Wyneth thought, 'Doesn't he think it's strange?' She frowned and waited to see if Hayden would stop touching her braids. When Wyneth stayed quiet, Hayden just kept playing with her braids like they were super cool. Wyneth had enough and quickly moved her head away.Hayden paused, realizing his mistake. "Go join the fun outside. I've got this," he said.Wyneth nodded, feeling steadier. She felt weird around Hayden because of her braids and quickly left the makeup room.As she walked out, the guy shouted, "I really like you, Wyneth! I've liked you since the first time I saw you. Give me a chance... Ouch!"Wyneth paused, hearing a sound like something broke. She thought about her braids and decided to hurry away instead of looking back.Outside, the barbecue party was way more fun than the stuffy makeup room. When Hayden was not there, everyone was having a blast. Yoyo was at their usual spot, waiting for Wyneth and eating from a big plate filled with meat skewers. The other actresse
Yoyo chuckled. "What do you think?""You don't believe me, so I won't explain."Yoyo gave her a look. "So, you and him...""Just eat. Sometimes, knowing too much isn't a good thing."Yoyo wanted to know more, but she understood Wyneth's hint. 'Right, that's Hayden. How would knowing more about him help me?' Still, Yoyo was super curious. She leaned closer to Wyneth and asked, "Can you tell me just a little?"Wyneth stayed silent.Seeing this, Yoyo gave her the puppy-dog eyes. But before Wyneth could respond, the entire place hushed down. Wyneth instantly knew who must have shown up. She whispered to Yoyo, "I could tell you, but honestly, I don't have much to say. If you're that curious, why not ask him yourself?"Yoyo thought she had convinced Wyneth. But when Wyneth finished, Yoyo's face went white. "Hmph, you want me to ask him? You're setting me up for trouble."Wyneth smiled. "Why is that?"Yoyo was about to say something when her eyes got big. She whispered to Wyneth, "Lo
Hayden sat down next to Kevin. As he did, Kevin stopped gulping down his drinks so fast. After Hayden said something quietly to him, Kevin's face quickly turned upset and kind of mad."Why does Kevin look so mad? Did Mr. Hamilton say something to make him upset?" someone asked out loud.As soon as he said that, a bunch of people looked at him. "Are you crazy?" someone else snapped back. "This whole thing is run by StarCrest Entertainment. Kevin wouldn't risk making Mr. Hamilton mad. That'd be like messing up a good thing for himself.""Yeah, you're right... I just wasn't thinking straight.""But why is Kevin mad?"No one knew the answer. But when the cops suddenly arrived, everyone sensed something was off. Kevin quickly stood up to talk to them, while Hayden stayed seated, glancing at Wyneth as if he had a question."Did I see that right? Mr. Hamilton is looking your way, and he kinda looks... sorry or something," Yoyo whispered to Wyneth.Wyneth just rolled her eyes inside, th
People nearby heard their conversation. Wyneth held out the jacket, but Hayden did not take it. Instead, he just looked at her with serious eyes. The air felt tense.Hayden understood Wyneth's hint. She wanted to stay away from him. He knew he should let her because he made a mistake. He wanted to say something, but the words just got stuck. Finally, all he managed to ask was, "You really gonna keep score with me?"Hearing that, Wyneth paused. And she was not the only one. Everyone around them stared with big eyes, looking like they just heard a huge secret. Before this, with how distant Wyneth acted, everyone thought they got the story all wrong.Wyneth gave a fake smile and looked at Hayden as if to say, "Done with your drama?" But Hayden acted like he did not notice. Instead of looking back at her, he said, "I didn't want a thank you. Don't like the jacket? Just throw it away." He sounded a little hurt at the end.Wyneth said, "What?"Everyone around them stared with wide eyes.
