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 me—if I get hurt, or worse—still 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? I—"
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 him—out loud—right 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 embarrassed—everyone 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 procedure—it'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
I didn't catch anything Jace said after that. What I'd just found out hit me like a truck.All the questions I'd had were finally answered, but I never saw this coming.Desmond had been someone I knew pretty well—thin, always smiling, the kind of guy who'd look out for everyone. I never imagined his death was because he couldn't deal with his wife hooking up with Jace.No wonder Jace was a total wreck after Desmond died... because it was his fault.Suddenly, everything made sense—why Desmond's parents treated Tanya like dirt, why they didn't want anything to do with the baby she was carrying. They probably didn't even think it was Desmond's kid.I wasn't even that mad at Jace for cheating on me before, but now, standing here, I realized just how low he'd really gone. He was the reason his so-called best friend was dead.Lena must've seen the change in my face, because she pulled me aside.Once we were in her break room, I just sank into a chair, totally silent for what felt like
Steve's smile instantly froze. He looked at me, thrown off. "Why are you asking about that?""I just want to visit," I said.He studied me for a moment, a mix of confusion and concern in his eyes.I didn't explain further or mention that Jace had been involved in Desmond's death. I was sure Steve had no idea—if he did, he would've cut Jace off a long time ago."Did something happen?" Steve asked, his voice tinged with worry.I didn't answer directly. "Just take me there."Seeing that I wasn't going to explain more, Steve sighed and nodded. He agreed to take me to Desmond's grave, though I could tell he was still wary.When we got to the cemetery, we saw Desmond's parents standing by his grave. Even from a distance, we could hear his mom's heart-wrenching sobs, mixed with angry curses.I couldn't make out who she was cursing, but I could guess—Tanya.It didn't feel right to approach them, so Steve and I hung back, waiting until they left.As they walked past us, Desmond's dad
It was Hayden.He was unlocking his door, holding a bag of vegetables in one hand. My sudden movement must've startled him, because he turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly.I just stood there, staring at him like I was having some kind of out-of-body experience. I didn't say a word—just watched him, completely zoned out.It wasn't until Hayden asked, "What's up?" that I snapped back to reality. I shook my head, still not fully awake."Are you sick?" he asked, setting the bag down and stepping closer.I couldn't get my mouth to work, so I just shook my head again, even though I wasn't sure what I was feeling.Then, out of nowhere, I felt something cool against my forehead—Hayden's hand. His voice sharpened with concern. "You're burning up."I was still in a daze, barely registering that he was talking about me.Hayden seemed to pick up on my confusion. Before I could process what was happening, he stepped inside my apartment and scooped me up into his arms. My already ligh