn't say another word or push me away. We stayed there, tangled together, letting the quiet warmth settle between us-the first peace I'd felt in forever.

Then my phone started ringing. Hayden gently reminded me, "Your phone's ringing."

I didn't want to answer. I stayed silent.

"Keira," he said softly.

That name felt like a punch. He used to call me Kiki.

A sharp pain twisted through me as I thought of his father, the man who'd destroyed my family. My voice cracked as I whispered, "Hayden, if only I'd never met you... things would've been so much easier.

hapter 532

#25 BONUS

Chapter 532

If only I'd never met him, maybe it wouldn't hurt this much.

Maybe I wouldn't have this extra layer of pain, the kind only he could give me.

Hayden stayed quiet, and I finally pushed him away. Just go."

If we're destined never to be together, then this small comfort he offers is just poison disguised as relief.

+

His eyes flickered, a hint of pain flashing through them as his jaw tightened. "Take care."

With those words, he turned and walked out. The phone, still ringing in the background, finally went silent.

I closed my eyes, feeling the ache in my head, like every heartbeat pulsing behind my eyelids.

But the phone started ringing again, persistent and unrelenting. I sighed, opened my eyes, and glanced at the screen. The name flashing there made me freeze. It was Jace.

Right now, talking to him was the last thing I wanted. If my parents' deaths were somehow tied to me. then the ultimate root of it all was Jace.

If it hadn't been for his rare blood type, none of this twisted mess would've even existed.

I ended the call and blocked his number, then blocked his profile on social media too.

Finally, the phone went quiet, but in its place was this heavy emptiness.

The hollowness scared me. So I called Lena.

Half an hour later, she showed up in my hospital room and, without a word, pulled me into a tight hug.

She took me back to her place, insisting I take a bath and get some sleep. "Don't think about anything tonight," she said. "No matter how bad it feels now, wait until tomorrow to decide anything. Give yourself some space."

I didn't think I could sleep, but somehow, after drinking the water she gave me, I did.

Lena's a doctor, so I knew she'd probably added something to help me rest. I didn't mind; I was grateful. Without it, I might've just pushed myself to the edge.

The next morning, when I woke up, Lena had breakfast ready. She didn't say much, just nudged me to eat.

I didn't want to; even the thought made my stomach twist. But I knew Lena would worry, so I forced down an egg and half a bowl of oatmeal.

"Today, you're not going anywhere. Just stay here, let yourself think things through. And if it's still a mess, I'll sit with you until it's not," she said, guiding me to the couch after breakfast.

But before we could even start talking, the doorbell rang.

"Who could that be?" Lena muttered, heading to the door. "Don't tell me it's Jace."

She opened the door, and I heard her exclaim, "Well, isn't this a surprise,"

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"I need to talk to Rea, Jace's voice was rough, barely a whisper.

My chest tightened, and I instinctively curled into myself.

Lena, who knew exactly how much I'd been through because of him, instantly blocked his path. "Don't you think seeing you is just going to make things worse for her?"

"I know. That's why I need to see her," Jace replied, his voice steady but intense. Then he called out, "Rea, can we talk?"

"Talk? Don't you understand plain English? If you don't leave, I'm calling the cops," Lena snapped, her patience finally wearing thin.

"Lena, if he wants to talk, let him," I said, barely keeping my voice steady.

She turned, worry etched into her face, but I'd already slipped on my shoes, making my way toward the

door.

"Where do you think you're going like this?" She looked between me and Jace uneasily. "If you're going to talk, do it here. I'll step out for a bit."

She grabbed her phone, slid into her own shoes, and started for the door. As she brushed past Jace, she couldn't resist a final warning. "If you upset her, I'll make sure you're never a father."

It was the harshest thing I'd ever heard her say-even when I broke up with him, she'd never gone that far. Once Lena was gone, Jace turned to me. "Rea..."

Chapter 533

Jace looked wrecked-pale, hair a mess, rough stubble shadowing his jaw. I'd never seen him this messed up, like he'd had a night just as brutal as mine.

He must've found out about Matthew. Why else would he keep blowing up my phone?

Weirdly, I didn't feel the anger I'd expected. Instead, I felt... nothing. Like something in me had finally just burnt out. Maybe I was numb.