"I've told you before. Except when we pretend around your grandma and grandpa, we're like strangers. You haven't forgotten, have you?"She asked him, and Hayden replied, "Haven't.""Haven't?" She sounded surprised. "Then why?"Hayden looked at her. "Things have changed."Wyneth stopped for a moment. Then she got it and laughed with a tease. "You mean when we were little?" Hayden did not say anything, but his face said he agreed. "If you mean those times, don't worry. We were just kids, and I don't remember much."When Hayden heard her, he looked surprised. "You forgot?" Wyneth did not answer. Hayden laughed a little. "If you forgot, why did you marry me later? Don't tell me you felt bad seeing someone really sick, thinking 'he's so unlucky', and chose to marry him out of pity. You even cared for him for three years and said you'd leave without taking anything if you split up?" With every word, Hayden moved closer to Wyneth. Soon, he was right in front of her, making her feel surro
Wyneth chuckled, sounding sarcastic. "Surprise? Really? Man, you're funny. If I didn't remember what you said back when we were little, I would've believed you."Years ago, when her parents split up, she always went to him, not worrying about grown-up stuff. She knew when her mother made up her mind, no one could change it. After all the papers were done, Wyneth went to live with her mother. Her mother did not take any of her six brothers, only Wyneth. Her father was okay with it.Soon, her mother wanted to move.When Wyneth learned she was moving and would not be able to see Hayden, she felt sad. Her mother said, "I get why you're sad. But he told me he won't see you anymore." Wyneth really did not want to believe what her mother had said. Her mother told her, "If you don't believe me, you can call him yourself." At first, Wyneth did not believe it, but her mother looked so sure. Wyneth felt scared and only wanted to cry. That night, she finally called him. She thought since it was
Hayden looked at Wyneth. "Admit what? That I didn't want to see you because I was annoyed?" Before she could reply, Hayden said, "Remember when I bought you a birthday cake? Or when we tried all the cool places to eat near school? I skipped going to the library just to spend time with you. We've been to every food place near school. I was thinking we could go somewhere new next time. And you think I was annoyed? You really are an ungrateful little girl."Wyneth was stunned by Hayden's words. She had known him for a long time, and even when they were younger, Hayden was always quiet. She used to think he was a bit cold, but he would take her out for tasty treats. She remembered him as someone cool who did not talk much. It surprised her when he spoke up like that, but what shocked her the most was when he called her an "ungrateful little girl".After Hayden spoke, Wyneth mostly forgot what he said, except for him calling her an "ungrateful little girl". She bit her lip, looking upset,
"What did you say?" Hayden asked."Well, everything you said was actually correct. I honestly can't find anything wrong with what you said and what you did. However, have you ever thought that we might end up losing contact and never seeing each other again in this lifetime?" said Wyneth.Hayden paused upon hearing that.Seeing the expression on his face, Wyneth paused."Am I right?"Hayden brought his brows closely together again."No, you're not."Wyneth was taken aback.Hayden asked, "How can you be so sure I haven't thought about that?"Wyneth replied, "Thought about it? So, you've thought about it and still chose to do it that way, am I right?"Hayden remained silent this time.Indeed, he had thought about it back then. He figured that Wyneth was still young and did not know a lot of things, but he was almost a grown man. He was confident that he could guide her in the right direction if they were to keep the relationship going.Just like her mother said, she did not f
"I heard," Hayden sighed, thinking she might tell him not to touch her."What do you think?" Wyneth asked."Me?" A small smile formed on Hayden's lips as he gently kissed her. "It's whatever you want."Wyneth's eyes sparkled. "So, you'll listen to me?"Hayden hesitated. "Except...""What?" Wyneth's tone shifted to annoyance. "You aren't backing out, right? You just said it's up to me.""It's not that I'm backing out," Hayden said, "I just have one condition. I'll listen to you any other time, but there's one thing I can't do.""What thing?" Wyneth asked.Hayden leaned in and whispered in her ear. Wyneth's face turned a shade of pink, and she pushed him away, gasping."You're such a creep!" she exclaimed.Hayden took her wrist, drawing her close and kissed her earlobe. "What's the matter? Isn't this okay for us? Don't you think so?" As he kissed her, he began to unbutton her collar. His voice was low and smooth. "Just listen to me this one time. For everything else, whatever y
On the ride home from the hotel, tears rolled down Wyneth's cheeks nonstop. This time, though, she was not alone by the car window. She was nestled in Hayden's arms. He wiped away each tear, comforting her all the way."Don't cry. It's just a mix-up, okay? He said he's fine and will be around for a long time," Hayden whispered.Despite his soothing words, Wyneth's tears did not cease. Seeing this, Hayden, filled with concern, gently asked, "Is this not what you wanted?"Confused, Wyneth looked up. "What are you talking about? I'm beyond happy he's alive."Hayden smiled, gently wiping her eyes. "Then why are you still crying?""I'm crying because..." Wyneth bit her lower lip, with Hector's words echoing in her mind.She had always been upset, believing her father had not wanted her years ago. But just as she was about to leave, Cindy pulled her aside. "Wyneth," her mother said gently, "your dad did want you. When I divorced him, I had just one demand.""What was it?""I wanted o
Everyone was silent. Just before entering the private dining room, Wyneth blurted out, "Is he really dying?" Hearing this, Andrew's steps halted. Before he could answer, she added, "How long does he have? Why didn't anyone say anything before?"Andrew sighed and turned around. "Is that why you're here?" Wyneth pursed her lips. A wave of uncertainty washed over Andrew. 'This mom and daughter,' he thought, 'they're here because they got it all wrong. Mom is acting differently toward Dad, too. She was all tough before, but now she's gone soft, probably thinks Dad is dying. And Dad? He's just laughing, like he's having a good time with all this mess.' Andrew hesitated, then said, "Let's talk inside." He chose to hold his words for now.Hayden and Wyneth walked into the private dining room. Cindy was passing dishes to Hector. As they entered, every pair of eyes turned their way. A divorced couple and six sons stared at Hayden. Used to the predictable world of leadership, Hayden now ventur
