Chapter 119

As soon as the word left my mouth, Hayden's grip tightened. His eyes narrowed, and for a split second, I saw something flicker in them before it disappeared.

Then, just like that, he let go, and the pressure on my hand vanished.

I quickly stepped aside, rubbing the spot where his grip had stung. "I made all the changes you asked for. Do you want to check them now?"

Hayden didn't budge, still lounging in the chair with his eyes shut. "No need. You should get some rest."

"Oh... Goodnight," I mumbled, turning to go.

"Kiki," Hayden suddenly called out.

I froze mid-step. Did he just call me...?

Kiki...

That was my childhood nickname. The only people who ever called me that were my parents when they were alive, and Lena sometimes—but even she usually calls me Rea.

But I heard him clearly—he just called me Kiki.

I spun around, staring at him in shock. "What did you just say?"

"Nothing," he replied, still with his eyes closed. "Just... make sure you close the door properly."

I star