"What's going on here?"Jace's voice sliced through the air, icy and commanding.Gone was the shameless guy who'd been messing with me back at OceanixCorp.People always said women could switch their attitudes in a snap, but guys? They were no different.The head of security, still looking freaked out from whatever went down earlier, rushed over and explained everything, his voice shaky.Jace's gaze locked onto Hayden. "So, all of this is because of Mr. Hart's personal grudge?"I could already tell Jace was gonna twist this to come after Hayden, and I had a bad feeling about it.But Hayden didn't even flinch. Jace's lips curled into this smug, mocking smile. "That right, Mr. Hart?""Yeah," Hayden said.Jace bent down, picking up a broken piece of debris from the ground. "So, how do you think we should handle this?""What do you want?" Hayden clearly saw through Jace's intentions.I stayed quiet. Saying anything now would only make things worse.If it weren't for me, Jace wo
Wayne, clearly in the loop, glanced at Hayden before saying, "Mr. Hart will handle this. His personal stuff won't mess with his work. Our security team also dropped the ball today, so we can't blame him entirely."Jace's face turned an alarming shade of purple, like he couldn't believe Wayne was backing Hayden and ignoring his authority."I'm in charge of the park now, so I'll deal with it," Wayne added, basically telling Jace to stay in his lane.Jace looked ready to explode. If anyone else had said that, they'd be fired on the spot. But it was Wayneโhis brotherโso he had to hold back."Fine," Jace spat through gritted teeth. "But if this happens again, both of you will pay for it."He stormed off.As soon as he was gone, I let out a long breath of relief.Wayne turned to Hayden. "You'll need to submit a report about what happened. I'll handle the park repairs, but you or your company will cover the costs."His tone was firm but fair, keeping personal feelings out of it.Hayd
Just because Tanya said she was waiting for me, did that mean I had to drop everything and go? Who did she think she was?I ignored the message, not giving it a second thought. Meanwhile, Jace kept staring at me, completely unaware of the notification that had flashed across the screen."Rea, are you seriously done with me?" Jace asked, his eyes bloodshot.I was so tired of this conversation. How many times did I have to say it? "What do I have to do to make you get it? Marry Hayden just to prove I'm serious?"I'd already kissed Hayden just to get Jace off my back, but he still refused to believe I meant it."Keira Kay! " he growled my name.That tone used to make me nervous. But now? I didn't feel a thing.It's weird how things shift when you stop caring about someone.I glanced down for a second before looking him straight in the eye. "Jace, it's really over. I don't know how else to say it. Even if every guy on this planet disappeared and you were the last one standing, I st
I went to see Lena, and luckily, she was home."What was with the late-night call? I was wiped after getting off the operating table and didn't call you back. Were you sick or something?" Lena asked, only just remembering the missed call as soon as she saw me.I kicked off my shoes and wandered across the carpet. "If I was really sick, I'd probably be dead by now."She wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "What's up? You mad?""Nah, I know you're busy. It was nothing, really," I said, deciding not to bring up Hayden being sick.Lena wasn't buying it. "You don't call me in the middle of the night for nothing.""It was about Hayden," I finally admitted. I didn't want her thinking it was something worse.She handed me half of the watermelon juice she'd just made. "He's a catch. If you don't lock him down, you'll regret it for life."My mind was still spinning from Jace. I took a sip of the juice. "Jace and I are officially done."Lena scoffed. "Weren't you two done forever ago?"
Was she actually planning to marry Jace?Why else would she ask something like that?But just two hours ago, Jace was still trying to get me back.Then Jace's words came flooding back: "Even if something happens to meโif I get hurt, or worseโstill won't regret it?"Is this his twisted way of making me regret everything? If so, Jace has totally lost it. He's being so childish.I looked at Tanya, pretending to be confused. "Hmm?""I want to be with Jace, like... get married," she said, meeting my eyes.I gave her a small smile. "Is that so? Well, congrats.""But I'm worried his parents won't accept the baby," she added, her face full of hesitation and uncertainty.I tapped my fingers lightly on the table, staying quiet. This wasn't my problem, so I had no reason to chime in."Keira," Tanya said, her voice suddenly serious, "I know how much the Johnstons love you. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston treat you like their daughter, so..."She paused, then continued, "So, can you help me? Iโ"
Lindey liked women who were open and confident. As she always said, if someone looked meek and fragile, their heart and character probably weren't much bigger.Judging by appearance wasn't ideal, but Lindey had been around long enough to have her reasons for thinking that way."I can't help you," I said bluntly."Why not?" Tanya's voice had a hint of panic.I pressed my lips together for a second. "Lindey's strong-willed. You can't just change her mind that easily.""But she cares about you. She'd at least listen to you," Tanya said, her gaze dropping, trying to look pitiful. "You know my situation. Without Jace, I don't even know how I'll get through this."Desmond's death didn't make her this desperate, but now she couldn't imagine life without Jace?I almost wanted to laugh."If you know Lindey cares about me, then you should also realize she'll never accept you," I said, because in Lindey's eyes, I was her ideal daughter-in-law. If it wasn't me, no one else would ever be go