The doorway wasn't the place for this. I said, "Come in."

Jace walked in and dropped onto the couch across from me. "My mom told me everything... Rea, I'm so

sorry...

I didn't answer. I knew he hadn't just come here to apologize.

"Look, I know sorry's not enough. But I came here to ask... no, to beg... His voice cracked as he looked at me, his face full of something raw. "Please, just... can you spare my dad? Just for whatever time he has left?" Beg? Hearing that word from Jace was rare.

For all his recklessness, he'd always been fiercely loyal to his family.

he owes

I just stared, watching his jaw tighten. "I know it's a lot to ask. After everything my dad's done... your family a debt he could never repay. But please, let him go. Let me pay back that debt instead." *Jace, do you even get what kind of debt this is? It's a life debt," I said, my calm slipping.

Life debt. The words hit me, reminding me of all the times I'd given my blood to him. Like maybe he already owed me.

Jace droppe

his gaze. "I know. That's why, if you're willing to spare him, I'll do whatever you ask." But that was the problem-I didn't know what I wanted from him or his family. And that made it worse. "What could you possibly do to make up for my parents' lives?" I said, my voice sharp.

Jace looked at me, defeated. "Rea, I know... no matter what we do, your parents aren't coming back."

"Exactly. I lost my parents-real, living people. All I have now is a cold gravestone to call Mom and Dad."" My voice wavered.

I fought to keep it together. "Jace, do you know who I hate most right now?"

He waited, but I didn't make him guess. "Myself," I whispered, slapping my own arm. "I hate that I have the same blood type as you. I hate that I ever met you."

His face fell, all the color draining out like he'd taken a hit.

*Jace, all of this-this mess, this pain-it started with you. You're the one I should hate the most." I spat the words, every memory of us hitting me at once.

Once, those memories had been my happiness, my reason to get up each day. Now, they were just bitter

irony

 

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"Yeah, I'm the one to hate," Jace said, nodding.

His calm acceptance only fueled my anger. "And what's that even worth? Can you turn back time?" "No," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "Rea, would it make you hate me less if I... if I died?" Died?

Was he serious?

I was so wound up, I couldn't stop myself. "Fine, go die, then!"

He held my gaze, a strange darkness in his eyes. "If that would ease your hatred and make you spare my dad... then I will."

He stood, his face softening as he looked at me. "Rea, if I had one thing in life that made me truly happy. it was you. My biggest regret is letting you go. If there's a next life, I'd want to meet you, love you quietly, grow old together." The words hung in the silence as he turned and walked to the door.

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#25 BONUS

I heard about Jace's car accident two hours later-Wayne was the one to break the news.

"Rea, Jace was in an accident," he said, his voice tight with worry. "He's in surgery... Can you come to the hospital?"

My hand started shaking, and before I knew it, my phone slipped right out of my grip and crashed onto the

floor.

Wayne must've heard the thud. "Rea, are you okay? What happened?"

Lena was in the kitchen, cooking, but at the sound, she rushed over, eyes wide with concern.

Wayne's voice came through again. "Rea, we're not asking you to come for, like, a blood transfusion or anything. We just thought... maybe you'd want to see him. Because..."

He hesitated. "Because when they put him in the ambulance, the only name he was calling out was yours."

Lena shot a look at the phone, then back at me, and picked it up without missing a beat. "Jace and Keira are over. She doesn't need to hear this."

Silence from Wayne, and then Lena hung up. She sat down next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Unreal," she muttered. "After all they've put you through, they still think you'd just come running for him."

I mumbled, "It's my fault, though... the things I said to him..."

Lena had no idea what I'd said to Jace in the heat of our last conversation, so she was a little confused.

'She didn't push. She just kept her hand on my shoulder, her voice soft. "Hey, don't overthink it. This isn't your fault, so don't go blaming yourself."

I didn't go to the hospital, but the worry wouldn't let up

I hated the Johnstons. I hated Jace.

But the idea of him actually dying?

That scared me. If he was gone, I wouldn't even have the right to hate him anymore.

Ever since finding out the Johnstons were behind my parents' deaths, I'd felt lost, like my mind was spiraling with too much to process but no clue what to do.

