Hearing Macy call, I tossed my phone aside and yelled, "Coming!"Kicking off my shoes, I slid into my slippers and opened the door. The first thing I saw was Hayden filling up a bunch of white buckets in the courtyard.He hoisted the full buckets, his shoulder muscles showing even through his shirt. Talk about strength."Why are you getting so much water? Is there a water outage or something?" I asked as I walked over.Macy glanced at my slippers and discreetly rolled her eyes.Hayden stayed quiet, so she answered for him, "Just in case."Then she patted Hayden. "I'm making fish chowder tonight. You two go buy some fish—wild-caught if you can. Also, get some cilantro, garlic sprouts, potatoes, and clams."It was obvious she just wanted to get us out of the house to talk.I knew my slippers weren't the best choice, but going back to change felt awkward."Go change your shoes," Hayden said.Now it would be even more embarrassing, so I forced a smile. "It's fine."Hayden didn't
I never thought in my wildest dreams that a guy I'd only met twice would want to marry me.Meanwhile, the guy I'd loved for ten years was secretly seeing someone else.After a moment of shock, I smiled at Hayden. "Isn't this a bit too sudden?"Hayden stayed serious. "Isn't dating supposed to lead to marriage? Since you don't want to date, let's just get married."'He has a point. But seriously, who casually suggests marriage to someone they barely know?'This might work in fiction, but this was real life.I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Do you propose this quickly to every girl you meet?"The setting sun cast long shadows, and Hayden's shadow wrapped around me. "You're the first."A tickle of discomfort rose in my throat. "We... don't know each other well."Hayden didn't say anything more, and we stood there in silence. Heat crept over my skin, and even my nose started to sweat.As I nervously scratched at the wall behind me, trying to come up with something to say, Hayden br
I nodded slightly. "That's a good suggestion. I'll think about it.""Seriously consider it," Lena said, pausing for a moment. "Rea, the best way to get over someone and a past relationship is to start a new one quickly.""Alright, love guru, I get it," I replied, hanging up the phone and flopping onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.I heard Hayden's footsteps outside. I recognized them instantly—steady and strong.Soon, I heard the faucet running and Macy mumbling, "Why are you alone? Where's Keira?"I didn't catch Hayden's response, but he did say, "Don't add cilantro to the fish chowder."Hearing this, I laughed. But as I laughed, tears started to fall.In these years with the Johnston family, I had been eating cilantro, though I never ate it when I was with my parents.There's a saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Although I moved into the Johnston residence as Jace's fiancée, and Lindey said I was like her daughter, I knew deep down that I wasn't a Johnston
That night, I slept like a rock until some noise outside yanked me awake.It wasn't Hayden talking, but some woman with a local accent.From the sound of it, she wasn't young. Younger women usually have soft, clear voices, while older women's voices are heavier and rougher.I had a knack for recognizing people by their voices, yet I couldn't tell that the man I had loved for ten years was actually a jerk.They say you only truly forget someone when you stop thinking about them all the time. Clearly, I wasn't there yet. I still found myself thinking about Jace. Even if it wasn't love anymore, it was resentment. I couldn't help but think of him now and then.I stayed in bed, straining to hear the conversation outside."Macy, where's Hayden?" the woman asked."He left early this morning," Macy replied, the sound of running water in the background."He left, huh? I thought he was still asleep," the woman laughed lightly."Molly, why do you care if Hayden's up or not? He doesn't li
I grabbed my toothbrush and a cup, filled it with water, and started brushing my teeth. I didn't look at Molly the whole time, but she didn't take her eyes off me. She checked me out from head to toe."Keira, this is Molly Ruth," Macy said, introducing us. "Molly, meet Keira Kay."With my mouth full of toothpaste, I nodded at Molly.She had a round face but wasn't overweight. She wore a floral dress and had clearly put effort into her makeup."Molly', she's the one you wanted to meet. Didn't I tell you? Look how pretty she is," Macy said, scrubbing some clothes by hand.When Molly and I locked eyes, I caught a flicker of insecurity in her gaze, but she wouldn't show it. "She's younger, of course she's pretty. I wasn't bad at her age either."Macy sneered, and Molly rolled her eyes. Their silent feud felt like I was watching a comedy.As I finished brushing my teeth, Molly spoke up, "Keira, are you visiting relatives here or just traveling?""Traveling," I said, turning on the t
I looked up and saw Hayden's rugged, chiseled face. Not only did he catch me, but he also snagged the watermelon from my hand.This surreal scene, straight out of a TV drama, was actually happening to me.He steadied me and let go, but the second I moved, pain shot through my ankle.Grabbing his arm, I said, "It hurts..."Following my gaze, he saw my ankle already turning red. "It's sprained?"Hayden was really close, his deep voice sounding especially sexy and comforting.I nodded, and the next second, he handed me the watermelon and scooped me up in his arms.In all the years I was with Jace, he never held me like this. Hayden carrying me like his princess made my heart race, and even my nose started to sweat.That was my thing; whenever I got nervous or excited, my nose would sweat.I heard gasps around us—it was the neighbors and passersby. In a small town like this, such behavior between a guy and a girl wasn't common.Hayden seemed unfazed by the onlookers, carrying me
Not too long ago, Jace had also given me a foot massage. It felt sweet then, but it didn't even come close to what I was feeling now.I couldn't figure out why. Maybe it was Hayden's technique.As Hayden was finishing up, I heard Macy shouting outside, "Listen up, everyone! If anyone tries to mess with my tenants, don't blame me for getting nasty! I'll make your whole family regret it...""What's going on?" I asked quietly.Hayden took my foot off his knee and placed it on another stone bench. As he stood up, I noticed his face was a bit red.I thought he was just hot, but his next words told me otherwise.He said, "From now on, don't wear skirts around here."I looked down at my skirt, a royal blue silk one that clung to my body and had a slit up the side. Sitting the way I was, the slit had ridden up, exposing my thigh. When he was massaging my foot, he must have seen something.My face turned slightly red, but I wasn't about to lose my cool. I feigned indifference. "Why? Doe
It was the bluntest thing I'd ever said.Hayden looked slightly stunned, then replied in a super chill tone, "You're overthinking it.I did not say anything.He turned around and started cutting the watermelon, arranging each piece on the plate like little soldiers ready for inspection.Looking at the perfectly cut watermelon, I suddenly felt this weird urge to snoop around his room."Why aren't you eating? Just staring at it won't help," Macy teased as she walked over.Macy was such a character—hands on hips when scolding, but super caring and gentle when she showed concern. She could crack a dirty joke like nobody's business."I was waiting for you. You really stood up for me earlier," I said playfully, handing her the biggest piece of watermelon.Macy didn't hesitate. She took a bite and said, "Sweet, but I can't have too much. My blood sugar's high."I started on my piece, but Hayden went back to his room and stayed there.When it was time for dinner, he left again. I wan
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