Ch. 61..70

Chapter 61 Steve nodded and started walking deeper into the park, with me right behind him.

"Why did you leave that group chat?" he asked as we strolled along.

"It's your guys' group. I don't talk much in there anyway. Plus, when I'm in it, you all have to watch what you say, especially the dirty jokes," I explained honestly. This had happened before, and Jace had to remind them. Back then, Jace had said, "Watch it, guys. My fiancée is here."

I'd read that words "my fiancée" many times, feeling like I had the whole world.

"You're very considerate," Steve's voice brought me back to the present.

I didn't reply, and Steve stopped at a roller coaster. "Can I sit?"

""Of course."

After I said that, he really did sit down and started the ride.

This is pretty fun," Steve said, transforming into a kid at heart.

I watched him, staying quiet. After a few spins, Steve finally spoke up. done with Jace?"

Are you u Leaning against a support beam, I answered, "You know I have a thing about cleanliness, right?"

Steve spun around again before replying. "Don't you think letting go so easily is just giving others what they want?"

"I've always been compassionate."

Steve laughed at my response. He paused the ride and stepped off. "Do you know what everyone said after you left the group chat yesterday?"

"I don't want to know," I replied bluntly.

But Steve insisted. "They all said that if you let go so easily, it just means you didn't love Jace enough,"

I nodded slightly. "Maybe."

"Do you know how Jace reacted?" Steve asked, watching me intently.

I thought for a moment. "He left the group chat too."

Steve gave me a thumbs up. "In that sense, you two are really well-matched."

"Now he's better matched with a red rose," I said just as Demi came running over.

"Keira, the food delivery is here. Are you gonna eat?" she asked.

I glanced at Steve. "If you don't have anything else to do, you can keep playing here. I'm gonna eat."

Go ahead. I'll play around," Steve said, sometimes acting Just like a kid. Although he was closest to Jace, he was also close to me. Hence, he didn't try to persuade me; he just asked for my thoughts and told me what I needed to know. Chapter &T "Keira, you're really something." Steve's voice called from behind me.

I turned. "What?"

"You even liked Jace's post. That's impressive! Steve gave me another thumbs up.

I smiled faintly. "He posted it for me to see. I wanted to let him know I saw it."

During our meal, Demi, ever the gossip, asked, "Keira, is that guy here on Jace's orders?"

"No, he's just here to chat. Don't overthink it. Even if the president himself showed up, it wouldn't make a difference," I said, making Demi sigh.

"Keira, you're really tough. If it were me, I'd waver," Demi admitted.

"Everyone's got their own strengths," I said, poking at my food. I realized I had no appetite and even felt a little nauseous.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Eugene. He said the lighting engineers had arrived.

I asked him to bring them in and forced myself to eat a few more bites. I needed the energy to run around and work.

But before I could finish, Eugene arrived with the lighting engineers. I looked up, and seeing who had come, I was stunned,

Chapter 62 'Hayden Hart?! Isn't he just a taxi driver? How did he end up being the lighting engineer I've been waiting for?!

For a second, I felt like I was hallucinating.

"Hayden, this is Keira Kay!" Eugene introduced us. "Ms. Kay, this is Hayden Hart!"

Hayden extended his hand toward me. "Hello, Ms. Kay His tone and expression were like he didn't know me at all.

I was still seated, and from my angle, I could see his perfect jawline and that... sexy Adam's apple that I'd thought about more than once.

Demi nudged me with her elbow, snapping me back to reality. I stood up and shook his hand.

Our fingers barely brushed before he spoke again. "Ms Kay, go ahead and eat. I'll go check the site."

"No need, I'll come with you," I said, ready to follow, but Hayden didn't move.

He turned to Eugene. "Have you eaten? I haven't had anything yet. Is there something to eat here?" Eugene smiled and said, "I've already eaten," then glanced at me. "We can order takeout." Catching his drift, I turned to Demi. "Demi, order some takeout for Mr. Hart."

"Sure," Demi responded quickly, whipping out her phone to place the order. "Mr. Hart, what would you like? A burger, taco, or pasta?"

Hayden pointed at my half-eaten takeout. "I'll have the same as that."

I was eating spicy beef pasta, which I had asked Demi to order.

But Hayden was from the southern part of Kehlmark; he shouldn't be used to this. Yet he wanted to order the same thing.

