Brad's six-foot frame practically knocked me over.I stumbled, ready to go off on him, but then Tanya stormed over, her face twisted with rage.For a split second, I thought, 'Wow, she looks awful.' I couldn't believe I'd ever thought she was pretty.I guess it's true what they say: looks can show what's inside. Tanya's heart was twisted and ugly, and now her face matched."Brad Twain, get over here," Tanya barked at Brad."Keira, help me," Brad whimpered from behind me, sounding like a scared little kid.This was getting out of hand."Let go!" I snapped, feeling beyond frustrated."Please, help me!" Brad whined, clinging to me like some kind of human Velcro.I gritted my teeth, lifted my foot, and stomped on his."OW!" He yelped, finally letting go. I wiped my arm like I could scrub off his clinginess and took a step back.But Tanya blocked me again. I shot her a glare. "Move.""I didn't know you could be so heartless," she hissed.I felt my blood start to boil. "Tanya Tw
People like Jace and Tanya only picked on those they thought wouldn't fight back.They treated me like this because my silence and indifference made them think I was an easy target, never realizing it was just because I didn't give a damn.But if they wanted to see me as weak, it was time to show them that even the quietest knife had a sharp edge.My words made Jace's expression darken instantly. "Rea...""Let. Go." I snapped again.But he still held on, his grip tight. "I'm not blaming you. I just... wanted to let you know.""Are you trying to piss me off?" Each word was like a dagger, meant to cut deep. "Save it. I don't want to hear it."Jace's jaw clenched, and a vein pulsed at his temple. He was trying so hard to keep his cool.The way he looked at me... In the past, he would've walked away by now.But today, he didn't. He held my gaze for a moment before finally saying, "The amusement park is opening as planned. I want you to be there."I felt my breath hitch, the refus
"Kiki, tonight Daddy will watch the stars with you.""Kiki, be a good girl and take your medicine.""Kiki..."..."Dad, Mom..." I reached out for them, but my hands were pinned down, and I heard a familiar voice calling, "Kiki, Kiki, wake up, wake up..."I felt two hands gently cup my face.Hayden's anxious face came into focus. His thumb brushed softly across my cheek. "Kiki, it's me."It was Hayden.I was finally pulled out of the heartbreaking dream, but as reality set in, the pain only got worse.I bit down on my lip, so hard I could taste the metallic tang of blood.In the next second, Hayden pried my mouth open. "Kiki, stop. Don't hurt yourself. Please, listen to me..."His voice kept calling my name, but all I could see were my parents' faces."Ah!" I screamed again.Hayden pulled me into his arms, and I collapsed against his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.I pounded my fists against him, but no one could understand the depth of my pain, how much I just wanted to
Why was Wayne calling me so late?I frowned as Hayden added, "He's sent you a few messages, too."I still felt groggy as he handed me the phone. Everything was a blur, and I was too drained to think straight. Hayden gave me a reassuring look and said, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen, unsure whether to pick up. Before I could decide, the call went to voicemail on its own.I took the phone and opened the messages. They were the ones from earlier this morning that I hadn't readโall still marked as unread:[Rea, can we meet up?][Rea, there's something I'm not sure if I should tell you.][Rea, please reply when you see this.]He'd sent those in the morning, and there were two more from the afternoon:[Rea, I'm waiting for your reply.][Rea, are you really busy?]Seeing them all lined up, I could practically feel Wayne's anxiety.He'd been waiting for me to respond all day. Whatever he was debating whether or not to
"Wait, are you planning to ditch Hayden now that you've, uh, had your fun?" Lena asked.I couldn't believe Lena actually thought that about me."Uh, what? Where did that come from?"Lena snorted. "Girl, you drained him like a Capri Sun, and now you're gonna act all innocent?"I blinked, still trying to process. Lena pointed to her neck, then plopped onto my bed, grinning like a cat that got the cream. "Didn't know you had it in you. Guess you unleashed twenty years of pent-up energy on poor Hayden, huh?"I cringed, remembering the hickey I'd purposely left on his neck. "It's not like that, okayโ"Lena held up a hand, cutting me off. "Nah, save it."I let out a helpless laugh. True, explaining would only dig me a deeper hole."So, are you feeling better now?" she asked, her tone going from nosy to serious in a split second.I knew what she meantโabout the whole thing with my parents' accident.I closed my eyes and stayed silent.Lena sat on the edge of my bed and gave my hand
"How'd you end up sick?" Wayne asked as he stepped in, holding a bouquet of flowers, his face etched with worry.I suddenly felt awkward lying down now that he was here, so I grabbed the bed railing, trying to sit up. But Wayne gently pushed me back down. "You don't have to get up.""I'm fine," I protested, still struggling to sit up.With Hayden, lying down didn't feel weird or uncomfortable. I guess that's why he felt different from other guys.Wayne's eyes stayed locked on mine. "Seriously, what happened?"How was I supposed to explain that I'd spiraled after learning more about my parents? It wasn't like I couldn't say itโI just didn't want to.Lately, I'd gotten so used to shrugging things off, keeping it all in. Easier that way."Just low blood sugar. I fainted," I lied.Wayne didn't look convinced, his eyes scanning my face like he was trying to read my mind. Before he could start asking more questions, I cut him off. "So, what did you want to tell me?"His mouth opened
"Wayne, Jace is an adult. He has to deal with the consequences of his choices," I said.Whether Matthew kicked him out or cut ties, it was all on Jace."I get that," Wayne sighed, "but seeing him and Dad at each other's throats is stressful. And if he leaves the company, it's definitely going to affect business."I gave him a small, knowing smile. "Isn't that why you're here?"Wayne looked taken aback. "I've never wanted to run the company. That's why I left in the first place."Only he knew if that was the whole story, but it wasn't my place to judge.Still, I shared my thoughts anyway. "Matthew must have a backup plan. If he's ready to let Jace go, it's because he knows the business will keep running without him," I said, keeping my tone practical. "The world doesn't stop turning for anyone."Wayne just stared at me, speechless. He finally gave a bitter smile. "I guess I've been too narrow-minded.""You just care too much," I said, giving him an out.He looked at me. "Rea, y
The scene was as awkward as you'd expect.Except for Hayden."Just a moment," he said calmly, carrying me over to the couch like it was the most natural thing in the world.He didn't rush out either. Instead, he took his time, wiping my hands with a wet wipe. "Eat first. The soup's a little hot, so take it slow."Wayne hovered awkwardly at the door, clearly unsure if he should step inside or make a run for it. Even I felt the tension."I can manage, thanks," I said, hoping Hayden would take the hint and go see what Wayne needed.Before leaving, Hayden made sure to open all the food containers, even placing the utensils in front of me with such care it almost felt like a final blow to Wayne.Standing there in the doorway, Wayne had to watch this whole display of tenderness. I couldn't imagine how much it must've hurt, considering his feelings for me."What did you want to talk about?" Hayden asked as he walked over to the door.Wayne stepped out, and they started talking in hus
"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