I wanted to visit my parents' graves, but I hadn't been able to face it. Because it was my fault they were

gone.

'Rea, why don't we visit Cloudscape Monastery?" Lena offered suddenly.

It was a good idea. I hadn't been up there since Jace and I broke up.

*You can find a little peace, and I'll make a wish while I'm at it," she said, trying to brighten my mood.

Luckily, she had the day off, and I was beyond grateful to have her with me.

When we arrived at the mountain, we realized the recent rains had totally washed out the path.

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"Great. If we want to go up, it'll take at least two hours hiking," Lena said, sighing.

The Johnstons had once funded the road up to the monastery, but now it was blocked. And still, I felt this weird pull to keep going.

With the summer heat, we were sweating after just a few steps. Hiking all the way up? A whole new level.

"Rea, I might have to break our best-friend code here. I don't think I can make it," Lena admitted, throwing a defeated look at the mountain.

Then she turned toward the monastery's peak, clasped her hands in mock prayer, and called out, "To any higher powers listening. I'm sending my request from down here. I don't need wealth, and I don't need a perfect life-I just ask for less sickness and pain in the world, and for every newborn to come into this world safe and sound."

I stared at her, surprised by her wish.

She noticed my expression and laughed. "What's that look for?

"That's your whole wish?" I asked. "Just that?"

"Yep, that's it. What, you thought I'd wish for something else?" she replied, grinning,

I took a breath. "I thought... maybe you'd wish for something for yourself, or you and Nate."

She laughed, bright and carefree. "Honestly? I'm pretty good right now. And as for Nate and me... I'm just letting things happen as they'r

Chapter 535

"Then why did you make a wish for everyone?" I asked, puzzled.

The smile faded from Lena's face. "Over the years, I've seen too many women fighting cancer, too many babies who never got a chance to see the world, too many heartbreaking goodbyes. "Every time I see it, it hurts... I just wish I didn't have to see it anymore.

"I think I'd be a lot happier that way.

She took my hand. "So, in a way, my hope for everyone is also a hope for myself."

In that moment, I looked at Lena, and there was something almost radiant about her, like she was shining from within.

She didn't seem to notice and asked, "Are you sure you want to climb all the way up? You could just make your wish from here. It's all about what's in your heart, right?"

"I'm going up," I said, feeling my hesitation disappear.

"Are you sure you're up for it? You could come back with me," she suggested, watching me closely.

I nodded. "I can handle it."

I glanced up toward the monastery at the top of the mountain. "Once I'm up there, I'll put in an extra wish on your behalf."

Lena laughed. "Thanks, but I think I'll skip out on this climb."

Usually, she'd stick with me, especially if she was worried, so I sensed something was off. "Are you feeling okay?"

She caught on right away and gave me a light smack on the arm. "What could possibly be wrong? Don't overthink it. I just don't love hiking, you know? Remember the one time I tried? I was practically crawling by the end." Lena sighed. "I dread hiking more than anything."

I decided not to push her. "Alright, you head back. I'll go alone."

Lena looked up at the mountain. "I don't feel great about leaving you, though."

"It's fine. I'll text you the whole way, and if anything happens, you'll be the first to know," I said, holding out my hand for a fist bump.

Lena glanced up toward the peak, then pressed her hands together briefly. "The powers that be up there will keep you safe."

We bumped fists, and I set off up the mountain.

The path was rough, nearly washed away by the recent storms, but I pushed through, gritting my pressing on. Lena's words echoed in my mind. For some reason, her wish had left a deep impression on me.

teeth and

Chapter 535

 

There was something stirring inside, like a flame I hadn't felt in a long time.

The road up was tough, but I made it.

At the gates of Cloudscape Monastery, I offered my wish: "May this world be free of harm, free of broken families, and may kindness fill every heart." Afterward, I went to find Abbot Levinsky. He wasn't reciting any scriptures; instead, he was quietly sweeping the hall and tending to the sanctuary lights. at Matthew had

I noticed a row of softly glowing lamps on a cabinet in the prayer hall. I remembered that once lit a sanctuary lamp for me. I couldn't help but look closer. Sure enough, there was a lamp with my name on it, and beside it were lamps for my parents.