Social suicide, right on the spot!This was the second time. First, I walked in on Hayden fresh out of the shower, and now I'd just fantasized about himโout loudโright in front of him.I couldn't help but wonder if he did this on purpose. I'd been knocking forever, so why open the door now?The only way to save face? Act drunk, then pretend to black out. That way, I wouldn't be the one embarrassedโeveryone else would be."Lena, look! He is home, huh?" I said, trying to sound casual, pointing right at Hayden like I hadn't just verbally undressed him.Lena's lips twitched. She was clearly suffering from secondhand embarrassment. "She's had a little too much to drink," she said."I'm not drunk," I chimed in, fully committing to the act.After all, a drunk person never admits they're drunk.Lena pinched my waist lightly. "Oh, right, of course. You only had one glass of wine. No way you're drunk, huh?"I was completely at a loss for words.Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride
"Not yet, but she's scheduled it. Let me check the time," Lena said, pausing for a second. "It's set for eleven."I glanced at the clock. It was already ten."Did she say why?" I asked."Nope, just said she didn't want it anymore. She signed the papers herself. The fetus is over three months along, so it's not just a quick procedureโit's a termination," Lena explained.Even though I've never been a mom, hearing that made my chest tighten. "Stall it for now. I'll reach out to Jace.""You sure you want to get involved?" Lena asked.I hesitated. "I saw her yesterday, and now she's doing this. If I don't tell Jace, he'll never forgive me. And besides..."This baby was the last piece of Desmond's bloodline.I hung up with Lena and immediately dialed Jace.He didn't pick up at first. Not surprising, considering I'd shut him down recently. I figured he wouldn't want to talk to me at all.Just as I was about to hang up and try calling from a different number, Jace finally answered, h
"Got it!" Lena responded cheerfully. She washed her hands before sitting back down, picking up the utensils Aaron had prepared for her, and diving into her dumpling-and-dipping-sauce breakfast combo. "Uncle, why arenโt you eating?" She had already eaten two dumplings before realizing he hadnโt touched any. "Iโm not hungry." Three words. Which meant he hadnโt eaten yet. "Thereโs too much food. I canโt finish it all by myself. Eat some too," Lena said casually as she picked up a dumpling with her chopsticks and held it up to his mouth. She did it so naturallyโuntil she realized what she had just done. Aaron froze for a second, surprised by her gesture. The moment of hesitation made her realize tooโwasnโt this kind of inappropriate? She was just about to pull her hand back whenโ He leaned in and took the dumpling straight into his mouth. Lenaโs face flushed red in an instant. She hurriedly withdrew her hand, lowered her head, and focused on eating. Meanwhile, Aar
She was shocked to see him here so early. Especially todayโa day when everyone was celebrating the new year, spending time with their loved onesโand yet, he was here. With her. Lena wasnโt made of stone. She felt it. A warmth, an unspoken emotion that settled deep in her chest. "Uncle, why are you here so early?" She walked over, hands casually tucked into her coat pockets. "I didnโt want you to go hungry," Aaron replied simply, lifting the bag of food in his hand. He glanced at her break room. "Open the door." She unlocked the door and stepped inside, with him following close behind. Her break room was smallโa single desk and chair, a narrow bed, and a tiny wardrobe. Nothing extra, nothing unnecessary. "Sit down, Uncle," she said naturally, settling onto the bed while motioning for him to take the chair. Aaron placed the food down and asked, "Did you sleep at all?" "I did," Lena replied. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she thought of that dreamโand let o
"If it werenโt for my goddaughter, I wouldnโt even bother with you," Lena said, gently rocking the baby in her arms. "Right, little Aurora? Your godmother just adores you." "Come on, Aurora, itโs time to eat," Lena said as she carefully placed the baby in Keira's arms. Although it was her first time, Keira wasnโt embarrassed. She followed Lenaโs instructions, trying to breastfeed for the first time. But the process wasโฆ painful. And since her posture was incorrect, neither of them got it rightโKeira ended up covered in sweat from struggling, and her baby still hadnโt eaten properly. Panic set in. Anxiety crept up her spine. "What do I do?" Keira asked, her voice tight with unease. "Itโs okay. This happens at first. Letโs transition with formula for now," Lena reassured Keira before glancing at Hayden, who had been standing there the whole time, watching anxiouslyโand sweating just as much as Keira was. "Go make your daughter a bottle," she told him. Hayden, the man wh
That conversationโฆ Lena shuddered. Yeah, she had definitely come back too early. It was best to leave now before she ruined the mood for those two inside. Not wanting to hear any more, she quickly turned to leaveโonly to smack her leg against a nearby chair. The pain was real, but worse was the noise it made, drawing attention to her presence. Inside the room, Haydenโalready feeling awkward from Keira's teasingโfroze. The sound from outside made him even more uncomfortable. Keira couldnโt hold back her laughter. The moment Keira burst out laughing, however, pain shot through her lower abdomen. "Ahโow!" Keira gasped. Hayden immediately panicked. "Whatโs wrong? Where does it hurt?" Hearing her cry, Lena rushed in as well. "What happened?" "I laughed too hard and pulled my stitches," Keira explained, gripping Haydenโs hand tightly. Lena glared at Keira. "Youโre a mother now, and yet youโre still acting like a child. Do you have any idea what condition youโre in?"
