I smirked. Lena could tell something was up. "Did you dig up something about him and Tanya?"She totally got where I stood."He handed Tanya a penthouse that was supposed to be mine," I spilled quickly.Lena went quiet for a beat, then clenched her jaw. "Are you gonna..."She didn't need to finish—I knew exactly what she meant. "I'm not falling for him again.""What a jerk! If you take him back, he'll just keep pulling this crap!" Lena shared my take on relationships."I know.""Okay, let's figure out our next move. Take his call, hear him out, then meet me," Lena paused. "I'll get someone to cover half my shift."I wanted to tell her not to bother, but she'd already hung up.Jace's call kept coming. Finally, I picked up. "Hey...""Keira Kay, what the hell are you doing? What's going on?" Jace's voice boomed through the phone.I pulled the phone away from my ear, letting him vent. When he settled down, I brought it back. "Jace Johnston, I told you yesterday in front of your
"Rea, I've got a huge bash planned for you guys and invited everyone. Make sure you're back by six tonight," Lindey's upbeat voice on the phone caught me off guard.I hadn't figured she wouldn't know we didn't get the marriage license. Jace must've kept her in the dark, probably afraid of her reaction after last night's disappointment.As I listened to Lindey's excitement and anticipation, a wave of apprehension washed over me about breaking the news.The fact that Jace and I couldn't get married was already set in stone. I couldn't hide it forever, and certainly not now. Besides, if she found out later with all the guests she had invited, it would only make things worse."Lindey," I called softly."You're about to become my daughter-in-law. You should start calling me 'Mom,' don't be shy," Lindey teased.For a moment, I felt a sharp pang in my heart. "I'm sorry, but I... I may never have the right to call you 'Mom.'"There had been so many moments over the past ten years when I
Lena read my thoughts. "Where do you want to go? I'll come with you, or—""Help me pack up my place," I cut her off.She looked surprised. "You've been planning this?""Not really. It just sort of happened a couple of days ago," I said, gesturing toward the bed linens at the backseat."Yesterday, I was at the mall picking these up when I ran into Tanya," I added, observing Lena's expression shift from surprise to curiosity.On the way to my place, I told Lena everything. She nodded emphatically, her frustration evident. "Skipping out on that marriage certificate was the right call. Jace Johnston is just another jerk of this century who thinks he can have it all.""Jerk is jerk, no matter the century," I quipped in response.Lena looked at me closely. "Rea, you don't have to pretend you're okay.""I'm really not that upset," I replied, keeping my eyes on the road ahead. "Maybe my feelings for him were just as worn out as his for me—like we knew each other too well to spark any e
It took me four hours on the high-speed train to reach Chiverton.As I arrived, the town was just lighting up. It wasn't as bustling as Seavora, but it had its own charm with twinkling lights and a cozy, small-town vibe.Lena called almost as soon as I arrived. "Are you there yet? Found a place to stay?"She hadn't expected me to leave so suddenly. When she asked where I was headed, I gave her the address and train time. She wondered if I was leaving so fast to avoid Jace, thinking he might try to stop me.But she was wrong. Jace wouldn't bother. He's probably furious, mad that I stood him up and disobeyed him.So far, I seemed to be right. After he asked why I didn't show up for the marriage registration, he hadn't sent a single message or made another call.I hurried here because I'd always wanted to visit. Another reason was to avoid getting tangled up—not with Jace, but with Matthew and Lindey. They'd definitely try to reach me and change my mind.But I'd already made up my
The driver looked rough and tough, a bit intimidating.The guys I was used to were always clean-cut, with fair skin, dressed in suits, ties, and overcoats.But this guy? He looked like he might've just gotten out of prison.I instinctively tightened my grip on my bag, remembering the pepper spray and self-defense knife Lena had slipped inside before I left.But before I could even think about reaching for them, the driver had already started the car and stayed silent.'What was that look he gave me supposed to mean?' I wondered.I couldn't figure it out, and my brief moment of calm was suddenly replaced by unease.Because I was on high alert, I didn't pay much attention to the townscape. When the car finally stopped, I quickly paid and got out, watching the taxi drive away before letting out a sigh of relief.It was already ten at night, and I realized coming here at this hour might not have been the smartest move.I could have waited until the next day to search for my parent
"Hey Cutie Pie."The voice on the other end was husky and familiar, yet distant.A familiar face popped into my mind, and I blurted out, "Wayne!"I had hoped that changing my number would keep me off the Johnston family's radar, but I never expected Wayne to find this number and actually call me."Looks like you kept my number and didn't forget about me," Wayne's voice had that teasing edge.He was only two years older than Jace. Before he left for abroad, he used to look out for me a lot and loved calling me Cutie Pie.For a moment, I had no idea how to respond. His words sounded almost like he was complaining.In the first couple of years after he left, I'd sometimes reach out, just to see how he was doing. But eventually, we lost touch.Wayne was never the type to keep in contact. He barely talked to his family, so it was no surprise he didn't stay in touch with me.Now, out of the blue, he was calling me. I knew it had to be about my canceled wedding with Jace.Even if Wa
