Chapter 121

“Mr. Hart will pay, right?” Demi asked, turning to Hayden. “Is that alright with you, Mr. Hart?”

I half expected Hayden to refuse, but he simply said, “If she’s willing, sure.”

I was stunned.

Demi pinched my arm, her eyes wide with excitement, instantly sensing the unusual atmosphere. Was Hayden merely teasing, trying to create more drama?

Before Demi could begin gossiping, I forced a smile and said, “I’m not exactly broke, so I’ll pass.”

“Keira…”

Hayden glanced at me, remaining silent.

As we ate breakfast, my phone buzzed. It was Ms. Brown, my neighbor’s landlord. Assuming she had an update, I answered. “Morning, Ms. Brown…”

“Keira, I hate to bother you so early,” she said politely.

“No worries, what’s up?” I replied, taking a sip of milk.

“Regarding the rental issue you mentioned, I spoke to the tenant, but he was uncooperative. He even refused compensation, so the situation remains difficult…” Ms. Brown’s words felt strangely familiar, like I’d heard them before.

“Keira, don’t worry. I investigated the tenant—no criminal record, no suspicious activity, and he’s quite handsome, too. Actually, he used to—” Ms. Brown was interrupted when Hayden called my name. “Can I have your fried egg?” He pointed to the egg on my plate.

I blinked, completely disoriented, missing the rest of Ms. Brown’s words. I mumbled, “Sure,” hung up, and stared at Hayden.

“If you don’t want to, that’s fine,” Hayden added, casually peeling a boiled egg.

“Mr. Hart, you can have mine if you want. I’m not going to eat it,” Demi offered, eager to please.

“No thanks. I’ve changed my mind,” Hayden dismissed her, his tone cold.

I remained silent, watching him gulp down his peeled egg. It looked as though he was forcing it down.

I couldn’t shake the feeling he hadn’t actually wanted my egg. Why had he even asked?

Before I could process anything, Hayden finished his breakfast. He stood, slung his bag over his shoulder, and said, “You guys finish. I’m leaving.”

Demi watched him go, then leaned in, whispering, “Keira, it’s not that he didn’t want just any fried egg; he wanted yours.”

I rolled my eyes. “What, does my fried egg have magical powers or something?”

Demi said, “He treats you differently. He likes you.”

I nearly choked on my food. After coughing, I sipped my milk and asked, “Just because he wanted my fried egg?”

“It’s not just that,” Demi insisted. “It’s his whole demeanor around you—the way he looks at you… and…” She clicked her tongue, searching for words. “It’s hard to explain, but there’s something there. You two have chemistry.”

I wasn’t oblivious—I felt it too. Ever since Hayden first mentioned marriage, I’d had this nagging feeling. But then he’d act so distant, making me question everything. Still, over the past few days, especially since last night, it felt like he might actually have feelings for me.

“So what? I already told you, I don’t like him,” I said, noticing someone approaching our table.

I looked up. Hayden stood there, staring intently at me.

The awkwardness was palpable. My fingers curled. I saw Demi tense, but she quickly forced a laugh, attempting to ease the tension. “Mr. Hart, what brings you back? We were just discussing Keira’s ex-fiancé. She was saying—”

“I know,” Hayden interrupted, his eyes fixed on mine.