It felt like my heart was caught in a vice.

"Since you're here, why don't you help me with the cleaning?" Abbot Levinsky handed me a cloth.

I joined him, and as we cleaned, he shared stories about each of these lamps, each representing a different life and hope.

By the time he finished, I understood the deeper meaning behind Lena's wish.

There's so much sorrow and loss in this world. If we hold on to resentment, it never ends. But if we let go, those grudges and grievances finally fade. "Come on, it's time for the evening prayers," Abbot Levinsky said, guiding me into the main hall.

As soon as I stepped inside, I saw someone there-a figure I knew all too well.

Abbot Levinsky saw me pause, then spoke quietly, "She's been here a full day and night."

Chapter 536

A full day and night...

Lindey must've come straight here after I left the Johnston residence.

When I saw her kneeling there, hunched over, it felt like my heart was caught in a vice.

Abbot Levinsky moved toward her, but I just stood there, frozen.

After what felt like forever, I finally made myself move knelt down beside her and whispered, "Lindey."

She flinched, then slowly looked up at me, disbelief flickering across her face. Her lips trembled, but she didn't say anything-just let the tears fall,

I looked at her tear-streaked cheeks and the gray creeping into her hair, and I couldn't believe how much she seemed to have aged overnight. "Rea..." Her voice was shaky as she said my name, then pulled me into a tight hug.

Her embrace had once been my safest place, the warmest in my world. But now? I couldn't bring myself to lift my arms and hold her back.

'I came to confess. I've been begging for mercy... she whispered, her voice breaking between sobs.

But her.confessions couldn't bring my parents back. I knew that no amount of anger or hurt would change. the fact that they were gone. Holding onto this hate was only hurting me-and everyone else around me.

I thought of Lena's words and Abbot Levinsky's stories Suddenly, it hit me: clinging to the past wasn't going to fix anything.

My anger came from losing my parents. But my hate wouldn't bring them back. What was the point of it? It only fed my own pain. "You're not going to find peace here," I said, my voice tight. "That's something only I can give you."

When I didn't know the truth about my parents' deaths, they'd felt no guilt. They were at peace.

But once I found out, that guilt had started eating them alive. If I could let this go, maybe they could finally find peace too. "What's done is done. Matthew... I'm done pursuing it. As I said it, the weight I'd been carrying on my chest finally lifted. "He's already been punished," Lindey sobbed.

Yeah, fate has a way of catching up to people who do wrong. So why was I still holding onto this?

Maybe it was time to let fate take it from here.

"Don't stay kneeling any longer. Come on, let me help you up," I said, reaching out to steady her.

But she'd been down so long, she could barely stand.

Abbot Levinsky stepped forward, offering a hand and nodding gently. "Mrs. Johnston, it's time to go."

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Lindey held onto me tightly. "Ren, will I still be able to see you?"

People can be selfish, but her need to hold on felt more like love than anything else.

I nodded, and she hugged me, breaking down all over again.

"You should go back," I said softly. "Jace... he was in a car accident." I knew it would be a shock, but it was better she hear it now.

Earlier, while tending the sanctuary lamp, Abbot Levinsky had reminded me that fate has its own way of revealing things. She'd find out sooner or later, and I'd rather she knew now, so she could be there for her son.

Lindey's face went pale, horror spreading across her expression. "What happened to Jace?"

"I don't know how he's doing." I admitted. "Wayne told me about it." At that, her expression wavered, as if she'd just realized something big.

Chapter 537

Lindey nodded, letting go of my hand. "I'll call and check on him."

While she dialed, I offered a silent prayer, hoping everyone could finally find some peace.

Her voice drifted through my thoughts. "... Wayne, don't lie to me. Is he really okay?... Alright, I'm coming back. Tell him I was at Cloudscape Monastery, and I saw Rea."

She looked back at me as she spoke. "She's... she's doing well. She's fine. Tell Jace that Rea has forgiven. our family.... Yes, I understand..."

I lowered my head, feeling a wave of closure wash over me, finally letting go.

After Lindey left, I stayed, listening to Abbot Levinsky's chanting as dusk settled over the mountain. Only then did I finally start down the path.

