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
But lying on that hard bed, my mind was a chaotic mess, with no trace of sleepiness.Eventually, I picked up my phone and opened my messaging app. There were messages from Demi and Gavin.Demi: [Keira, today was insanely busy, but I finished all the tasks you assigned. Remember to give me some dragées as a reward tomorrow. Congrats on your wedding, and may you be happy forever.]I smirked at the message and didn't respond.Gavin: [Ms. Kay, please don't take this the wrong way about Mr. Johnston. It's super important you guys don't have any issues, or it'll all be my fault.]I didn't bother replying. Instead, I opened my social media, found a selfie of my shadow at an amusement park, and posted it with the caption: [Happy vacation!]Afterwards, I purged my profile of anything related to Jace—a classic move after a breakup.Since we weren't a thing anymore, it was best to clear out anything about us to avoid any bitterness and self-pity. By the time I finished, it was 3 a.m., my e
I didn't expect Macy to play matchmaker for me. Hayden's cold, indifferent face flashed in my mind.Recalling his direct and emotionless refusal to switch rooms, a playful mood overtook me, and I responded with a quick, "Sure."I agreed, but it was just a casual remark; I didn't take it seriously.After breakfast, I borrowed a bicycle from Macy and spent the day riding around Chiverton.When I returned to the rented house, it was already evening, and I had a sketchbook in addition to what I had left with in the morning.I loved drawing. Before my parents passed away, they had enrolled me in dance classes, drawing classes, and even harp lessons. These all ended when they were gone, but drawing continued because it was simple: all I needed was a pen and paper.Today, besides exploring, I completed a drawing of the current Chiverton. My parents had always wanted to come back and see the place, but since they couldn't, I'd paint it and burn it as an offering to them."Keira, why are