Chapter 142

Sometimes, you simply need to cut through the chaos before it overwhelms you. I hoped Hayden could finally sever my ties with Jace. After hanging up on Gavin, I tidied my apartment, trying to distract myself. Hayden's pink blanket, neatly folded on the bed, brought a smile to my face. I pictured him snuggled in it, and laughed. Life would throw challenges, but these small moments of happiness made everything worthwhile.

Despite Gavin's unsettling news, I felt strangely calm. I was ready for the call—even if it meant losing the job. But my phone remained silent despite my cleaning, spotlessly scrubbing every corner of my tiny apartment and tending to the balcony plants. Finally, I brewed tea and curled up in my rocking chair with a book. Then I heard voices.

Leaning over the balcony, I saw furniture deliverymen and movers taking a smoke break. A few minutes later, Ms. Brown arrived on her electric trike. It clicked—this was the furniture for her new tenant. Remembering the creep who'd stalked me, the thought of a male neighbor across the hall didn't seem so bad. If I ever found myself in trouble again, I could simply knock on his door. He'd probably help.

The thought made me smile. I returned to my book until a knock came. Ms. Brown stood there, apologetic. "Keira, I'm so sorry," she said, explaining she couldn't fulfill my request.

"It's okay, really," I smiled. Glancing across the hall at the newly delivered furniture, I asked, "When's the new neighbor moving in?"

"Today," Ms. Brown replied. "He called this morning, wanting to move in immediately."

"In such a hurry," I remarked casually.

Ms. Brown shrugged. "Young people… But he seems nice. I told him he needs to be friendly with his neighbors."

I smiled. "Don't worry, I'll do my best."

"Oh, Keira, do you have a mop I could borrow? I forgot mine," she asked sheepishly.

"Sure," I said, fetching it. But by the time I returned, she'd gone back to her apartment. I crossed the hall with the mop. The apartment was simple—freshly painted white walls, a bed, desk, and bookshelf.

Ms. Brown reappeared, thanking me. "He didn't mind the old furniture except the bed and bookshelf. He insisted on new ones. Look at that bed! Perfectly fine, but he replaced it!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. "I didn't agree, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He paid for it himself."

I took a quick look around before making an excuse to leave.

By evening, I hadn't received the termination call, leaving me puzzled. I even wondered if my phone was malfunctioning. I called Lena to check; it worked fine. When I told her about Hayden saving me, she exclaimed, "Rea, are you really not going to get serious with him? He's so cool!"

"When I'm ready, you'll be the first to know," I replied, rocking gently.

Lena clicked her tongue. "Sounds like you're smitten."

I glanced down. "I'm not heartless." Hayden had saved me more than once.

"Looks like you're finally letting your guard down. I'm glad you're moving on from that jerk," Lena said, her voice full of genuine concern. She was one of the few who truly cared.