"Itโs fine. I can do it," Hayden said naturally as he picked up the basin and went to fetch warm water. The moment he stepped out, Lena turned to scold Keira. "You went through so much pain to give birth to his child. Why would you feel bad about letting him do something for you?" "Itโs not that I feel badโI just feel embarrassed," Keira whispered in defense. Lena rolled her eyes. "So dramatic." Keira shot her a glare in return. "Just wait until itโs your turn. When your husband has to handle your private matters, youโll understand how awkward it is." The moment the words left Keira's mouth, she saw Lenaโs face turn red. Lena quickly hugged the baby and turned away. But Keira caught it. Something was off. "Waitโฆ why are you blushing?" Keira asked suspiciously. "I am not blushing," she denied immediately. What Keira didnโt know was that her words had triggered the memory of Lena's ridiculous dreamโwhere she had been lying on the delivery bed, cursing Aaron while gi
The moment she finished cursing, Lena jolted awake. She sat there, dazed. What kind of ridiculous dream was that? She had assisted in delivering countless babies before, but this was the first time she had ever dreamed of giving birth herself. And not only thatโshe had dreamed of giving birth to Aaronโs child? That was beyond outrageous. Absolutely absurd! What a way to start the new year. That dream was anything but beautiful. Lena ran a hand down her face, shaking off the lingering unease. She quickly got up, poured herself a glass of water to calm down, and then left the break room. Back in the hospital room, Hayden was feeding Keira. Keira was perfectly capable of eating on her own, but he insisted on feeding her, saying that she was in a special period and should be treated like a queen. That this was the time to learn how to be spoiled properly. Fine. If this was how he wanted to make up for the suffering she endured giving birth to their daughter, sheโd give
Keira looked at Lena and smiled as she followed up on Haydenโs words. "Youโre family. Itโs different." Lena shot her a subtle glare before stuffing the red envelope into her pocket and saying, "Give me the rest. Iโll hand them out for you later." Hayden passed her the prepared stack of red envelopes, and as she took them, she asked, "What about the other departments?" Hayden and Aaron exchanged a glance and chuckled. "Of course. Every medical staff member in this hospital gets one." "President Hart, youโre too generous," Lena said, giving him a thumbs-up. With that, she took the envelopes and left. Aaron glanced at the time. "If thereโs nothing else, Iโll be heading back now." "Mm. Happy New Year!" Hayden said, offering his holiday wishes. "Happy New Year to your whole family," Aaron replied, adding a few extra words that made both Hayden and me instinctively turn toward the baby in the bassinet. From today onward, we were officially a family of three. Outside the h
When Keira returned to the hospital room, she was greeted by a sight that made her pause. The room was decorated with fresh flowers and balloons, and beside her bed, there was a small cart filled with various gift boxes. The atmosphere was so festive that if someone walked in, they might have thought it was a birthday party rather than a postpartum recovery room. "Whatโs all this?" Lena asked on Keira's behalf. "A reward for my wife," Hayden answered, his hand still holding Keira's as he gazed at her with deep affection. "She went through so much. This is my way of thanking her." Keira smiled faintly. "I donโt need any of this." "Whether you need it or not is one thing. Giving it to you is my choice," Hayden said, pressing a kiss onto Keira's fingertips. "Even if everything I have already belongs to you, I still want to give you more." "Such a loving husbandโhonestly, what more could a woman ask for?" Lena teased before patting Keira's hospital bed. "But if President Hart r
Elder Mitchell wasnโt buying it. "That just means you guys didnโt really want to give anything. If you truly wanted to, thereโs no such thing as a gift that canโt be delivered." The two old men started bickering again, but Hayden ignored them. Instead, he kept his eyes on the infant bathing room. Before long, the nurse finished bathing the baby and carried her out. Hayden reached out to take her, but the two elders immediately moved to get closer. He blocked them without hesitation. "Donโt you know old peopleโs eyes are toxic? You shouldnโt be staring at her for too long." Elder Hart: "โฆ" Elder Mitchell: "โฆ" With that, Hayden carried the baby and walked away. The two old men trailed after him, hoping to catch another glimpse, but Hayden wasnโt about to give them the chance. "Congratulations," Aaron, who had been standing nearby, offered his well wishes. "Itโs a daughter. Take a look," Hayden said, his pride practically radiating off him. Aaron lowered his gaze to the