"Alright, that's a specialty here. Didn't expect you and Keira to have the same taste," Demi muttered as she placed the order.

I cleared my throat awkwardly and looked at Hayden and Eugene, "So, should we now..."

"Eat first. You need to be full to have the energy to work," Hayden said, dropping his large backpack and pulling out a half-drunk bottle of water from a side pocket. He tilted his head back and took a few gulps Watching his Adam's apple move as he drank, I couldn't help but swallow.too.

The takeout would take at least twenty minutes to arrive. Hayden, holding his water bottle, looked at me. You keep eating, we'll go check over there first."

After saying that, he walked away with Eugene. Demi nudged me again. "Keira, Mr. Hart is so handsome, so manly."

People are suckers for good looks, and Demi had taken a liking to this guy at first sight.

I had to admit, she had good taste.

Chapter 62 "Don't you already have a boyfriend?" I asked, still slurping my pasta.

Demi giggled. "That doesn't stop me from looking for a little fun. Besides, once the lighting setup is done, he'll be gone. Nothing will get in the way."

I nearly choked on my food, totally floored that someone as seemingly proper and unassuming as Demi had such flirtatious thoughts.

"Player!" I called her out, then added, "Keep those thoughts in check. Don't mess around."

"What's the point of staying here for a month without a little fun? Don't worry, I promise I won't cross any lines," Demi said, clearly determined to make a move on Hayden. I thought about what Hayden had said to me before and shook my head lightly.

Hayden's takeout arrived in twenty-two minutes, during which Demi talked about Hayden non-stop.

I believed in love at first sight after seeing Demi.

I couldn't help but think, if Demi dumped her boyfriend for Hayden, would that make me half guilty? Honestly, I had a feeling Hayden wouldn't even be into Demi.

-Demi was just trying to kill time, but once feelings got involved, it was like ripping open a scab.

To keep her from getting hurt, I had to make her give up fast.

So I said, "He already likes someone else."

"Hmm?" Demi raised an eyebrow. "How do you know? Do you know him?"

If I said I knew him, I'd have to spill way more than I wanted to.

Chapter 63 I worried that Demi would totally stir things up between Hayden and me later, making it super awkward.

Besides, Hayden's attitude earlier made it clear he wanted to act like he didn't know me, so no one would find out we had any connection. "I don't know him," I lied.

"Then how do you- Demi started, but I cut her off.

"I'm just guessing."

Demi barely touched her food, her mind totally fixated on Hayden. Normally, she could eat at today she had ordered her favorite chicken chop. But with a hot guy around, even her favorite food lost its charm.

and "Guess?" Demi was the type to dig until she got to the bottom of things. "How did you guess? Did Mr. Hart have it written on his face?" That was a tough one to answer, but if I didn't say something, Demi would keep prying.

As I was pondering what excuse to give, I noticed a small charm on Hayden's bag. It was a cute little. white bunny, absolutely adorable. "That," I pointed my lips toward the charm, "that's proof enough."

"That proves what?" Demi still didn't get it.

"He's a grown guy carrying a cute little charm like that. Doesn't it seem out of place?" I took a couple sips from the iced chocolate Demi had ordered for me. Way too sweet. "Next time, I'll have lemon water," I reminded her.

Demi didn't respond, still fixated on the charm on Hayden's bag. "His girlfriend must've put it there to mark her territory." Seeing she got it, I patted her shoulder and stood up, but Demi tugged at my sleeve. "Keira, maybe he just likes bunnies?" I was speechless.

"I'll ask him later," Demi said just as Hayden and Eugene returned.

Perfect timing, no need for me to call.

"Mr. Hart, your food's here," Demi said warmly, opening Hayden's takeout bag and even trying to unwrap the cutlery.

But Hayden stopped her. "I can do it myself."

"I just- Demi wanted to help, but Hayden cut her off. "I have a bit of germaphobia."

I almost laughed out loud.

Chapter 63 He ordered takeout, which had obviously been handled by other people. If he really had germaphobia, he wouldn't be eating it at all.

He was just trying to shut Demi down, and it was clear to me he wasn't into her.

But Demi, on a dopamine high, didn't notice. She handed him the unopened cutlery with an "oh."

While unwrapping the cutlery, he glanced at my takeout box. But I was smart-I had closed the lid, so he didn't see anything.

