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
By the time the plane touched down, the sky was already turning a deep shade of orange and pink."Wow, Hayden, this is the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen, " I said, practically glued to the window."It is," he agreed, sounding casual, as always.He was like that—a man of few words—but I'd gotten used to it.It wasn't until we got into the car and I scrolled through my phone that I saw his latest post. He'd snapped a pic of that very sunset and captioned it: [Because you're here with me.]My heart did this weird little flip.It didn't seem to connect at first, but then I got it: I'd said, "This is the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen." And he was saying, "It is, 'because you're here with me.'"Well, alright then!If anyone said Hayden didn't know how to show affection, I'd be the first to call them out.He was way too good at it."Hayden, are you back this time to finally tie the knot?" teased the guy driving us. One of Hayden's friends, he'd been waiting for us at t
As Hayden and I got out of the car, Yuna was chilling in the yard, rocking in a chair, totally absorbed in her book.The breeze played with her dress, making the scene almost unreal, like something out of a movie.She was so deep in her book, she didn't even notice we'd pulled up until Zach yelled, "Yuna, guess who's here!"Without even looking up, Yuna fired back, "Zach, your car sounds like a lawnmower. I knew it was you."I laughed as Zach scratched his neck, embarrassed. "Yeah, well, it's not just me. I brought someone."Yuna just flipped another page, still not looking up.Zach was about to say more, but I waved him off and walked over to her. Standing behind her, I peeked at the book. "Still reading this? Thought you'd finished it."I remembered seeing it on her nightstand last time I was here—one of those sappy romance novels.She froze for a second, then turned. Her face lit up when she saw me. "Keira!"I laughed as Yuna jumped up, but the second she spotted Hayden beh
"What is it?" I asked, still smiling.Yuna bit her lip, hesitating. "Is my surgery going to cost a lot?"My heart sank. I'd been worried she'd ask that. "Not at all," I said quickly. "It's really affordable. Plus, Hayden just landed a great gig as chief engineer, so we're good."She didn't respond, so I slid closer. There's this thing called the "proximity effect"—sometimes trust isn't about words, just being there.I gently ran my fingers through Yuna's hair. "The doctor handling your surgery is my bestie's friend. He's the best. All you need to do is focus on getting better. You're going to be fine."Tears welled up in Yuna's eyes. "Keira, you're too kind."I smiled. "Well, if I wasn't, Hayden wouldn't have stuck around."Yuna giggled. "You and Hayden are like a storybook couple."Thinking of all the romance novels she devoured, I teased, "Once you're better, you'll have your own love story."Her face turned red, and I could tell she'd thought about it.What girl hasn't? It
Hayden and I stood by the river, listening to the water while the wind whipped through the trees.After a while, my legs started giving out. I was exhausted."What's wrong?" Hayden asked."I need to sit. My legs are sore," I admitted.Without missing a beat, he scooped me up by the waist, carrying me over to a big rock like I weighed nothing. Even though he did stuff like this all the time, I still acted shy. "I can walk, you know."He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just say your legs were sore? How're you gonna walk?"I stuck out my tongue and let him win that one.He set me down, then sat beside me, but before I could scoot closer, his arm hooked around my waist and pulled me right into his lap. What was he up to now?Before I could ask, he whispered in my ear, "The rock's cold."Seriously, was there a more thoughtful boyfriend than Hayden?"Thanks, boyfriend," I said, giving him a quick kiss. But the second my lips touched his, something felt off. There was this faint trac
Hayden's eyes narrowed, and I instinctively gripped him tighter. "Is it true?""Why would you think that?" he countered.I was about to mention Lindey when, out of nowhere, Yuna's voice called from a distance, "Keira, your phone's been ringing nonstop!"She was hurrying over, despite her heart condition. She wasn't supposed to be running."Okay, I got it!" I quickly jumped off Hayden's lap and rushed over to her.It was Lindey calling—multiple times. Something had to be up."Lindey?" I answered immediately."Rea, why haven't you been picking up? I thought something happened!" Her voice was laced with panic."No, I just didn't have my phone on me."She let out a relieved breath. "You scared me. I was imagining the worst.""I'll keep it with me next time," I promised before asking, "What's going on?""I'm furious!" Lindey's voice came out sharp and full of anger.I couldn't help but smile. "Who got you mad this time? Matthew?""If it were him, I'd knock some sense into him!
Lindey said softly, "Hayden's so lucky to marry you."I gave a small smile, not really feeling the need to say anything. I mean, wasn't I lucky too?After Jace's betrayal, Hayden came into my life like a hero, fixing everything and pulling me out of the mess."How long are you two going to be gone?" Lindey asked.I shrugged, keeping it vague. "No clue."Lindey groaned. "Rea, when you get back, can we hang out? I'm losing it over here."I thought about the whole Jace drama and how Lindey had stepped in, basically kicking Tanya to the curb for me. "Yeah, sure. I'll drop by and see you and Matthew when I'm back."She gave a relieved hum. "Be careful out there, okay? New places and all that.""I will," I promised, before adding, "And, Lindey? Don't stay mad."Another long sigh. "I'll try."After we hung up, I let out a deep breath.Talking to Lindey and Matthew lately felt... draining. I tucked my phone away, glancing at Hayden and Yuna. Whatever they were talking about, Yuna wa
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