Chapter 160

Just then, Hayden's eyes shifted to me. His grip on my hand tightened; for a second, it felt like he held not just my hand, but my heart as well. You know how they say your fingers are connected to your heart? Right now, that felt incredibly real.

"I'll give Kiki everything I have," Hayden said, his intense gaze locked on mine. "I'll love her as I love my own life, and I'll always protect her." His eyes were full of genuine affection. In that moment, I finally understood the phrase, "love as deep as the ocean."

And even though this was supposed to be an act, Hayden's words resonated deeply, feeling like a genuine confession. This guy was unbelievable, blurring the line between reality and pretense. With him saying such things, I had no choice but to play along. I lifted my hand, intending to squeeze his, but his intense gaze made me clench my teeth. I'd asked him to act, not unleash real feelings.

So, instead of a sweet squeeze, I pinched his cheek. He was always so serious; I figured this would embarrass him. But, of course, Hayden didn't react as expected. Instead of flinching, he leaned into it, pressing his cheek against my hand like a puppy seeking attention. Shameless! Utterly shameless! I never imagined he'd act like this.

After his little display, Hayden turned back to Matthew and Lindey, his expression perfectly composed. "And just like Mr. Johnston loves Mrs. Johnston, I'll love Kiki for the rest of my life." The first part had been a heartfelt confession; the second, a powerful move, a clear response to Lindey's earlier challenge.

I saw a flicker of discomfort cross Lindey's face. Hayden had shut her down so smoothly she was speechless. Matthew, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "Rea, let Hayden and Lindey chat. Come with me to the study."

He didn't wait for my answer, simply nodding at Hayden before heading upstairs. I knew why Matthew wanted to talk. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and followed.

When we reached the study, I expected an immediate grilling. Instead, he handed me the gift I'd brought. "Why don't you open this? Use the new set you got me, and let's do some hand lettering together."

Lettering with Matthew? We hadn't done that in years. It had been at least three years since the last time. I remembered it vividly—right after Lindey's comment: "Rea's growing up. You should be careful about being alone with her in private spaces—people might talk."

Ever since, Matthew stopped inviting me to the study. We hadn't had any one-on-one time here since. If he needed to talk, it was always in the living room or garden—never here. So, his invitation today, as if nothing had changed, felt strange.

But I said nothing, opening the ink and pens as he prepared fresh paper. As I put down the ink, he picked up a pen, examining it. "This must have cost a fortune," he said, smiling.

"Good things aren't cheap," I retorted with a grin.

He chuckled softly. "Right. I'll go first. You prep the ink, and once I'm done, it'll be your turn."

It was just as it used to be. I nodded and prepared the ink. Matthew took his time, sketching light outlines before filling in the strokes with practiced precision. Only after I'd set everything up did he begin writing.

He wrote: "Even the faintest hint..."

The quote was unfinished, but I knew the rest. It was his way of showing he understood—he always did, simply by observing. He probably knew my thoughts better than I did.

"Your turn," Matthew said, handing me the pen.

I hesitated.

He looked at me with his usual gentle expression. "What's the matter? Afraid you've forgotten how to write?" His eyes were kind, but the pressure I felt was intense.

I nodded. "It's been a while."