Jace's expression mirrored mine—totally frozen.Ever since we broke up, it seemed like every time we crossed paths, it was some messy, dramatic scene that left us both pissed.And now, here I was, laughing and messing around with Hayden, while he had Tanya glued to his side.This was the same Jace who swore up and down he was done with her. Honestly, the whole "guys and their lying tongues" thing? Never felt more real.I only hesitated for a second before forcing myself to look away. Some people are just better off not seen. Out of sight, out of mind, right?Hayden, on the other hand, acted like Jace wasn't even in the room. He gently took my hand—not to grab my phone this time, but to say, "If you wanna take pics, just ask. I'll make sure I look good."His voice had that teasing vibe, the kind that made you wonder if there was something more going on. For a second, it almost felt like we were couple.That must've set Jace off because he stormed forward. "Rea, come outside with
As I listened to Tanya and the nurse chat, I found out she'd taken a nasty fall at the amusement park earlier today, messing with her pregnancy.In the end, something did happen to her. But really, who was she gonna blame? 'You reap what you sow' fits her situation perfectly.After the nurse got her IV set up, Tanya and Jace sat down right across from Hayden and me.It was clear Jace wasn't about to let this go tonight.At first, he didn't say anything, just glared in our direction.Hayden and I acted like he didn't even exist. But we both knew he wasn't gonna stay quiet forever.Sure enough, barely two minutes passed before Jace spoke up, his voice dripping with accusation. "Rea, what's the deal with bringing him back to my home tonight?"I'd already guessed he was gonna lose it over what happened this evening, and he just proved me right.I stayed calm, my face blank. "It means I'm starting a new life."Jace let out a scoff, his eyes flicking disdainfully toward Hayden. "Wit
Hayden's body went rigid when I kissed him. Clearly, he hadn't expected me to be that bold, but within seconds, his hand found my waist, pulling me closer.I pulled back, smirking up at him. "That's your reward for being such a good patient."As soon as the words left my mouth, a memory of Jace hit me—back when he was sick and had to get an injection. He'd always been terrified of needles, so much that he'd rather suffer through the illness than set foot in a hospital.For Jace, getting a shot was like facing his worst nightmare. He'd practically throw a fit, almost crying at the idea of it. Every time, I had to coax him for what felt like forever, treating him like a kid—covering his eyes, distracting him with random stories, even letting him bite my arm once just to get through it.After every hospital trip, it felt like I'd just survived some epic battle. And, of course, Jace would expect a reward afterward—whether it was a dance, a song, or some kind of gift.Whenever he was s
I froze.I hadn't thought about that.Probably not. I mean, I haven't kissed many people. Even with Jace, who I crushed on for ages, I only ever stole kisses when he was sick, half-asleep, or passed out drunk. And even then, it was just on his cheek or the back of his hand.But earlier with Hayden... our lips actually touched. That wasn't something Jace and I did much.Jace used to kiss me on the cheek or forehead all the time, but a real kiss? Lips meeting, like really kissing? There was only one time.I remember him saying, "Rea, we're too close. I just can't do it."The truth was, he just didn't love me enough. Someone once told me that when two people kiss, and it's real—like lips and tongues tangling—it's all dopamine. It's supposed to be uncontrollable.If you can control it, well, that means you're just not that into them."I don't like hypotheticals," I finally said to Hayden.His jaw tightened, and I watched his Adam's apple move as he swallowed. "But I want to know."
"It's me!"A familiar voice echoed down the hallway.I grabbed the railing, coming to a sudden stop. All the tension drained out of me in an instant.A second later, I turned around and saw Hayden standing there, half-hidden in the shadows.The awkwardness from earlier still hung in the air, thick and uncomfortable. I didn't know what to say, so I went with annoyed—always a safe move. "Do you even realize how creepy you look just standing there like that?"He just grunted. That one sound.God, it was frustrating. He had no idea how cold and dismissive that little "mm" came off, and it drove me insane.I was ready to snap at him again, but then he spoke, his voice low and soft. "It won't happen again."That shut me up.I pulled out my keys, turning to unlock my door. Just as the key slid into the lock, his voice came again, low and quiet. "I had the wrong idea tonight. It won't happen again."Wait, what?I froze, glancing back, but he was already slipping into his half-open d
I chuckled and nodded. "Just trying to catch up on all the company stuff as fast as I can.""I get it, but you're coming in way too early. You know we don't do overtime, right?" Ron joked.I smiled a little. "Yeah, it's voluntary.""That's why you're a department head. If everyone was as dedicated as you, OceanixCorp would be unstoppable." His flattery was almost laughable, but with Ron, it was hard to tell if he was joking or serious, so I never really took it to heart."But seriously," he added, his tone shifting, "the company can't run on your back alone. I've noticed how hard you've been working, and I've already let the higher-ups know. The boss said no more of this early morning routine. If you burn out, it'd be a real loss for the company."So, just like that, Ron had made sure I couldn't sneak in those early hours anymore.But that was fine. I didn't feel the need to dodge Hayden anymore. He hadn't left breakfast at my door for the past few days, so I figured he'd finally
The mysterious big boss of OceanixCorp—always out of sight, yet somehow knew everything.Jace's anger flipped to Ron in an instant. "No deal? Do you even know who you're talking to? Do you know who I am?"Right then, Jace was the perfect example of an arrogant, new-money jerk.Ron, casually sipping his water like some old pro, smiled that polite but totally patronizing smile. "Oh, my boss knows exactly who you are. That's why he's not going forward with this deal."It was barely anything, but it hit Jace hard.Jace looked like he was gonna explode. His eyes narrowed, and he practically hissed, "Who the hell is your boss? Does he not want to do business in Seavora anymore?""Mmm, my boss said even if he couldn't do business in Seavora, he still wouldn't work with you," Ron's voice was smooth, but there was a sharpness beneath the polite surface.Jace's face turned an ugly shade of purple. "Fine! Just wait. And tell your so-called boss the same.""Will do," Ron replied. "Oh, and
"Do you have any information about the big boss?" If I couldn't meet him, at least knowing his name would clear up some of the mystery.Ron glanced up at me. "Getting curious about the boss now?""Yeah, he's way too mysterious. It makes people naturally curious," I admitted.Ron finished grinding the coffee beans and brought them up to his nose for a sniff. "Smells good."Then, looking at me, he offered, "How about I brew you a cup?""No, thanks." I didn't have time to drink coffee. My curiosity about the elusive CEO of this company had already taken over my thoughts.Ron, undeterred, lifted the jar of freshly ground coffee beans toward me. "These are from the boss himself. You sure you don't want to try some?""I'd rather meet him in person than drink the coffee he sent," I said bluntly, voicing my true thoughts.Ron just laughed, not saying a word.His laugh totally threw me off. "What's so funny? Did I say something ridiculous, or am I just missing the joke here?"He shook