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
As he spoke, he leaned in close to Wyneth. Her hand trembled as she instinctively pushed him away."Who would want you to give everything?" she snapped."Uh..."Stumbling from her shove, Hayden grunted, his face turning even paler. He slumped down. Wyneth was surprised but then recalled Hayden's mischievous act earlier."Cut the act. Do you think I can't see right through you?"As she shot back, her fingers quickly worked to button up Hayden's shirt. Even in his weakened state, Hayden's eyes stayed locked onto hers."Oh, really?" he retorted. "If you knew I was just putting on a show, why did you come over then?"Wyneth bit her lip, lost in thought. 'Why did I come over? I knew he was acting, yet here I am. I thought I'd moved on, but he still has this pull on me. I worry about him more than I should, even more than he worries about himself.' She raised her eyes to meet his. "Enjoying the show? Is it fun watching me fall for your act?"Hayden hesitated, taken aback. Trying to p
Wyneth felt a mix of annoyance and amusement. "I thought you said you were exhausted?""Yes." Hayden bent his head, nuzzling into her neck, greedily taking in her scent. Wyneth rarely wore perfume. Instead, she had a subtle scent reminiscent of fresh body wash and soothing lotion, which was quite lovely. He recalled the last time he held her after she had had something to drink. She carried that same sweet scent. Unable to resist, he lightly kissed the side of her neck and then paused there, whispering close to her skin, "Yep, I'm really out of steam," Hayden said.Wyneth froze as she felt his soft lips brush against her neck. The sensation was overwhelming. "Wh-What are you doing?" she stammered, trying to dodge him.Hayden pulled back, but his hand remained on her waist. "Just wanted a quick kiss.""Did I say you could?""Nope.""Then why—"Suddenly, Hayden moved closer, the intensity of his gaze and warmth of his breath causing her heart to race."So, if I ask, can I have a
His voice sounded kind of like how someone would sound if they were trying to get you to take the last piece of candy. Wyneth wanted to say yes. But then, she looked like she wanted to say something else, looking a bit mad at him."Really? So, just because you say we should start over, we can? Just like that?" she asked in a challenging way.Hayden was surprised. He thought she would not talk to him at all, but she was, so that was something. Trying to stay calm, he asked, "Okay, so what do you want? You want to get back at me? Just tell me what to do.""Now you're like, 'I'll do anything'. But remember when I brought up divorce? You were like, 'Sure, why not?' right away. You didn't even know where I was sleeping. You really don't care about anything, do you?" she said, sounding pretty mad.Hayden sighed, "Look, I messed up. And I never cheated, even when you thought I did after you had a few too many. Gigi? Her family and ours go way back, like our grandparents were friends. Mom
Wyneth pressed her lips together, feeling really uneasy. Hayden noticed her silence and the change in her demeanor. With a smirk, he whispered, "No words? Guess that's a 'yes' from you." He leaned in to kiss her again, but just as he was about to, Wyneth bent at her waist to dodge him and then moved away from the bed. "Get some rest," she said.Even though Hayden could not kiss her, he did not push it. He leaned back on the bed, watching her with a playful look. 'That move was totally worth it,' he thought.His phone buzzed with a new message from Simeon: [Dude, how'd it go? Did playing the pity card work?]While Wyneth was busy in the bathroom with the wet clothes, Hayden quickly replied: [I'll pay you big later.] He set the phone aside without waiting for Simeon's reply, feeling much lighter.Soon, Wyneth returned. She glanced at Hayden and said, "Time's up. I messaged Simo; he's on his way. I need to head back to film."Hayden's mood, which had been upbeat, now visibly sank. "Y
After hearing Simeon's summary, Hayden told him coldly, "You can leave now."Realizing he had ruined Hayden's moment, Simeon felt embarrassed and tried to make amends. "It wasn't on purpose. If you had responded to my message, I wouldn't have come if I knew things weren't okay."Hayden pressed his lips together. After a pause, he asked, "What if I eat now?" Simeon stayed silent. Hayden prodded, "Speak up."Simeon, taken aback, finally said, "Seriously, dude? All this drama over a woman? Seems like you'd do anything for Wyn. But I get it; Wyn isn't paying attention to you. Did she ever really care?" Simeon chuckled. "Back in our college days, everyone thought you'd be the first one to have a girlfriend. Everyone liked you. It seemed like any girl you liked liked you back. We all thought if you didn't have someone, it was because you didn't want to. But man, were we wrong. Wyn has always been in charge, and it looks like that hasn't changed."After Wyneth left, Hayden felt even worse
Tommy: [What are you talking about? Weren't you the one who always called him a "snake"? I've got proof – I took a screenshot.]Sonny: [That's not me in the screenshot! My coworker sent that. I scolded him for it.]Tommy: [Hold on, there should only be three of us in this chat. Is Hayden also here?]After the message, they quickly checked to see who the new person was in the chat. It was an account named "W", showing a profile picture of snowy scenery.Sonny: [Doesn't seem like Hayden. Could it be a woman?]Tommy: [It's someone Simeon added. Maybe it's his girlfriend?]Sonny: [Did he start dating and not tell us? What about our pact to stay single? And why just us in this chat? Trying to hide his girl from Hayden?]Tommy: [Typical Simeon, always having beef with Hayden. I've got that screenshot. Pay up, or I'm spilling the beans!]Simeon: [What's wrong with you guys? That's Hayden's girl, Wyn!]Tommy: [What?!]Sonny: [Seriously?!]Tommy: [Wyn? The chubby-faced girl from our
Before Wyneth could reply, Simeon jumped in: [She didn't come to the hospital by herself; she was with Hayden.]Tommy: [Hayden? So it wasn't just a chance meeting. It's through Hayden that you reconnected with Wyn?]Sonny: [Wyn, it's not cool that you didn't keep in touch. We've missed you.]Seeing these messages, Wyneth felt warm inside. She had believed that after so many years, if these guys ever mentioned the name "Wyn", they might wonder, 'Who's Wyn?' But to her surprise, they not only remembered her but also missed her.Simeon: [Come on, she's just a girl and can do no wrong. Accept it and let it be. Besides, she's more than just a close friend like Hayden. We watched her grow up, even if briefly. She's like a little sister to all of us.]Tommy: [You're right, she's our little sis. But Wyn, when we said you weren't cool, we just meant we missed you a lot.]Sonny: [Yeah, we're just worried about you, not trying to be mean.]Seeing their reactions, Wyneth chuckled. When they
"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