When I returned to bed, wrapped up like a human burrito, I realized I was the one with the dirty mind.Hayden's self-control was something else—I couldn't even put a dent in it.All he did was give me a bath. A regular, innocent bath.Even though I'd already pushed his limits, I couldn't resist teasing him. "What, afraid you can't keep up?"That's the kind of comment that would get under any guy's skin. But Hayden wasn't just any guy. He pinned me down, his voice firm. "Knock it off and behave. You're wasting your time."He saw right through my little game."You've really hurt my feelings," I said, pretending to be all sad and pulling the blanket over my head in frustration.He pulled it right back and gently pinched my cheek. "It's not that I can't keep up, and trust me, you definitely attract me. I'm just worried about hurting you. Let's wait until you're fully recovered, okay?"My cheeks warmed. "So, what, if I'm always this fragile, you're just never going to touch me again
"I get it," Hayden said.I was so exasperated that I let out a laugh. "Now I understand why you're still single in your thirties—you're way too boring!""You think I'm boring too?" he asked softly.I thought about how he seemed pretty clueless when it came to flirting, and I couldn't help but smile. "I mean, you're not exactly Mr. Smooth-Talker."Hayden was quiet for a few seconds. "I always figured sweet-talking was just fancy lying."I blinked, caught off guard. That was... different."Do you want me to sweet-talk you?" he asked again.I mean, who doesn't like a little flattery? But it should come from the heart, not be some fake act—like it was with Jace."Nah, just be yourself," I said, snuggling closer into his chest. "You're kinda perfect just the way you are.""If I proposed to you, would you say yes?" Hayden suddenly brought up the marriage thing, picking up right where we left off.I hadn't really thought about it, and now that he was asking so casually, I just blurt
"Why aren't you answering?" I asked casually."I will," Hayden said, like it was no big deal. "I'll take the call in a minute. You should get up, wash up, and have breakfast."I raised an eyebrow. "You made breakfast?"I thought he'd been by my side the whole time. Turns out he'd already whipped something up and then come back to bed to keep me company.As expected, exceptional people are always putting in the work behind the scenes."Yeah, I made some banana oatmeal. It's got extra electrolytes to help you recharge," he said, ruffling my hair.Hayden left to take his call while I slipped my hand out from under the blanket, staring at the ring on my finger. I couldn't resist taking a picture and posting it on social media with the caption: [Limited Edition].I scrolled through my feed for a bit before finally dragging myself out of bed. Hayden was still on the phone, so I didn't think much of it and headed to the bathroom.It wasn't until I got there that I noticed the ointment
I had said that, but I didn't think he'd take it this seriously—like, doing that during a work trip?Noticing my confusion, Hayden leaned back in his chair. "I talked to Mr. Shane about it.""Oh," I replied, not feeling that there was anything wrong, and took another spoonful of oatmeal.But after a few bites, I paused. "Wait, so are you guys, like, super close or something? You asked for time off for me, and he just agreed? And then he personally let me know?"Hayden kept eating his breakfast, completely unfazed. "Not really."I laughed. "Not really? It's like he treats you... like you're royalty or something."I meant more like his dad, honestly. It was like, whatever Hayden asked for, Ron just had to go along with it."Close enough," Hayden said with a smirk. "He needs me to develop new products and make money for him. So if I ask for something, he's not gonna say no."Wow, okay. I gave him a mental double thumbs-up, totally speechless.People who know they've got skills ju
"Yes, this is Keira. Who's calling?" I asked, my eyes drifting back to Jace.He didn't seem to notice me, heading over to a nearby seat on his own."I'm from Amour Eternel Assurance, agent number A8338. Four years ago, you and Mr. Johnston purchased a love insurance policy from us. The policy term has expired, and we need to verify some information with you."A chill ran down my spine. I glanced instinctively at Hayden.He had been holding me close, but the moment I took the call, he stepped back, giving me space.Hayden was always so considerate, always making sure I felt safe and supported, but never stifled."Could you please confirm if you and Mr. Johnston are currently in a relationship or married?" the agent asked.My eyes flicked back to Jace. He was on his own call, a deep frown creasing his forehead."Ms. Kay, are you still there?" the agent pressed, probably wondering why I'd gone silent.I swallowed hard. "Yes, I'm here. We..."'We've already broken up.' I was just
"This is an airport terminal. There are people everywhere, including kids," I reminded Hayden.He just hummed. "I know.""Then why are you still..." My face turned red."Please," he said softly but firmly.I figured he'd noticed Jace too and was probably acting out of jealousy. Maybe he just wanted to send a message, make sure Jace knew to back off for good.Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, bracing myself for Hayden's kiss right there in the bustling terminal.But instead of feeling his lips, I felt something heavy slip into my hand.I opened my eyes and looked at Hayden, then down at my hand, now holding a small pouch."What's this?" I asked, totally confused.Hayden nodded toward the pouch, urging me to take a look.Still confused, I opened it and found two bank cards, along with a couple of documents.One was his discharge certificate from the army, and the other was a certificate showing his record of blood donations."What does this mean?" I asked, still not get
