"Let go."Distracted, Hayden did not respond right away to Wyneth's gesture for him to let go. He gazed at her, his eyes shadowed with exhaustion."I won't."Wyneth's eyes flashed with impatience. "If you don't let go, I'm going back to the set." Not waiting for a response, she added, "You know what was said earlier. I'm not a doctor. Staying here won't help you."Hayden gave Simeon a resentful look. Caught off guard, Simeon rubbed his chin, trying to decipher the sudden tension. After a moment of hesitation, Hayden finally released his grip."Fine, you two can exchange numbers," Hayden conceded.Wyneth and Simeon quickly shared their contact info. Once they had exchanged numbers, Simeon asked with a grin, "Wyn, are you working at Hayden's company now?""No," Wyneth replied, shaking her head. "I'm not involved with his company."Hayden fixed his gaze on her, a hint of earnestness in his eyes. "Didn't you once ask for my company? I was ready to hand it over."She raised an eyeb
"Let's not bring up the past," Wyneth said.Noticing the change in Wyneth's expression, Simeon quickly glanced at Hayden, catching his furious look. Understanding that he might be going too far with his jokes, Simeon said, "I just remembered there's some urgent work I need to take care of. Can you stay with Hayden for an hour? I promise I'll be back as soon as I finish."Wyneth's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I thought you mentioned someone else was taking over for you?""Yeah, someone's covering my shift, but there's a patient with a unique situation. I'd really feel better checking on them myself.""Really?""You don't believe me?" Simeon said, holding up his hands. "Why don't you come with me? We can have a nurse stay with Hayden. But nurses can't always be around; they're busy." With a grin, Simeon thought, 'Didn't I make it obvious enough for her?'Wyneth gave him a quick look, then sighed. "Fine, I'll stay here, but hurry back.""Sure thing. I'm heading out." As he moved to
'Nervous?' Wyneth looked at Hayden, trying to grasp what he meant. "Who's nervous?" she shot back, her tone sharp. Pulling her hand away, her face became stern. "I'm here because you're sick, covering for Simo. But when he returns, I'm out of here."Wyneth tried to center herself. 'I can't believe I panicked like that. It took Hayden pointing it out for me to even notice.' She knew she could not go back to how things were before. The last three years had deeply affected her. Just seeing Hayden in bed brought back fears of him not waking up, trapping her in a cycle of endless waiting and dwindling hope. She dreaded those moments, especially when she was alone in the hospital room. Thankfully, she had now snapped out of it.Hayden noticed her reaction to his words. He pressed his lips together as the room returned to silence. Deep sadness settled in Hayden's heart. Though he had hoped his illness would gain her sympathy, receiving it did not lift his spirits. The gap between them seeme
Hayden: [How do I act all pitiful?]Simeon: [You seriously don't know? Man, how have you been getting by? I guess you're just so tough. Most people would complain when they're sick, but not you. Maybe try showing a little more discomfort.]Hayden: [...]Simeon: [Want me to guide you through it? But there's a price for lessons.]Hayden quickly sent Simeon some money after seeing the message. Simeon was merely poking fun at Hayden. Throughout their history, he had never witnessed Hayden get into such a predicament, especially not the same one twice. Simeon thought it would be an entertaining story to mention in the future. But he was taken aback when he saw that Hayden had actually paid him, and it was a hefty sum. As he was still processing this, another message from Hayden popped up.Hayden: [Alright, show me how it's done.]Simeon: [Man, you really are loaded, huh?]Among their college buddies, Hayden was the one who had really made it big. Simeon quickly pocketed the money, te
Hayden was covered with three large blankets, which felt really heavy. Wyneth removed the top one, but Hayden quickly said he was still cold. So, she turned up the room's heater. With all the adjustments and the rising warmth, she began to feel hot. She was only wearing her stage outfit, which did not have many layers, so she could not take anything off to cool down. Instead, she fanned her face while standing next to the bed."Still cold? If so, I might need to call a doctor."Hayden took a moment. "I'm better now.""Good to hear."Wyneth started to walk away. From his bed, Hayden watched her, feeling disappointed. 'Why isn't this working?' Hayden texted Simeon about what was happening.Simeon texted back: [Man, Wyn seems a bit out of the loop. If you keep saying you're cold, shouldn't she be snuggling up to you for warmth?]Hayden: [You think with where we're at right now, she'd do that?]Simeon: [Fair point. Guess acting chilly isn't doing the trick.] After a moment, Simeon a
'Hmm, point for Simeon,' Hayden thought. "I'm cold. I don't want to sleep." Putting on an act, he said in a raspy voice while shivering, "My throat hurts. Can't I have just a little sip?"Wyneth sighed. "Can't you hold out for a few hours?" Seeing how frail Hayden looked, she said, "Fine, I'll ask Simo."'There's that name again!' Hayden's mood soured. After she texted, he asked, "Why do you call him Simo?"Wyneth replied nonchalantly, "It's just a nickname I've always used for him."Hayden sensed an underlying familiarity in her tone. Before he could delve into it, Wyneth continued, "Simo texted me back; he said you can't drink."Observing Wyneth closely, everything about her seemed delicate — even her hair strands. As she conveyed Simeon's message, her lips moved gracefully. With a raspy voice, Hayden responded, "But my lips are so dry."Wyneth took a closer look at Hayden's lips, just wanting to check since he was sick. But for Hayden, it felt special. When she looked into his
The room echoed as half a cup of water splashed onto Hayden's clothes. Both Wyneth and Hayden were left speechless. Glancing down at his soaked shirt and then up to Wyneth, Hayden said, "Sorry, my hand slipped."Wyneth briefly thought Hayden might have spilled the water on purpose. But after his apology, she figured his shakiness was genuine, given his sickness and lack of food. Not wanting to fuss at a sick person, she said, "It's okay," then retrieved a new set of hospital gowns for him."Change into this."Hayden eyed the gown briefly before accepting it. "Thanks." As Wyneth turned to leave, Hayden's voice strained. "Where are you going?"Wyneth paused, catching his anxiety. "You're changing, right? I'll step out and be back shortly."Hayden relaxed a bit, realizing she was not departing permanently. "No need to leave. You can stay."Wyneth spun around, surprised. "You want me to watch you change?""What's the big deal?" Hayden responded, smirking. "You've seen me before, hav
Wyneth simply turned and took a seat on the couch.Hayden sighed. 'She's really mad, ignoring me like that. I acted this way hoping she'd notice.' If Wyneth would not help him change, he was not going to move from the bed. Even though his clothes were damp, the room felt warm. Earlier, he was hot under the blankets, but now he was not cold. Despite feeling sick, cold never bothered Hayden much.The room was silent. Wyneth checked her phone, straining her ears for any sound from Hayden. But she heard nothing. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion. 'Why isn't he changing? He said he was cold.' She could not shake the feeling that Hayden might be playing some kind of game. 'Does he really not have the strength to change?'After a while, with no sign of movement from Hayden, Wyneth thought, 'He's really good at this waiting game.' Glancing his way, she saw him slumped over, his complexion pale and his lips dry. He looked like he had no energy left. Wyneth hesitated, wondering, 'Maybe
"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