Lena picked me up, grinning as she held out a bunch of sunflowers. "Congrats on your fresh start."

She got it-she knew this trip had helped me let go of all the anger and resentment I'd been carrying. I'd finally freed myself.

I hugged her, and later, we headed over to Mr. Seth's pub for a drink. We didn't go crazy, but we stayed long after everyone else had left, just soaking in the quiet. Eventually, we called Mr. Seth over, and the three of us shared another round. "Mr.

Seth, you've gotta keep this pub open forever," Lena said, throwing an arm around my shoulders. That way, when we're old ladies with no teeth left, we can still come here for a drink."

Mr. Seth laughed. "If you two don't have any teeth by then, I'll probably be long gone myself."

He had a point-he was a whole generation older than us.

Lena and I fell silent for a moment, until Mr. Seth raised his glass, clinking it against ours. "We're all living

with the same end in mind. Doesn't really matter if it's sooner or later, right?"

His words made me think of his late daughter. It seemed he'd found his own way to peace.

"Alright, then-to living with purpose," I said, lifting my glass.

With my past resentment finally behind me, I felt like a new person. I'd come to terms with everything- the messy history with the Johnstons and even my split from Hayden.

We still ran into each other constantly at work-hard to avoid, really. But now? It didn't even sting.

People would tease him, joke about his love life, and I'd jump right in without a second thought. I even went with Ron to this joint cocktail party for the Hart and Johnston families, like it was just another night out.

Hayden made his big debut as the Hart family's heir, and, of course, he looked insane. Custom suit, that sharp, cool expression-the kind that pulled every single pair of eyes in the room, especially from all the women.

Ron sighed. "Ms. Kay,

you do know he's a total catch, right? Letting him go might be your biggest mistake."

This wasn't the first time Ron had tried to play matchmaker. It's like he just couldn't wrap his head around

 

Chapter 537

me and Hayden breaking up.

I gave Ron a smirk, sliding a little closer. "No regrets here," I said. "Been there, done that."

He nearly choked on his drink, spluttering while I walked away, laughing.

Jace didn't show up to the party-something about still recovering from that head injury.

Instead, Wayne was there, and the whispers were all about him. Apparently, he'd just closed some huge projects for RiverwaveCorp, and people were buzzing about him as Jace's potential replacement. It wasn't just talk, either. Wayne was clearly ready to step up.

If Jace didn't back down on his own, it looked like the brothers were headed for a showdown over the company. The thought made my stomach twist, knowing how crushed their dad would be if it came to that.

Matthew built his whole empire through some shady moves, starting with my dad's contract. Now that empire was starting to crack, pulling his family down with it. Maybe this was karma finally catching up. I was so lost in thought, I didn't even notice someone coming up behind me until they spoke. "Well, well... my favorite snooker girl. We meet again."

Hello 538

Hello 538

pter 538

 

Chapter

538

I turned to the guy who'd popped up beside me.

Curly black hair, bright blue eyes-definitely not local.

He said we'd met before, but I couldn't place him at all. Yet he called me "Snooker Girl."

So, he knew I played.

"Huh?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Name's Bruno. I saw you playing with Steve at his pool hall. You were... awesome! No, wait-slay. That's it!" He gave me a thumbs-up.

Okay, that explained it, but something still felt weird. Jace had taught me to play, and anytime I played with Steve, it was usually just the three of us, no randoms hanging around.

If this guy had been there, I'd have noticed. Yet he was acting like he'd really seen it..

I didn't feel like getting into it, especially with a stranger bringing up snooker.

"You must have the wrong person," I said coolly.

"No way. It's definitely you," he insisted, his blue eyes locked on me. "Your name's Kei... Keira, right?"

The fact that he even knew my name sent a chill through me. A stranger who knew that much? Yeah, no

thanks.

"Sorry, I don't know you," I said, turning to go, but he stepped right in my path.

"Hey, relax. I'm just trying to be friends."

A wave of disgust rolled through me. "Well, I'm not interested. Now, move."

"I want to play a game with you," he said, undeterred.

My disgust grew. "Move."