Still, he asked, "Did you finish eating?"

"Yes!"

"No!"

Demi andred at the same time. As soon as she said "no," she sat down and resumed eating her now cold-chicken chop.

Watching this, I shook my head internally. The saying that lust clouds judgment was proving true.

I couldn't take it anymore. Grabbing my takeout box to toss it, I heard Demi ask, "Mr. Hart, the bunny charm on your bag is so cute. Can you give it to me?

Her bluntness made my legs wobble, and I almost tripped. This girl is seriously bold!' "No," Hayden's refusal was swift and clear.

I wasn't surprised at all. Even though I didn't look at Demi's face, I could feel her embarrassment. I felt secondhand embarrassment myself.

Behind me, Hayden's voice rang out again, "I'm giving it to my girlfriend."

Chapter 64 Chapter 64 I thought, 'Girlfriend? A few days ago, he was on a blind date with me and talking about marriage. And now he already has a girlfriend?' Thinking about how he wanted to marry me right away, It seemed he was desperate for a woman. Since ! rejected him, he immediately found someone else. Maybe it was for the best. Now I could face him without any worries.

I tossed the takeaway box into the trash and waited off to the side.

Demi showed up in under two minutes, still holding her half-eaten chicken chop. She'd lost her appetite because the guy she liked was already taken.

Demi sighed as she walked over. "All the good guys are always taken. No chance to even have a little fun."

I laughed at her. "Demi, good thing your mom had you as a girl. If you were a guy, you'd be such a playboy."

Just as I said that, Hayden walked over. He was rocking a black T-shirt, cargo pants, and ankle boots, standing tall and radiating serious hotness. "He's so hot!" Demi sighed. "Keira, look at those muscles. Imagine being swept off your feet by him."

I flicked her on the forehead. "Quit fantasizing "What kind of girl would be a match for such a perfect guy? I'm seriously curious, Demi said, still mesmerized by Hayden's rugged charm.

"I don't know. You can ask him," I said, starting to walk toward Hayden.

No matter what, Hayden was from the lighting supplier's side and in charge of the entire setup now. As the RiverwaveCorp rep, I had to cater to him. If he messed up, I'd be the one facing the fallout. Demi quickly followed me. When we were just a step away from Hayden, she whispered, "Keira, even if I can't mess around with him, it's nice to just get close and smell him."

I was at a loss for words.

Demi had been working with me for two years, and I never knew she was so lustful, almost to the point of having no boundaries.

Hayden, Eugene, and I arrived at the site. Since Eugene had already sent him an email detailing the issues, Hayden immediately started working on the adjustments. The process went smoothly, and he quickly got the first set of lights adjusted.

"Awesome! As expected from a top lighting engineer," Demi clapped her hands, looking like a fangirl.

Hayden, however, walked over to me. "Where's your power distribution room?"

"Huh?" I was confused.

These lights are greatly affected by the current. I need to check your wiring. It would be best to have the electrician responsible for this area come over," Hayden explained 12 Chapter 64 After hearing him out, I didn't ask any more questions. called the electrician and told him to meet us in the power distribution room.

Demi was taken by Eugene to the next problematic spot, while I led Hayden to the power distribution room. We walked in silence, and the vibe was super awkward and tense.

Finally, I broke the silence. "Aren't you a taxi driver?"

"Yeah, that's a side gig," he answered casually.

Macy had mentioned he was really capable, and now I could see it.

"He's a lighting engineer with a decent salary, yet he still does side jobs. Besides being capable, there must be another reason: he needs money. Otherwise, he wouldn't be renting a room at Macy's.' Thinking about this, I glanced at his clothes. They were ordinary, but on him, they looked sharp and had a certain texture.

They say clothes make the man, but Hayden seemed to make even basic clothes look stylish.

"Is there something wrong with me? Hayden's question snapped me back to reality.

"No, I denied. Then, thinking about Demi's interest in him, I couldn't help but add, "Just don't let anyone know we know each other."

"Why? Is our acquaintance something to be ashamed of?" His question left me totally speechless.

Chapter 65 I turned my head and met his eyes, feeling unexpectedly guilty for a moment.

I looked away and took a step forward, "It's not that. I just don't want others to overthink it."

"Oh." His response left me unsure of his feelings.

