Hayden paused and then chuckled, picking up a hint from Wyneth's words. "You don't want to see me today? So, you usually want to see me?"Sighing, Wyneth replied, "Don't flatter yourself. If it were up to me, I'd avoid seeing you every day. Can you do that?"Hayden replied, "Nope.""I really don't want to see you today, so just stay away from the set."'He can do what he wants. If he stays away from the set, he'll have time to work and rest.' Wyneth pondered, 'Maybe one day won't be enough.' So she said, "Actually, don't show up tomorrow or the day after either.""Huh?" Hayden looked taken aback. He had thought she was only talking about today. His expression turned gloomy. "You really don't want to see me that much?"The mood around the breakfast table became noticeably tenser. When Yoyo returned, she sensed the tension and sat down quietly, avoiding any conversation.Wyneth was surprised that her offhand remark upset Hayden so much. Hayden, confused, wondered what he did to up
Wyneth, baffled by Hayden's stubbornness, thought, 'Why is he here if he's sick? If something goes wrong, it's his own fault.' Annoyed, she turned around to start filming.Maybe because of Hayden, Wyneth was not performing at her best today. She felt the emotion, but it did not come through in her acting. Once could be overlooked, but by the third time, she realized it was not just a coincidence.Kevin, knowing she was Bruce's sister and that Hayden cared deeply for her, was patient even when she made errors. She had always been an outstanding actress, so her sudden dip in performance indicated something else might be wrong. In a concerned voice, he asked, "Hey Wyneth, what's going on today? You seem a little off. Need a break?""Sure," Wyneth replied. "Sorry, I need a break for this scene.""No problem. Rest up. We'll film other parts first."As Wyneth took a moment, her assistant Yara gave her a water bottle. Yoyo approached her."Hey, what's up? Did something happen with Mr. H
Dexter dared not voice his suspicion aloud. "Call me if you need anything," he said."Okay," Hayden replied."Don't push yourself too hard.""I got it. You can go now."Hayden closed his eyes, a cold sweat forming on his forehead. He looked exhausted. Seeing this, Dexter chose not to press further and turned to leave.On her break, Wyneth overheard talk about Hayden's assistant, Dexter, visiting and heading into an office with him. While others did not think much of it, Wyneth felt uneasy. Especially since lately, Dexter's visits had been brief, just a quick chat outside. But today was different, with them both going into the office. Knowing Hayden had not been feeling well, Wyneth grew curious. She caught sight of Dexter sneaking around, which only raised her suspicions. So she approached him, and Dexter looked startled to see her.He stammered, "M-Ms. Walford?"Wyneth eyed him suspiciously. "What are you up to?"Remembering Hayden's warning to keep his illness a secret, Dexte
Upon hearing Dexter, Wyneth's heart sank. 'He must be really sick,' she thought."Ms. Walford," Dexter began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I kept quiet earlier because Mr. Hamilton wanted me to." He felt guilty about his previous act, realizing she had seen through it. 'Was my acting that terrible? Did I actually think I could fool her?'Seeing Wyneth's uncertainty, Dexter hurried to clarify, "Lately, Mr. Hamilton has been spending more time on set and falling behind on his company work. He's scrambling during breaks, even skipping meals. Before his car accident, he could handle such stress. But now? His health isn't as solid, and I'm worried about him."Wyneth had a hunch about all this. After his accident and coma, his health took a hit. Especially since he jumped right back into work."Ms. Walford," Dexter said quickly, "I'm not pointing fingers. Mr. Hamilton asked me not to say anything, but I felt you should be in the loop. Whatever you think is your call." He finished, scra
As Wyneth finished her scene, her assistant handed her a coat. Slipping it on, she caught snippets of a whispered conversation nearby."Hey, where's Mr. Hamilton today? Doesn't he usually watch Wyneth's scenes?""He went into his office with his assistant earlier and hasn't been out since. He must be busy with something, but he's still on set.""It's strange, though. Almost an hour has passed, and he hasn't made an appearance."Wyneth paused as she buttoned her coat, realizing she had not noticed Hayden's absence while filming her scene. 'Why? Did he leave quietly or is he not feeling well enough to walk?' She walked out, hiding her concern. The murmurs grew louder once she left. Originally planning to go to the makeup room, her concern for Hayden shifted her path. She paused outside his office, then knocked.She had already decided on her approach: first, she would check how he was doing. If he seemed alright, she would ask him to leave. But if he appeared unwell, she would urge
Wyneth and Hayden exchanged glances. "I can't carry you to the hospital," Wyneth said.Hayden mustered a weak smile. "I can walk."She hesitated, clearly seeing he was not alright but said, "Fine."As they prepared to leave, Wyneth handed him a coat, hoping Hayden would wear it. He fumbled with it, so after a moment, Wyneth helped him.'He's this sick and refuses an ambulance?' she wondered, then asked aloud, "How will you manage to walk out like this? If you pass out, we'll end up calling an ambulance, and that would be even more noticeable outside.""I'm good," Hayden replied with a weak look. "If you're really worried, you can help me walk.""Whatever you want," Wyneth said, grabbing the car keys from the table. "Let's go. You can manage."She opened the door. Hayden stood and, despite his weakness, followed her. He was tall, and even though his sickness made his steps uncertain, he stayed close to Wyneth. Wanting to avoid attention, she chose a less-traveled path. She sped u
Wyneth said, "Hang in there a little longer. Once we find the doctor, you can take a break." Then, unsure if Hayden had caught her words, she asked, "Did you hear me?"Hayden gave a soft chuckle. "Yep." Rising to his feet after their brief rest, he felt much better. Though he took some support from Wyneth, it was not much. She braced herself, ready to help."You can lean on me more if you need to," Wyneth offered.Hayden smirked. "I'm not sure you'd manage if I leaned in completely."Wyneth thought she heard a flirty tone in what was a simple comment. She gave him a questioning look. But seeing Hayden's drooping eyes and gaunt face—even with his mask on—she realized how sick he was. He looked really tired, so she doubted he meant to flirt. Shrugging it off, Wyneth continued to help him.Despite their masks, the pair could not hide their striking looks and got many curious glances. Wyneth kept her head low, hoping to avoid recognition. In a crowded spot, Hayden opened his coat wide
Wyneth walked forward, leaning slightly on Hayden. As they moved through the bustling hospital, many eyes were drawn to them. Despite wearing a mask, Hayden's handsome features made him stand out. Some, recognizing him, discreetly snapped pictures. Onlookers also noticed a woman tucked inside Hayden's coat with only the hem of a theatrical costume peeking out. Her face, however, remained hidden.'Stage costume? Is she an actress too?'"Are we there yet?" Wyneth, feeling like she had been under Hayden's coat forever without seeing their path, asked, "Why is it taking so long? You sure you know where we're going?"Hayden smiled slightly. "Yeah, we're almost there.""Oh." Wyneth just kept pace with him.It seemed like an eternity before Wyneth heard Hayden say, "We're here."'We're here?' She cautiously peeked from the coat. Everything was silent around them; it looked like they were alone. Hayden quietly watched her as she took in the surroundings. When their eyes locked, she notic
"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