Chapter 205

Sometimes, girls make an effort to look good for someone they care about. At that moment, I realized I cared about Hayden.

After washing my hands, I left the bathroom. Hayden was already there, ready to help. I brushed him off, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm good," I said.

He didn't press, simply following me to the table. Besides the risotto, spinach, and chicken breast he'd mentioned, there were several additional sides and a fruit platter, making the meal look incredibly appealing.

"Your sister must be very lucky," I remarked, acknowledging his effort.

He didn't respond, and I recalled his sister's heart condition. A random question popped into my head. "Where's your family from? Where does your sister live?"

Hayden glanced at me, remaining silent.

I grinned, biting my spoon. "What, are you afraid I'm going to hunt her down?"

"Pencetown. It's near Chiverton," he finally replied, offering more information than I expected.

I nodded. "I got some unexpected time off. My boss decided I needed a break."

"Oh," he said flatly.

Hayden was remarkably calm—I rarely saw him display much emotion. It made sense, though. Military men were always a little different.

Thinking about my sudden break, I mused aloud, "Why do you think my boss is being so nice to me? I've barely started, and I haven't done anything extraordinary."

This reminded me of Jace, using a false identity, attempting a business deal only to be rebuffed by the mysterious big boss. Honestly, if my boss hadn't intervened, I might have accepted the deal. Jace's company had potential, even if he was trying to conceal it. There was money to be made, but my boss's rejection still puzzled me.

"Hmm?" Hayden's usual monosyllabic response.

I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a secret. "You think my boss is interested in me? I mean, it would explain all the extra perks."

Hayden paused, taking a bite of risotto before answering. "It's possible."

I blinked, feigning innocence. "Hmm?"

His gaze remained unwavering, steady and serious. "You have the potential to attract that kind of attention."

I laughed. Was that his idea of a compliment?

"So, does that mean you're interested in me because of my... 'potential' too?" I teased.

His jaw tightened momentarily. "It's part of it, but not the entire reason."

"Oh? What else? We barely know each other." I recalled his proposal in Chiverton, when we were practically strangers.

He simply looked at me, said nothing, then glanced at my bowl. "Not finishing?"

There were a few bites left, and I wasn't one to waste food, especially when it tasted so good.

"No," I mumbled, quickly scooping up another spoonful.

Hayden stood, taking his plate and cutlery. He clearly wasn't in the mood for further conversation. I noticed he only collected his own things, leaving everything else on the table.

"You're not going to eat more? Might as well clear everything. And make sure to clean up. I hate mess," I said, half-joking, but serious enough.

He grunted and headed to the kitchen.

I finished my meal and followed with my plate. Handing it to him, I said, "You should take the leftovers. I'm going away for a few days."

He paused for a fraction of a second before saying, "Okay."

That single word, delivered so efficiently, left a strange feeling in my chest—something heavy I couldn't shake. I felt uneasy, perhaps a little annoyed. Turning to leave, I muttered, "Make sure you lock up when you go," not bothering to wait for a response.

Back in my room, I grabbed my phone, opened the travel app, and booked a lengthy trip.