I didn't push it. We were adults, after all. We should understand boundaries and propriety. Plus, he didn't seem like the type to gossip The silence between Hayden and me grew awkward. Finally, I broke the ice again. "How long will it take to finish adjusting these lights?" "Hard to say," Hayden replied.

I felt exasperated. "We have twenty days," I reminded him, thinking about the promise I made to Jace.

Hayden glanced at me, and I half-expected him to say something, but all I got was a low "Mm."

'Does that mean he agrees?' I wondered.

With that topic wrapped up, there wasn't much left to say. I could've brought up Macy, but that'd only make things more awkward.

The rest of the walk was painfully silent. Each minute dragged, and I even started sweating a bit. Ugh, I felt so pathetic.

It confused me. 'Why can I face Jace, my ex-fiancé, without breaking a sweat, but feel so uneasy around Hayden, who wasn't even a successful blind date?' Finally, we made it to the power distribution room. The electrician was already there, waiting. After a quick intro, he led Hayden to check out the amusement park's electrical diagrams Once they were done, I asked, "So, any problems?"

"No," he replied.

That left me feeling a bit deflated. We'd spent all this time checking things. If Hayden wanted to inspect the power supply, it meant he'd noticed something affecting the lighting.

I was getting confused. Hayden turned to the electrician. "Let's check the power distribution room."

The electrician didn't hesitate and led the way. Hayden followed closely, inspecting everything quietly, while I tagged along, understanding nothing.

At times, I even doubted if Hayden knew what he was doing. But remembering his expertise as a lighting engineer, I brushed it off.

Is this line not 220V? Which equipment is it powering? Hayden asked.

The electrician glanced at the generator's label. "It's for the amusement park's large equipment."

"I need the names of the devices this power is supplying, their locations, and the lighting setup," Hayden said, looking at me.

Chapter 65 I nodded. "I'll have Demi bring it over."

I quickly made a call. As I hung up, Hayden was deep in discussion with the electrician about another power supply issue. His clear eyes and rugged features gave him that tough, cool vibe, especially in his work gear. I was so lost in thought that I didn't even notice Hayden calling me. "Come here."

Not sure what he wanted, I rushed over.

Of course, I didn't see a piece of equipment sticking out and slammed right into it. Pain shot through me, and I lost my balance, stumbling forward.

The electrician closest to me tried to catch me, but Hayden was faster. He blocked the electrician and caught me around the waist.

His grip was strong and firm, making my waist feel even smaller in his hold.

Just then, footsteps approached the door. "Keira, I brought-"Demi began, then stopped mid-sentence, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.

Chapter 66 Chapter 66 Demi asked, "Keira, did you fall on purpose just now?"

I couldn't believe she'd even ask that. My waist was still throbbing, and it was definitely gonna bruise. I felt like lifting my shirt to show her. Sure, I might be into Hayden, but I wasn't that desperate.

I shot her a glare, but she just kept going. "What did it feel like when he held you? Is his arm really strong? Did his embrace feel-"

"Demi Young!" I cut her off. "Do you ever think about anything serious, like, ever?"

Seeing I was genuinely upset, Demi stuck out her tongue and muttered something under her breath I couldn't catch.

I held my sore side and left the power distribution room. It hit me that Hayden had called me over but hadn't asked me anything, making me embarrass myself and get hurt in the process.

I decided I needed to keep my distance and stay clear-headed, treating him just like any other client. After all, what we had before was just a blind date, nothing more.

Demi handed the documents to Hayden and quicki, followed me out. She saw me standing by and said, " Keira, Mr. Hart wants us to go to the adjustment site first. He'll join us shortly."

I nodded, and just as Demi and I were about to leave, my phone rang It was Steve. "Keira, Where are you? Why'd you just leave me behind?"

I was taken aback. 'He's still here? Did he explore the whole amusement park?' "I thought you'd left," I admitted.

"I didn't. Where are you?"

I told him where we were fixing the lighting. He said he'd find us. It took him nearly an hour to get there.

"Were you lost?" I teased him.

Steve was playing with a ball from the ball pit, showing off his obsession with anything round.

"I've navigated mazes all over the world. This place isn't enough to get me lost," he replied. Besides snooker and pool, he loved solving mazes.

Jace had told me that Steve would explore every maze he could find, no matter where he was. He'd almost exhausted the known mazes and was planning to check out geological ones next. People have all sorts of hobbies,' I thought. 'Some like facing cars, some love birdwatching, and others are into exploring or collecting things..."

