Chapter 129

I didn't realize Lena was there until she handed me a cup of tea. "Jace is such a jerk," she said. "I never thought things would get this ugly once he showed his true colors."

I took a sip, letting the warmth soothe me. "Turns out, he was just pitying me."

Even though Jace and I had broken up, good memories still lingered. But today, his words shattered those memories, leaving only bitterness.

Lena placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, rubbing gently. "Better to see him for what he really is now than later."

I remained silent, staring into my cup. Lena nudged me. "Wanna get back at him?"

"What?"

Jace's words had cut deep, reopening wounds I thought healed, dragging me back to the worst time of my life. He wasn't entirely wrong—after the car accident that killed my parents, as they lay cold in the morgue, I truly felt utterly alone. I was lost, unable even to go home. I considered ending it all to be with them again.

It wasn't until Matthew and Lindsey arrived, hugged me, and told me I would live with them, that they would be my new parents, that my fear subsided. They were my anchor in the darkness. I honestly believed the world still held love for me.

That's why I misread Jace's smile initially, thinking it meant something more. Looking back, it probably wasn't friendly at all—more like mockery, right? But then, I saw it as a ray of hope.

"You need to find someone to date, or even marry, just to make Jace realize you're serious," Lena said, turning me to face her. "Show him you can live without him, that you don't need him at all."

"Guys like him, with their stupid pride and arrogance, need a reality check before they realize what they've lost," she added, giving my shoulders a firm squeeze.

I could see she was as angry as I was—completely done with Jace's nonsense.

I let out a bitter laugh. "You think this is some kind of TV drama where you can just start a relationship like that?"

"TV dramas are based on real life, you know. And if it helps you get rid of Jace once and for all, and makes him see what he messed up, then it's totally worth it," Lena insisted, trying to cheer me up.

I stared at the floor, my thoughts muddled. But Lena persisted. "What about Hayden? He'd be perfect."

"No way. Absolutely not," I shook my head vehemently. Hayden already had feelings for me. If I pursued this and he took it seriously, I'd be in even deeper trouble.

"He's the best choice, and you know it," Lena pressed.

"Let me think about it," I mumbled, feeling overwhelmed.

But Lena remained fixated on the idea, convinced it was the perfect plan. Even after a couple of drinks, she kept pushing. "Just call Hayden right now. Lay out the conditions—make it clear it's just pretend. If he says no, then whatever, forget it."

"What if he takes it seriously?" I still wasn't convinced.

Lena countered, "Maybe he'll be down to play along."

After far too many drinks, I finally succumbed to Lena's relentless nagging and dialed Hayden's number.

"Hey, what's up?" His voice was deep, smooth, and far too attractive for my own good.

I stared at the wine swirling in my glass, trying to focus. "Hayden, would you be cool with pretending to be my boyfriend? Like, just pretend. Not for real."

Chapter 130