'Oh, great.' Simeon felt he had made things worse.Hayden looked clearly irritated. "Get out."Simeon chuckled awkwardly. "Alright, alright, I'm leaving. You two chat." With that, he quickly opened the door and left the room.After Simeon left, the room fell eerily quiet. Finally, Wyneth turned to Hayden. "So he wanted to 'work with you' on this?"Hayden responded, trying not to show any emotion, "I had no idea he was like that." Wyneth did not say anything. He added, "If you're not a fan of his, we can avoid him from now on."Raising an eyebrow, Wyneth asked, "He came up with this scheme for you, and you're saying you didn't realize he could do something like that?""It might look like he was helping me out, but I don't play games like that," Hayden said as he took her hand. "I wouldn't pull something like this."Raising an eyebrow, Wyneth replied, "Really? You sure about that?"Hayden simply nodded. "Yes.""Oh?" Wyneth's curiosity piqued. "So that pain you mentioned earlier
"Really?" Hayden's face darkened. "But you called someone else's nickname."Feeling cornered, Wyneth tried to make sense of his reaction. She figured it was not about the nickname but the fact she had a special connection with someone else. If Hayden had not overheard, maybe he would not have been so bothered. Given the tension between them, the idea of giving Hayden a nickname now seemed unthinkable. Absorbed in these thoughts, Wyneth's face clouded with uncertainty."Yeah, I used a nickname for someone else. So what?"Hayden's expression changed immediately. "Are you upset with me?" Nervously, he reached out, taking her hand. "I won't mention it again, okay?"Wyneth was not sure how to react. She had put on a stern face to test his reaction, and, to her surprise, he reacted just as she had hoped. 'He sure backed down fast,' she thought. She felt a laugh bubbling up but managed to keep it in. "Really? You promise not to bring it up?""Mhm, I promise.""And if you go back on that
Hayden had barely drifted off when Wyneth's phone buzzed with a message from Simeon.Simeon: [How's Hayden holding up?]Wyneth: [You're his doc, right? You tell me.]Simeon: [He looked too drained to even speak earlier. But with you here, he seems fine. Think I got his diagnosis wrong? Maybe more tests?]Wyneth hesitated, thinking, 'He's this weak, and more tests?'Wyneth: [Dr. Beard, is this your usual patient care?]Simeon: [My other patients don't perk up like he does, even when they're sick.]Wyneth thought with a sigh, 'Same old Simo, always cracking jokes.'Simeon: [On another note, I can tell Hayden has strong feelings for you. I genuinely want to help him. Just ensure he rests. He needs recovery.]Wyneth realized the gravity of the situation and replied: [I understand. I'll make sure of it.]She put her phone in her pocket and glanced at Hayden, who was asleep but still holding her hand tightly. This made texting difficult. Feeling hungry and a bit drained, she tried
Wyneth sighed. 'If people see me with another woman, they won't care much. But if I'm seen with a man, the news might create fake stories about us.'Simeon: [Want me to pack it up? You can eat in my office.]Wyneth brightened. 'Great idea.' She quickly texted back: [Thanks, Simo. I'm starving.] Then she glanced at Hayden and said, "I'm gonna get something to eat."Hayden's eyes flicked open, a hint of tension in his gaze. "You're heading out to eat?""Yeah, Simo is getting lunch for me. I'll be back after."Hayden's brow furrowed. 'That Simeon guy... What's he up to? But she needs to eat, so I should be grateful.' "Okay, go ahead."He was more agreeable than Wyneth expected, and his lack of anxious comments took her by surprise. "Alright, get some rest," and with that, she turned to leave."You..."Hayden's voice made her pause."What's up?"Hayden hesitated. "Nothing. Just come back soon."Wyneth raised an eyebrow but did not respond, walking off. She knew Simeon's office l
After lunch at Simeon's, it was half an hour later. Wyneth did not eat much. Most of that time was because Simeon waited in line for nearly twenty minutes. She only took about ten minutes to eat before she stood up to leave."You ate so quickly, Wyn?" Simeon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are you hurrying back because of Hayden?"Not wanting to admit her concern for Hayden, Wyneth said, "You think celebrities eat a ton?"Simeon slapped his hand against his leg and said, "Oh! Eating with you, I forgot you're a big star now. Always on camera, you have to watch your image. Guess you can't eat like we did as kids." He sighed, "Poor Wyn. Since becoming famous, you can't eat much. Maybe just a third of a plate. That's tough."Wyneth thought, 'He's such a drama king, more dramatic than any actor I know.'"You should head back," Simeon said. "You've been gone for thirty minutes. Hayden will be waiting, and he might get antsy."Wyneth nodded and left.After she left, Simeon checked his phon
Hayden's expression darkened as he pursed his lips. 'It's been ten minutes. Why hasn't she come back? The walk from Simeon's office isn't that long. She might've gotten held up. Maybe she went to the restroom or stepped out for coffee after her meal.' With these thoughts, his anxiety eased slightly, and he continued to wait.Ten more minutes went by without any sign of Wyneth. Feeling uneasy, Hayden texted Simeon: [Didn't you say she was back? Where is she?]Simeon took a minute before responding: [Hasn't she been with you this whole time???]The exaggerated question marks only deepened Hayden's concern.Hayden: [No, she hasn't been with me. Can you check if something's happened?]Simeon: [Okay. I'll go right now.]Hayden then texted Wyneth: [Where are you?]He got no reply. Wanting to call her but worried she would find him annoying, he hesitated. "Just twenty minutes without seeing me and you're already chasing me down?" he imagined her saying. Yet, his concern for her safety
Simeon blinked, confused. "Didn't you get that?" Hayden asked. Simeon nodded. "Alright, I'll ask right away."While Simeon went to inquire, Hayden started to shuffle toward the exit. A nurse from the next room rushed over—it was the same one who had treated him earlier. Her eyes widened at the sight of the IV needle hanging from Hayden's hand, blood dripping. She went pale."Why are you out of bed, Mr. Hamilton?" the nurse exclaimed. "You shouldn't be walking around, especially with that bleeding hand."Hayden replied sternly, "I have urgent business.""No business is worth worsening your condition. Please, get back to bed. I'll help with your wound."Hayden simply continued moving forward, ignoring her plea.The nurse sighed in frustration. 'Do all patients ignore advice these days?' Despite her annoyance, her concern for Hayden was evident. Grabbing medical supplies, she hurried after him. "Mr. Hamilton," she called out, "if you want to keep walking, fine. But let me treat that
Upon hearing the nurse say "Finn Spencer", Hayden's uncertainty vanished.The nurse looked taken aback. "He's in the ER.""Can you show me the way? Thanks.""Uh, sure."Hayden followed the nurse to the ER. She recognized Finn, a renowned singer. The entire hospital buzzed when he was admitted with severe injuries. Given his fame, the news quickly grabbed major headlines, and everyone was discussing it.Hayden's phone rang after only a few steps. Picking up, he was met with Simeon's urgent voice."Hayden, I found out something. A patient named Spencer was admitted to the hospital today. Word is, he's a big celebrity and got seriously hurt when a lighting rig fell on him at an event."Hayden's eyebrows drew together. "I know. I'm heading there now."Simeon blurted, "You're going there? Does he work with your company? And, aren't you supposed to be looking for Wyn?" He could not understand why Hayden was suddenly concerned about someone else, especially with Wyneth still missing.
"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