"No matter how confusing a maze is, there's always a way home," Steve said suddenly.

I paused, then got it.

He was telling me that getting lost wasn't a big deal as long as I knew where I wanted to end up.

He'd told me before to figure out what I wanted.

Chapter 66 I thought, He seems carefree, but he's actually pretty perceptive."

Most importantly, he cared about me. I finally got why he came here: to encourage me. Not to push me to forgive Jace and give him another shot, but to tell me to move on and look ahead. Feeling touched, I said, "Thanks."

Steve handed me the ball. "I'm heading out. If you need anything, just call. No matter what happens with Jace, I'm your friend." "Okay," I nodded, taking the ball.

A second later, I felt a light pressure on my head as he patted it. "You're such a good girl, you'll find more." someone who treasures un With that, he left.

Holding the ball he'd played with, still warm from his hand, I watched him leave, feeling bittersweet.

I thought breaking up with Jace would mean losing a lot, but it wasn't like that. Some relationships and 't have to end because of that person. feelings might begin because of someone, but they d

Chapter 67 "Ms. Kay," Hayden's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I turned around quickly, realizing he was standing there with Demi and the electrician.

Is it just me, or does Hayden look kinda cold?' I couldn't help but wonder if something had gone wrong. Did you find any problems?" I asked.

"The electrician is already fixing them," he replied, his tone icy.

"Oh," I said, feeling a bit lost.

Before I could ask what was next, he added, "We're not adjusting the lights today."

"Huh?" I was caught off guard.

The electrician chimed in, "There's a voltage issue in the wiring that needs to be fixed."

I frowned. "How long will that take?"

"We should be done today."

I sighed in relief, worried it might drag on for days.

"Do you need anything else from me?" I asked Hayden "No."

I frowned slightly, but Demi spoke up before I could. "So, we don't need to stick around? We can finish early?"

"Yeah, you guys can go take care of other stuff. If anything comes up, we'll let you know," Hayden said, catching me off guard.

I thought he'd make us work late, but instead, we got a break.

Before I could say anything, Hayden and the electrician walked away.

Demi leaned in and whispered, "Keira, looks like you're quite the catch since you dumped Mr. Johnston."

"What?" I didn't get what she meant.

"First, Mr. Hart holds you, and then a hottie gives you a head pat. You're on fire in the romance department," Demi said, making me roll my eyes.

"Enough. This is the last time. From now on, any non-work-related chatter during work hours will cost you a 10% bonus deduction," I said, pulling out my ace card. Otherwise, any interaction between Hayden and me would become Demi's endless gossip fodder.

Demi immediately covered her mouth, giving me a desperate look.

Even though Hayden told us to head back, I couldn't leave just yet. Even if the lights weren't being adjusted, any little issue could screw up the whole setup.

I headed to the amusement park's command office, plopped down, and started reviewing the lighting Chapter 67 diagrams and issues. I even re-watched the aerial footage from the past few days.

I stuck around until Hayden and his team wrapped up, then we all made our way back to the hotel together. "Demi, did you arrange a room for Mr. Hart?" I asked.

"Yep, he just needs to check in with his ID, Demi said, gesturing for Hayden to hand it over so she could handle it.

"I'll do it myself," Hayden said, heading to the front desk.

Demi watched him walk away. "He's so handsome and aloof. His charm just keeps going up."

She glanced at me and quickly added, "Keira, it's after work hours now."

Admiring someone was a personal matter, and I had no right to comment on her feelings, "Let's head upstairs," I said, moving toward the elevator.

Just then, Hayden called out, "Ms. Kay, which room are you in?"

I was puzzled. 'Huh?"

Before I could respond, Demi blurted out, "306!"

Hayden turned to the receptionist right away. "Can I get a room either opposite or next to 306, please?"

I was speechless.

Demi's eyes went wide. "K-K-Keira..."

I pulled her aside, trying to keep her calm. I stayed put, planning to ask Hayden why he wanted to be so close to my room.

Chapter 68 Hayden walked up, looking cool and collected. "Let's go."

"Huh? Is he not going to explain why he wanted to stay so close to us? I wondered but felt too awkward to ask.

"Mr. Hart, why do you want to stay so close to us?" Demi, always quick to speak, asked for me.