In the end, Wyneth decided to stay. She could see the honesty in Matilda's words and knew she was sincere. Recognizing Matilda as not her birth mother made Wyneth realize she should not hold her to the same expectations. With acceptance, she focused on building her future with Hayden, freeing herself from doubts and reservations.With Wyneth's decision to stay, Matilda's heart swelled with joy and immense honor. Realizing Wyneth's sincere intentions, not merely chasing the Hamilton family's wealth, transformed their relationship. Matilda's newfound warmth toward her was evident. Gifts, once withheld, now freely flowed into Wyneth's room. At auctions, Matilda eagerly bid on items for Wyneth. During jewelry store visits, Matilda generously bought her gifts, swiping her credit card without hesitation, and welcoming her nearly as a daughter.Wyneth received a call from her mother. Even after so many years, her mom, Cindy, was still bossy. "Your father isn't doing well. You should come to
Just at that moment, a knock sounded from outside."Sir, your mother is back," someone said.Hayden could feel the person in his arms stiffen, her body tensed. "Don't worry, I'm right here," he reassured her softly."Your mother heard that Ms. Walford is here. She wants to see her," the voice from outside continued.'Meet me?' Wyneth bit her lower lip lightly. 'Why does she want to see me? To insult me again?'"She hasn't eaten yet. She can meet her after eating," Hayden said, gently turning down the request for Wyneth. Outside, everything fell silent."Won't this offend your mom?" Wyneth's voice filled with concern as she asked.Hayden looked at Wyneth, pausing for a moment before speaking. "I know she's been mean to you," he said. Wyneth's eyes widened in surprise. "I'm sorry." He bent down and lightly kissed her forehead. "You've been treated unfairly." Seeing her blink, he added, "Let's eat first. After that, I'll go with you."Wyneth was a bit nervous, but not as anxious a
Hector was speechless as Cindy mistakenly thought he was ill. Seeing her worried face, he felt the misunderstanding might not be so terrible. He shared a look with Andrew. His eldest son caught on immediately, giving a subtle head shake. Understanding the signal not to mislead Cindy any further, Hector hesitated before gently asking, "Can I see her? Even just a glance?" It had been many years since he last saw his daughter up close, and she had not called him "Dad" in all that time.Cindy, lost in thought, stared at Hector before finally nodding as if admitting defeat. "Fine, I'll call her."Later, Wyneth fell asleep. Upon waking, she found herself on the large bed in Hayden's bedroom. She saw Hayden sitting at the sofa, busy with a computer.Hearing her movement, Hayden immediately got up and walked toward her. "Awake? Thirsty or hungry? Want something to eat first?"Having slept through lunch, Wyneth was hungry, so she nodded. "Sure."After Hayden left to give some instructions,
'He shifts moods so fast,' Wyneth thought as she stared at her unattended ringing phone.Observing her delay, Hayden asked, "What's going on?"In his mind, a thought flickered, 'She seems reluctant to take the call. Perhaps there's tension with her eldest brother?'"He's calling now; must be about him," Wyneth whispered."About your dad?"They had decided to be together, and Wyneth did not hide anything from him. "Yeah, my dad."Hayden did not utter a single word."I don't like him," Wyneth softly said, staring at her ringing phone. "Answer it for me and say I'm asleep," she whispered to Hayden as she cozied up to him. Without a word, Hayden picked up the phone and conveyed the message before ending the call.After ending the call, a curious Hector asked, "Well? Where is she?"Understanding the situation, Andrew said, "She didn't answer the phone; she's asleep."Despite hearing the words, Hector felt something was off. He sighed, "She really doesn't like me.""Don't worry, D
"Trouble recognizing faces? What do you mean?" Hector Spencer asked.Andrew sighed. "Dad, he's Wyneth's ex-husband."Hector's eyes widened in surprise. "He is? No wonder I didn't recognize him. I must've barely seen him before.""Is that what's bothering you?" Andrew asked."What else would it be?" Hector replied, still taken aback.Andrew sighed. His dad, Hector, was good at many things and never stayed mad at people. But there was one funny thing about him: he could never remember faces of people outside their family. "You don't mind?" Andrew asked.Smiling, Hector replied, "Mind what? She's told everyone, so she must be ready. I've never been the dad she favored. If I object now, won't she dislike me even more?"Andrew was left speechless by this. He had not expected Hector to have no objections. "Seems like someone doesn't need your approval."Changing the topic, Hector asked, "What about your mom? Is she back?" He had been living alone for many years.Andrew exhaled. "I t
Everyone rushed to check out Wyneth's Facebook and, sure enough, they saw her admitting to the relationship, along with a freshly taken selfie.At first, Wyneth only wanted to write a post. But after Hayden tasted the joy of going public with their relationship, he suggested taking a wefie for the official announcement. Feeling his excitement, Wyneth agreed. They posted the wefie on Facebook, captioned "Officially Together". Yet, Hayden was not done. He captured another photo, this time holding her hand, eager to share their love with the world.Since Hayden was not a celebrity or idol, he had no fan feelings to fret over. Eager to declare his love, he did not hold back. His photo captured his sharp features and dark, gem-like eyes that shone under the camera lights. The image showcased his palm holding Wyneth's fair, slender hand. Their contrasting hands highlighted his affection, radiating warmly from the photo.After the photo came out, everyone was shocked. This included fans, p