I hadn't really thought about any of this until Wayne's words brought those memories flooding back, like an old movie reel playing in my head."What did he do? Can you tell me?" Wayne asked softly when I didn't say anything.If I didn't explain, they'd be confused. Jace would think I was just being dramatic, and when I got back, Matthew and Lindey would totally grill me about it too.The easiest thing was to spill it now, so I wouldn't have to deal with all the questions later."He cheated on me," I said, making Wayne go silent on the other end.Knowing he wouldn't believe it, I added, "It was his close friend's wife. Even your parents know about their affair."Wayne didn't say anything.I smiled. "You know it's true, don't you?"No secret stayed hidden forever. Jace and I didn't even get our marriage certificate. Matthew and Lindey would definitely ask questions and find out, and Wayne would ask Matthew."That's impossible. Jace loved you so much. Maybe there's some misunders
"Hayden, this is the girl I mentioned who wants to switch rooms. Can you two discuss it?"Macy's voice cut through the staring contest between Hayden and me.I stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Keira Kay. Would you mind switching rooms with me?""Hayden Hart, and no." He dismissed me as fast as he'd washed his hair earlier.My lips twitched in irritation, my stubborn side kicking in. "Why not?"Hayden glanced at me but didn't answer. He just slung an army-green towel over his shoulder and walked past me, sending a chill through me.Macy came over. "Hey, Keira. Don't be upset. Hayden isn't good at sweet-talking girls. I'll talk to him later."My temper flared, and I raised my voice on purpose. "No need. It's just a room. Whoever wants it can have it."Macy pulled me aside. "Don't be so harsh. He's an ex-soldier. If you push him too far, he might carry you out and toss you outside."I couldn't help but laugh at myself. How could I mistake an ex-soldier for a freshly released inmate?"I
It was evening when Lena had just wrapped up her shift, only to find the nurses buzzing about something. Curious, she asked, "Alright, what's all the excitement about?""Dr. Lane, there's a ridiculously handsome man waiting outside!" one nurse gushed.Just like guys get a rush from seeing a gorgeous woman, girls feel the same buzz when a total dreamboat walks in.Lena couldn't help but tease, "Well, no matter how hot he is, if you don't make a move, he's still someone else's."Despite her usually no-nonsense demeanor at work, Lena loved joining in on the fun when the day was done. A little playful banter was the perfect way to unwind after a marathon of patients."So, are we making a move?" one nurse joked as the group headed toward the hospital's entrance, giggling.But when Lena stepped outside, she froze.There, bathed in the golden glow of sunset, stood Aaron.Dressed in a black coat over a sharp suit and crisp white shirt, he looked like he'd walked off the cover of GQ. Th
The caller was Aaron.Thank God.Lena answered. "Uncle Aaron, you want to help me move? Not now—I'm at work treating a very important patient..."Aaron didn't even pretend to buy it. "Your mom's at your office?""Wow, psychic much? Yeah, she's here. Says she's 'sick everywhere.' I gave her a referral for some tests, and now I'm the heartless daughter." Lena jerked her chair back as Carol reached over to grab her phone. "Hey!"Carol swiped it anyway. Of course she did. Bringing it to her ear, she said, "Aaron.""Carol, Lena said you're not feeling well?" Aaron's voice was calm, smooth—annoyingly unflappable.Carol coughed lightly, throwing a sharp look Lena's way. "I'm fine. She just made me mad. If she doesn't agree to move back home, I'm not leaving.""Actually, Lena already agreed to move in with me," Aaron replied, his tone so breezy it sounded like he wasn't lying through his teeth. "My place is close to the hospital, so her commute will be easier."Carol whipped her head
Lena had just finished with her last patient and was finally about to sip her water when a knock interrupted her peace."Come in!" she called, expecting another patient.The door swung open, and the moment Lena saw who it was, her stomach dropped."Mom?!" she blurted. "What are you doing here?""I'm here to see a doctor!" Carol's tone wasn't exactly friendly.Lena craned her neck, glancing at the hallway behind her mom. "Where's Dad? Didn't he come with you?"Carol scoffed. "There's a sign outside that says no men allowed, isn't there?"Lena laughed. "That doesn't apply to Dad.""What, is he not a man?" Carol shot back.Lena's smile froze. Great. Mom wasn't just here—she was on a mission.For weeks now, her parents had been nagging her to move back home. Lena hadn't budged—she'd even stopped answering their calls. It looked like Carol had reached her breaking point and decided to stage a full-on ambush."Mom," Lena started, trying to sound professional, "I'm at work. If you