Hayden pressed the elevator button. I caught a glimpse of his room key card: 308, right next to mine.

"For convenience," he said, just two words.

'Convenience for what? I thought, my mind racing with possibilities.

Demi looked just as confused. She turned to Hayden. "What do you mean by convenience?"

I wanted to shake some sense into her. "Is she really that curious? Does she have to dig into everything?"

The elevator walls were polished, reflecting our images, I watched Hayden in the mirror, and he looked up, meeting my gaze.

Our eyes locked for a moment before he quickly looked away and answered Demi, 'Convenience for everything."

Both Demi and I were at a loss for words.

Finally, Demi stopped talking and just tugged on my sleeve.

She looked like a little fox caught by an experienced hunter.

The elevator reached the third floor quickly. We stepped out and headed to our rooms. As we went in, Demi cheerfully called out to Hayden, "Mr. Hart, if you need anything, just let me know." "Mm," Hayden replied, opening his door and going in.

Once we got inside our room, Demi slid up next to me. "Keira, what's Mr. Hart's deal with being so close? Does he have some ulterior motive? Could he be pretending to be a gentleman but actually be a creep?" It was unusual for her to have a cautious thought like that, usually being so easily smitten.

While it might keep her from falling head over heels, I worried it could mess with her work. I-tried to calm her down. "He's not like that!"

Demi blinked. "How do you know?"

Realizing I spoke too fast, I decided to keep my mouth shut around Demi to avoid any more drama. "Just a hunch. I could be wrong. Why don't you test him yourself?"

Demi's eyes lit up. "Really? I'd love to-"

I had just reached the couch and grabbed a pillow, which I promptly threw at her.

Demi yelped, and I headed to my room. After putting down my luggage, I went straight to the bathroom.

I undressed and stepped into the shower. After a few moments, I remembered something and glanced down at my waist. Sure enough, there was a bruise, standing out against my fair skin. Chapter 68 I gently touched it, and a quick image of Hayden holding me flashed through my mind.

I quickly shook off the thought and closed my eyes, trying not to think about it.

While I was still showering, Demi called out, "Keira, your phone is ringing."

I turned off the water. "Who is it?"

"I don't know. It's an unlisted number."

I frowned. "Ignore it. It could be a wrong number."

Any important contacts, whether clients, friends, or even the Johnstons-including Jace-would be saved in my phone.

"Oh," Demi responded, then asked, "Keira, how sweet do you want your lemon water?"

"Just a little," I said, turning the water back on.

By the time I finished showering and came out, twenty minutes had passed, and Demi was now in the bathroom.

Drying my hair, I glanced at my phone and saw the number was from Chiverton. My first thought was Macy.

'Could she be calling because she missed me or had some news?

I called back, and after a few rings, it connected. 'Hello, who's this? I asked.

"It's me. Come over," Hayden's voice replied, surprising me. I realized I should have thought it might be him.

"Something happened?" I asked.

Chapter 69 "Mmm.

With that, he hung up the phone.

Since he was the expert in lighting adjustments, someone who could affect the amusement park project, I couldn't afford to offend him.

I quickly wrapped a jacket over my pajamas and went to knock on his door. Hayden opened it, his gaze falling on my still-wet hair, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "Does it still hurt?" he asked.

I was momentarily confused. "Huh?"

His eyes shifted down to my waist, and I understood.

For some reason, my heart skipped a beat. "Oh, it's fine.

"Wait a sec," he said before turning away, leaving me tanding at the door.

Looking into his room, I noticed his laptop on the table. It seemed he'd jumped straight into work after getting back while I was in the shower.

'Not bad. His dedication is impressive.

Hayden came back, his tall frame filling the doorway. I glanced at him. He was still in the same clothes, but now his T-shirt was tucked into his pants, making his legs look even longer. He looked like he could be a runway model.

With his looks, it was no wonder Demi was head over heels. People were just drawn to hot guys.

"Put this on when you get back. It's good for blood circulation and healing bruises," Hayden said, handing me a small jar of ointment.

I took it. "Thanks."

"If it starts hurting more, go see a doctor," he added.

'First the ointment, now this-is he actually worried about me?"

Just as I was thinking that, he continued, "Once we start working officially, I don't want anyone's health slowing us down."

