Hearing the same words now just felt like he was mocking me.


    “I know,” I said, then added, “I’m not a kid anymore.


    Jace seemed to catch what I meant and gave me a tight smile. “I guess I’m just overthinking


    things.”


    I stayed quiet as he went on, “Just be careful, okay? Don’t walk around distracted.”


    I nodded, but the image from my dream shed through my mind–Jace, covered in blood. Seeing


    him here at the hospital made my heart clench, and before could stop myself, I asked, “What are


    you doing here?”


    His lips moved like he was about to answer, but nothing came out.


    “Aren’t you-” I started, wanting to ask if he was okay.


    But before I could finish, someone called out from down the hall. “Jace, hurry up.


    It was Tanya.


    Jace’s tall frame blocked my view, but I recognized her voice instantly.


    It all made sense now. He wasn’t here because he was unwell–he was here with Tanya.


    I didn’t need to ask why. It was probably just a prenatal checkup.


    And here I was, stressing over him because of a stupid dream. How pathetic.


    Jace’s expression tightened at the sound of her voice. forced a smile, but it came out more mocking


    than anything. “You’ve got stuff to do. You should go.”


    Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away.


    The second I got in my car, my phone buzzed twice. A message.


    I opened it, and there it was–a text from Tanya: [Keira, since you and Jace are no longer together, I


    hope you can keep your distance from him.]


    Her words made my blood boil. I quickly typed back: [If you’re that worried, why don’t you just tie


    him to your hip? What I do is none of your business.]


    I hit send, then deleted her contact, letting out a long breath before starting the car and heading


    back to the office.


    When I got there, Hayden wasn’t around, and neither was Ron. They must’ve gone a little too hard


    at the wee party and decided to skip out on work today.


    Yuna’s situation wasn’t urgent, so I didn’t bother calling Hayden.


    But before the day ended, my phone rang. It was him, asking where I was.


    “I’m at the office, working,” I replied, making sure to hint at his absence. It was his first day, and he


    was already MIA in the afternoon.


    “I’m out


    with Mr. Shane, discussing business. I’ll be backte, around seven. You should head home first. If


    you’re hungry, grab something to eat, and I’ll cook for you when I get back,” Hayden said, sounding


    as worried as ever about keeping me fed.


    So, he was actually out on business, not goofing off like I’d assumed.


    Suddenly, I felt a little guilty for jumping to conclusions.


    “No need. I’ll grab something simple. Just let me know when you’re back,” I said. I needed to talk to


    him about Yuna’s surgery anyway.


    Even though it was good news, I hadn’t told Yuna yet. Ewanted Hayden’s go–ahead first.


    “I will,” Hayden said.


    I was about to hang up when he added, “I won’t keep you waiting long.” His tone carried a hint of


    something else–something suggestive.


    I had no idea what to say to that.


    True to his word, Hayden showed up right at seven. Remembering hisst words, I decided to keep


    things focused. “I wanted to talk to you because Yuna’s surgery is set. We’ve also secured a heart


    donor.”


    He just nodded with a calm “Hmm,” like I’d told him the weather forecast.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    My irritation red up. After everything I’d done to get a top surgeon like Nate for the procedure, his


    indifference felt like a p in the face. Like I was meddling in something I shouldn’t.


    “What’s that supposed to mean, Hayden? If you don’t want-”


    I didn’t get to finish. In two strides, he was in front of me, scooping me up in his arms.


    “Hayden, you–mmph…


    He silenced me with a kiss, firm and urgent, and carried me straight toward the bedroom.