Was that even a real question? No one likes being lied to.I looked at him, feeling a little defensive. "So, are you planning to deceive me in the future, or have you already lied about something?"He hesitated, then said, "...No."I couldn't tell if he was being completely honest, but I made my stance clear. "Hayden, I won't put up with being lied to."He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I understand."It was better to set boundaries upfront. I was making it clear now: if he ever dared to lie to me, he couldn't expect me to just let it go.The boarding announcement came over the loudspeaker, calling for a flight heading overseas.I couldn't help but think of Jace, and sure enough, I spotted him wheeling his luggage toward the security checkpoint.What was he going abroad for? Business? Or... something else?"Kiki, we should head to security," Hayden's voice pulled me back to reality."Oh!" I snapped out of it and looked at him.Guilt washed over me. I was worried
Was he seriously teasing me with that straight face?But he was always so principled! It made me wonder if he was serious or if I was just overthinking it."Don't believe me? Try it," Hayden said, his eyes warm and steady, making my cheeks flush even more.I playfully pinched his arm, pretending to be annoyed. "Do you actually want to hear what I have to say or not? Because if not, I'll just keep it to myself.""I'm listening!" he said quickly.I glanced out the window and told him what Wayne had shared with me the other day. After I finished, Hayden nodded, his expression thoughtful. "So, are you worried?""Yeah, but I'm not worried about Jace. I'm concerned about RiverwaveCorp," I clarified quickly."I know," Hayden said, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of my head. "You feel like this whole situation is way more complicated than it seems, right?"He understood me so well."You're not wrong to be concerned. It's possible everything, starting with Wayne's return, was part of
Peter's expression darkened at Hayden's playful jab, but Hayden merely smiled lightly, as if relishing the discomfort. "From what you’ve said, Mr. Mitchell, you must be quite the romantic," he teased. The tea began to boil, releasing a rich fragrance into the air. Hayden had done his homework on Peter. Despite his dignified reputation, Mr. Mitchell had married three times, fathered no children with his wives, and even had an illegitimate child with a mistress. This mistress had borne him a son and then tried to leverage the child to gain the title of "Madam Mitchell." Peter, stubborn and prideful, refused her demands and even sent people to take the child by force. But the mistress, knowing Peter’s methods, preemptively entrusted the child to someone else. When Mitchell’s men came to seize the boy, an explosive argument broke out. In a fit of rage, Mitchell struck her, and in defiance, the mistress stabbed herself in the chest, intending only to scare him. Unfortunately, the blad
When Hayden arrived at the teahouse, Ron glanced at his watch and tapped it meaningfully before saying in a low voice, "The man’s been waiting for half an hour." "Getting impatient?" Hayden asked casually, his tone devoid of concern. His attire was simple and understated, nothing to draw attention. If not for his sharply defined features and the naturally aloof aura he carried, his outfit would have rendered him almost invisible in a crowd. "No, not at all. I’m quite patient," Ron replied with an exaggerated expression of innocence, as though pleading not to be falsely accused. Hayden gave him a glance that seemed to say, Then why bother pointing it out? "But arriving this late does come across as impolite, doesn’t it?" Ron added, his tone that of a model citizen, someone who might have been a class leader or an exemplary student back in the day. "I did it on purpose," Hayden replied, cutting him off with five simple words that silenced Ron. Hayden pushed open the door an
"Because this love didn’t give me the happiness I imagined," Lena explained with a faint smile. "It’s like going to the supermarket, picking out a snack you’re excited about, and then finding out it doesn’t suit your taste. After that, you just don’t like it anymore and won’t bother with it again." Her metaphor was strikingly apt. "And what does the happiness you imagine look like?" Aaron asked, as though playing the role of a persistent interviewer. Lena, softened by the alcohol, answered obediently, "I don’t know. But whatever it is, Nate didn’t give it to me." Aaron observed the peaceful resignation in her expression and pressed further. "Do you still believe in love? Do you still want to start a new relationship?" "Of course," Lena said, finally lifting her gaze to meet his. Her eyebrows arched into a cheerful expression. "I’m not the kind of person who gets scared off by a bad experience. If I meet someone who makes my heart race again, I’ll love them boldly and passiona
He was waiting for her? What for? "Uncle, you didn’t skip dinner, did you?" Lena’s first thought was his meal. In truth, he hadn’t eaten. After receiving her message, he had been uneasy all evening, unable to focus on food. "You didn’t eat? I’ll make something for you," Lena assumed his silence was confirmation. "There’s no need," Aaron refused. "Then why were you waiting for me? Is something wrong?" In Lena’s view, Aaron would never wait for her without a reason. He gazed at her, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "You’ve been drinking?" She nodded, flashing him a sweet, soft smile. She even gestured with her hand, "Just a little." Aaron stepped closer, his tall frame looming over her with an intensity that made her feel small. Though the light above bathed his eyes, they remained dark and inscrutable, filled with a depth that was hard to read. Lena sensed something was off. "Uncle, what’s wrong?" She looked into his deep, clear eyes, untouched by any impurity.