I was taken aback. 'So it isn't concern-just a professional precaution to keep things on track.' I smiled wryly at my own misplaced sentiment. "Don't worry, I want to finish this project on time more than you do."

This way, Lwouldn't have to interact with him as much and could also complete the project and keep my distance from Jace.

"Thanks," I said, shaking the ointment before turning to leave.

Back in my room, I tossed the ointment onto the bed and sighed. For some reason, I felt a strange, heavy Chapter 60 weight in my chest.

Demi finished her shower and, wrapped in a bathrobe, jumped onto the bed like she was diving into water. But she immediately cried out, "Ouch! What is this? It hurt!" She pi picked up the ointment jar and examined it. "Where did this come from? Keira, Is it yours?"

"Who else?" I reached out to take it back.

"Why did you bring this? Are you hurt?" Demi's question made me want to laugh.

"Hasn't she seen me get hurt?"

But it seemed her attention was entirely on the moment Hayden caught me, not the actual injury.

'And Hayden giving me the ointment means he knew I was hurt."

My mind spun with confusion. I closed my eyes, trying to shut it all out, and then flopped onto my bed, grabbing my phone.

I had a ton of unread messages, both in group chats and private.

Lena: [What are you up to?] Wayne: [When do you have time to show me this city that could get me lost?] Jace: [This message was deleted] I stared at the notification, wondering what Jace had retracted.

'Did he send it by mistake? Regret it? Or was it something he said in anger?

My mind raced before I closed it and opened Lena's chat to reply.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a friend request.

I opened it to see a profile picture of a ginkgo leaf and the name: Hayden.

Chapter 70 Chapter 70 There was no surprise in Hayden adding me on social media.

Given our collaboration, we'd need to communicate a lot, and adding each other would make things easier, But I didn't accept his friend request right away. Instead, I replied to Lena's message, but she didn't respond-probably busy again.

Next, I opened Wayne's message, thought for a moment, and replied: [I've been busy with the amusement park project. I'll show you around once I'm free.] I added another word: [Sorry.] Wayne responded quickly: [No worries. Just make sure to take care of yourself.] I was about to reply with a simple 'okay' when another message from Wayne came through; [I'll wait for you] Those four words made my drafted 'okay hard to send, so instead, I replied: [Are you staying here while?] Wayne: [Yes, I'm not leaving anytime soon.] That line was unexpected.

After a few seconds, I replied: [Your parents must be happy.] Wayne's status showed he was typing, but no new message came through..

I didn't wait around. Instead, I opened my email to check for any work-related stuff.

It was my habit to handle emails daily, but with most tasks delegated, my inbox was empty.

Seeing the "Inbox Zero" message left me feeling oddly empty.

for Demi walked over then, holding her phone in front of me. "Keira, have you seen this show? I'm obsessed. The chemistry between the leads is fire."

I glanced at her screen. The lead actors were some of my favorites, and the scene looked interesting. The heroine had turned into a chicken and was throwing a fit at the teasing hero.

I set my phone aside and started watching the show with Demi, but the allure of the series lost to sleep. When I woke up, it was already early morning.

I was up at five as usual, thanks to my internal clock. Demi, sprawled out like a starfish, had her nightgown bunched up around her thighs, showing off her lacy underwear.

I pulled a blanket over her, grabbed my phone, and saw a few messages.

Lena had replied, and there was one unread message from Wayne: [What about you?] It took me a second to realize he was asking if I was happy about his staying.

"What does that have to do with me? Whether he stays home or goes abroad is none of my business. Why Chapter 70 is he asking?' His question felt weird, especially since we I left him on read.

were grownups now, so Setting my phone aside, I got ready and went to the window with a glass of water. Outside, a thin fog had settled. It wasn't thick, barely affecting the visibility of the surroundings.

As I finished my water and prepared to stretch, a figure caught my eye. With long strides, who else could it be but Hayden?

Despite leaving the military, he still had that perfect posture and discipline, always keeping up with his running routine. He was the definition of a self-disciplined modern guy.

I suddenly remembered I hadn't accepted Hayden's friend request. I grabbed my phone and accepted it, then started my morning stretches.

While changing clothes, I applied the ointment Hayden had given me. No point in making things harder for myself.

As I got ready to head downstairs for breakfast before going to the amusement park, I got a DM from Hayden: [Did you get a boyfriend?] I was taken aback. Did he send me a friend request just to ask this?