Anyone else would've taken the hint, maybe even felt embarrassed. But he just looked even more excited. "You're as fierce as your game, huh?"

He kept throwing compliments, and they only made me more uncomfortable.

"If you don't get out of my way, I'll call for help," I snapped, my patience running out.

"Come on. Just one game. I'm as good as Steve-maybe better. You'd have a whole new experience', trust me," he leaned in, too close.

That was it. Warning bells had been blaring since the moment he showed up, and I wasn't about to ignore them. So, I lifted my foot and stomped down hard on his. One of my go-to self-defense moves

He stumbled back, face twisted in pain, and the fake friendliness dropped instantly. "Do you have any idea how many people would kill for a chance to play with me? You should be grateful," Grateful? Like hell I would.

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It was clear now-he wasn't here for a game; he was here to harass me. After everything Steve had just dealt with in Houston, I wasn't about to take any mention of him lightly. Without another word, I shot him a death glare and turned to leave.

But he wasn't done. He grabbed my arm, his hand clamping down like a vice, sending a sharp pain up my

arm.

This guy wasn't just pushy-he was strong, really strong. Definitely no ordinary jerk.

A flicker of fear crept in as I struggled to pull away. "Let go," I demanded, yanking against his grip.

He just tightened his hold, leaning in even closer. "Play one game with me, and I'll let you go."

"Dream -" I barely got the words out before an arm reached over, grabbing Bruno's wrist and pinning it down.

"What's going on here?" Ron's voice sliced through the tension as he gripped Bruno's wrist, holding him back.

"I just wanted to play snooker with her," Bruno muttered.

Hello 539

Hello 539

"Snooker? Dude, this is a fancy party, not some run-down pool hall. If you're here for games, you're in the wrong place," Ron scoffed, tightening his grip on Brungs arm. "Let Go." Bruno's face flushed, clearly feeling the pain, but he still didn't let go of me. Just then, a voice I'd know anywhere broke through the tension.

"What's going on here?" Hayden's voice was low, dangerous, as he strode over, gaze locking onto Bruno's hand on mine.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked at Bruno with an intense, unreadable expression.

Bruno plastered on a smug grin. "Mr. Hart, I was just inviting this lovely lady to a little game, but she's not exactly feeling friendly."

Hayden's eyes flicked back to me, then pinned Bruno in place. "And why should she be? His voice was ice. "Who are you, and who let you in?"

Just as he said it, someone whispered in Hayden's ear. He gave a quick nod. "Make an announcement," he said firmly. "Remove this man and whoever he came with from the event." Bruno laughed, sneering. "You think you can throw me out? You're just some street rat the Harts picked up. Who do you think you are?" Hayden didn't flinch. He barely needed to. His security team closed in, but he held up a hand, stopping

them.

Bruno just smirked, throwing a smug look our way before he left. Right before disappearing, he gave me this annoying little whistle. "Keira, don't think you're off the hook for that game." Ugh. Absolute worst.

"What a total trash bag." Ron muttered, his eyes darting to Hayden.

Before I could say anything, Hayden turned and walked away.

Ron watched him for a second, like he wanted to say something, but instead, he glanced down at my wrist. "You're red. Can you believe these creeps?" He took my hand gently, looking it over. "Does it hurt?" Then he blew softly on my wrist, and out of nowhere, I felt my nose sting, like I might start crying.

Lately, I'd been all over the place, emotions way too close to the surface. Anytime anyone showed me even a sliver of kindness, it hit way too hard.

"That scumbag... if he comes near you again, I'll-Ron stopped, noticing my watery eyes. I quickly pulled my hand back, hiding it behind me.

"I'm fine, really," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"It's my fault for bringing you here," Ron muttered, guilt etched into his face.

I shook my head, glancing around. "How much longer do we have to stay?"

The last place I wanted to be was here, especially when Hayden had looked right through me like I didn't

matter.

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$25 BONUS

"If you're done, we'll go," Ron said, gentle as ever.

I hadn't known him that well before, but tonight he'd been nothing but attentive and kind

As we made our way toward the exit, we had to pass through the main hall. And there he was-Hayden, up on stage with Chadwick Hart-the Hart family head and Kylian. Chadwick was mid-speech, hyping Hayden up to the whole crowd. The room broke into applause, and Hayden gave a little nod.