"Should we drink a little today?" Lena asked. Nate nodded. "Let’s have a drink." They warmed a bottle of wine and ordered a few small dishes. Neither of them spoke, simply sitting quietly, gazing out at the river and the occasional boats passing by. "Lena," Nate called her softly. Lena turned to look at him. The warm yellow light above cast a gentle glow on his nose, brows, and lips. His gold-rimmed glasses exuded elegance, and the texture of his shirt spoke of refined taste. Even after their breakup, Lena had to admit that Nate was precisely her type. In all her life, among all the men she had met, only Aaron and Nate could truly be called attractive in her eyes. Even Hayden and Jace were merely "not bad." It wasn’t that her standards were excessively high—it was simply that if someone didn’t resonate with her, no matter how perfect they were, she wouldn’t care for them. "Thank you," Nate said softly. Lena was momentarily stunned, assuming he was referring to their wor
Recently, Lena had been in a constant state of distraction. Aaron's decision to sever ties with the Aces weighed heavily on her mind. He hadn't told her the reason, only saying that she would find out in due time. She could live without knowing why, but she feared the fallout. When the truth came to light, she worried her grandparents and her mother would crumble under the weight of the news, collectively breaking down. Aaron had assured her he would handle everything, but she didn’t trust that he could shield the family from such devastation. Most importantly, she couldn’t understand why he would choose to leave the Aces. Could it really be, as the old saying went, that someone else’s child was like an ungrateful wolf? If it were anyone else, she might believe it, but this was Aaron. She couldn’t bring herself to believe he would be so heartless, so ungrateful. And yet, he had said it to her himself. It felt so unreal that Lena wondered if she had imagined it all. This tur
Mrs. Lane finally pieced together all the questions Lena had asked her and understood everything. Gabriel furrowed his brow and looked at Lena. "Is this really what you think?" Lena stayed silent. She did have those suspicions, but seeing how her mother had reacted so strongly, she began to wonder if she had been overthinking it. Aaron, who had already figured out the situation, looked at Lena and spoke up. "She must have misunderstood something." And he knew it was his fault. "She’s just an ungrateful brat! She doesn’t appreciate the kindness she’s been given and can’t stand seeing me be good to someone else," Mrs. Lane fumed again. Gabriel wiped away her tears gently. "Alright, maybe she was just joking with you." "Ask her if she was joking! Look at the things she’s been asking me—let her tell you herself!" Mrs. Lane pointed an accusing finger at Lena. "Big Sis," Aaron called out softly, "I’ll take Lil' Lena out for some fresh air." Without waiting for a reply, he r
"You’ll find out soon enough," Aaron’s answer echoed in Lena’s ears, leaving her restless and unable to sleep. The next day, Mrs. Lane arrived with chicken soup for Aaron and a bag full of fresh produce. "These vegetables are from a village I visited. They’re all organic, no chemical fertilizers," she gushed proudly. Lena's gaze followed her mother’s every move, scrutinizing her intently. Wherever she went, Lena's eyes followed, making her incredibly uncomfortable. "What are you staring at me for? It’s creepy," Mrs. Lane said. "Mom, why are you so good to my uncle?" Lena finally asked. "He’s my brother. Isn’t it normal for me to care for him? You think everyone’s as heartless as you?" Mrs. Lane scolded her, throwing in an insult for good measure. Lena didn’t retaliate to the insult. Instead, she pressed further, "It’s normal, sure, but the way you care for him doesn’t feel like how you’d treat a brother. It feels more like..." She paused before continuing, "Like how you’d
Keira chuckled softly. "Well, a DNA test isn’t a bad idea. At least then you won’t have to worry about being related to Mr. Ace if you two get together." Lena's eyebrows shot up instantly. "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you want me to hit you?" "Go ahead. If you break anything, you’ll have to compensate me," Keira said smugly, knowing full well she had a trump card—her precious little one growing inside her. Their playful banter caught the attention of the people in the room. They exchanged amused glances. "The things girls find joy in are beyond us," one of them said with a smile. "Let’s hope they stay happy forever," Aaron added, just as his phone began to ring. Glancing at the caller ID, he nodded at Hayden. "I’ll take this call." Aaron walked toward his study. Hayden also pulled out his phone, while Lena and Keira moved to the sofa. Keira recounted Lena’s gossip to him. "Hayden, do you think I could be the person the Mitchell family owes a debt to?" "It’s not