Chapter 38

Guinevere's POV

When we were finally alone, away from the prying eyes and whispers, I couldn’t hold back any longer. I wrapped my arms around Hayden, desperately needing to feel his warmth, to remember what it felt like to be in his embrace. For a brief moment, he returned the hug, but his body was tense, rigid—nothing like the man I used to know. The silence between us was thick, and it gnawed at me.

When I finally pulled away, I moved closer, leaning in for a kiss, seeking the comfort I had missed for so long. But before our lips could touch, Hayden stopped me, placing his hands on my shoulders to gently push me back.

"Gwen, we can’t," he said, his voice low but firm.

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Embarrassment and hurt flared up inside me, and I quickly stepped back, feeling the sting of rejection burn through me. My heart ached, but I tried to keep my composure.

"I missed you," I whispered, my voice betraying the vulnerability I tried so hard to hide.

Hayden sighed, hi