When I looked at him up there, he looked like a whole different person. Like, who was this guy?

You know how people say that when someone gets rich and famous, they forget where they came from? Well, Hayden and I split ways right as he was rising up. And okay, maybe his new status wasn't the reason we ended things, but the guy on that stage? He was light- years from the Hayden I used to know. Now he was a total powerhouse, admired by everyone. And me? I was just... me. The girl with no family who left the Johnstons with pretty much nothing.

They say Cinderella rises to the top and gets her prince. I guess I just crashed back down to earth.

If he needed a reason to walk away from me, he'd definitely found one.

"Not only is he ridiculously good-looking, but he's got that power vibe, you know?" Ron whispered, totally starstruck.

I forced a smile, pretending it didn't sting. Just as I turned to leave, Chadwick's voice echoed across the hall: "And we have one more joyous announcement tonight!"

Someone in the crowd yelled, "Is this about an engagement?"

I felt my heart drop, pulse racing as Hayden's eyes flicked to mine from the stage.

My breath hitched, and I clenched my hand, nails digging into my palm as I tried not to lose it.

Chapter 540

 

"The other big announcement today," Chadwick declared, "is the union of the Hart family and the Drago family. Hayden will be marrying Yara Drago in three months."

His words hit like a freezing cold slap, leaving me totally numb.

So that was why Hayden really wanted to end things with me.

Yara Drago-yeah, I knew who she was. Thorsten's sister, studying abroad. I'd come across her info once when I was looking into Thorsten. She was insanely smart and gorgeous, with a PhD and everything-a total catch.

I looked at Hayden across the room, letting a bitter smile cross my face before I spun on my heel and walked away.

I moved too fast, wobbling in my heels as I reached the door, almost twisting my ankle.

They say when you're down, even a glass of water can mess with you. Guess it's true.

Gritting my teeth, I limped out to the entrance and threw up my hand to hail a cab. I just needed to get out of there. Every second felt like I couldn't breathe.

But before I could catch one, a car rolled up. The window slid down to reveal Wayne's face.

"I'll give you a ride," he said, watching me closely.

I knew I probably looked a mess, and my first instinct was to shake my head.

But he cut me off, "Rea, you've cleared the air with everyone else in the Johnston family. But you and I? "We've still got things to talk about. Today's as good a time as any." -someone I'd

But whether we talked or not didn't change much. To me, he was just like the others now-s learned to keep at arm's length.

I'd decided not to hate them, but loving them like I used to? That wasn't happening.

Swallowing down the ache, I said, "You should already know where I stand. There's nothing left to say."

Wayne got out of the car, stepping right into my path. "Rea, just know that, no matter what, you'll always be like a sister to me."

I dropped my gaze, bitterness twisting in my chest. Why was it that the people needed to care always drifted away, while the ones I didn't want near kept showing up?

I clenched my fists, trying to block out Chadwick's words echoing in my mind: 'Hayden will be marrying Yara Drago.

"Rea?" Wayne's voice snapped me back to the present

I looked at him, but my mind was miles away.

"Rea, my dad's actions are unforgivable. As his son, I can't excuse him, but I'll do my best to make it right. I know nothing we say or do can really fix what we put you through. But we'll keep trying." Wayne said, sounding as sincere as ever. Chapter 540

 

I'd heard similar lines from Lindey and even Jace before.

They knew I didn't want apologies, but they kept pushing them anyway. I was too tired to argue, and right now, all I wanted was for this conversation to end.

So I just nodded. "Fine. Just... be there if I ever actually need help."

"Do you need help now?" Wayne asked.

Technically, yeah, I needed a ride. But the thought of sitting alone with him in a quiet car made me feel way too vulnerable.

After a pause, Wayne tried again. "It's late, Rea, and it's not exactly safe for you to be hailing cabs alone." He clearly still wanted to give me a ride, but I was set on refusing.

He seemed to pick up on that. With a soft, understanding smile, he took a step back, giving me space. "If you'd rather not, I won't insist."

Right then, a cab pulled up. I lifted my hand and gestured to it. "There. No need to trouble you."