"The Hart family wants me to come back," Hayden said. I immediately got it without him needing to explain further.The Harts had stayed weirdly quiet through all the chaos Hayden had been through. Why? No clue."What are you thinking?" I asked. Then, with a sly smile, added, "Let me guess—you don't want to go, but you feel like you should?"Hayden noticed I wasn't eating and nudged my plate closer. "Eat first.""Talk, and I'll eat," I shot back.He pushed my favorite dishes right in front of me. "No one can make me do something I don't want to.""Then it's me you're worried about?" I asked, the thought hitting me mid-bite.Hayden didn't answer, which, of course, was the answer. My mind raced for a moment before I teased, "Wait—don't tell me going back means you'd have to marry Yara?"Hayden sighed. "The Hart heir and the Drago heir are supposed to marry. It's been decided for years."So if he didn't want that, all he had to do was step down as the Hart heir. Easy, right? Excep
I was laughing so hard my sides hurt, tears streaming down my face. Lena just sat there, arms crossed, waiting for me to finish."You good now? Because I actually need your help."If Lena was asking me for advice, she must've been really stuck. Normally, she's the one with all the answers."Okay," I said, catching my breath. "First, spill. Does Nate even still have a shot?"She grabbed an orange off the table and started peeling it. "What do you think?"When she's done with someone, she's done. No second chances, no rewrites. Nate clearly hadn't gotten that memo, though, because here he was, pulling out all the stops to win her back.And then there was Aaron—her technically-not-really-blood-related uncle and childhood friend. Cue the awkward-family-ties-turned-unexpected-complication drama."If you're not giving Nate any hope, just move in with your uncle," I said.She arched a brow. "Why?""Because Nate's literally working at this hospital to be near you. Daytime interactions
"Uncle Aaron, did you stir things up with my parents?" Lena asked.Aaron didn't bother denying it, and his silence was all the answer she needed."Aaron Ace! Are you kidding me? I trusted you!"Her voice echoed with frustration, but deep down, Lena knew arguing was pointless. Carol and Gabriel weren't exactly known for backing down. If she couldn't convince them to chill, they'd probably show up at the hospital and haul her home themselves.Taking a breath, Lena tried a different approach. "Okay, what's it gonna take for me to not move back home?"Aaron's answer was maddeningly casual. "Stay at my place."Lena blinked, stunned into silence."Just for a bit," Aaron added. "Once your parents ease up, you can go back to your apartment."Lena's stomach did a little flip. Living with Aaron? Yeah, no thanks. Sure, things weren't as awkward between them anymore, but this? Way too weird.Still, her options were basically nonexistent."I'll think about it," Lena said, even though she
In this world, only one person had ever called her "Twinkle"—Aaron. And that had been a relic of their shared childhood.Nate's gaze shifted to Aaron, and his hand fell back to his side. "Uncle Aaron.""Professor Neumann," Aaron replied coolly. "Given your current situation, you can just call me Mr. Ace." His words were a subtle reminder that Nate's connection to Lena was no longer valid.Aaron then turned to Lena. "If it's convenient, I'd like to talk to you about something.""Sure," Lena agreed, glancing at Nate briefly before walking off with Aaron.Standing beside Aaron, who loomed over her like a shadow, Lena looked smaller than usual. "Is this about my parents?"Since returning, Carol and Gabriel had been pushing her to move back home, claiming it was the only way they'd feel at ease. Even her grandparents had joined in."They want to know if you've thought it through," Aaron said, confirming her suspicion.Lena put on a tone of consideration. "I don't want to move back,"
Lena gave me a quick glance and smiled. "Don't worry, the baby's doing great. I'll check on you again later."***After leaving my room, Lena headed straight to the director's office. The moment she stepped inside, her breath caught—Nate was sitting on the couch next to Dr. Warren.But Lena, ever composed, quickly recovered. "Dr. Warren. Professor Neumann."The formal title hit Nate like a punch. He wanted to call her Lena, but the name stuck in his throat."Dr. Lane, please take a seat," Dr. Warren said warmly, gesturing to the chair next to Nate.Lena sat down, calm and professional, while Dr. Warren's gaze bounced between the two of them, clearly sensing the tension."You already know Professor Neumann, so I'll skip introductions," Dr. Warren began. "He's made a groundbreaking breakthrough in fetal cardiac correction during pregnancy, and he's chosen our hospital as the pilot site. Dr. Lane, you'll be collaborating closely with him on this project."Lena's heart clenched. Sh
I never imagined the boy who had shaped so much of my life would one day wear the robes of a Harmonist guide, dedicating himself to a life of reflection.Jace had cut himself off from the chaos of the world. Whether it was peace or simply his way of escaping love and attachment, he'd left everything—and everyone—behind.***After returning from Cloudscape Monastery, I fell ill. A relentless fever knocked me out for two days, leaving me trapped in a swirl of disjointed dreams—my parents, Matthew, Lindey, Jace, Wayne... all of them.In the dream, it felt like I was drowning. No matter how hard I tried to wake up, something kept pulling me deeper.At some point, I thought I heard voices. Jace's. Hayden's. Were they real? They spoke in muffled tones I couldn't make out.But when Jace left—if he was ever really there—the dreams stopped.***When I finally opened my eyes, sunlight flooded the room, blindingly warm. I raised my hand to block it, but my fingers brushed against somethin