Chapter 213

I had no idea what Jace wanted, so I remained silent, letting the silence stretch. He didn't wait long, however.

“My parents can’t stand Tanya, especially my mother. Do you think… maybe you could say something nice about her to help?”

Seriously? Was he serious? Asking me to speak favorably of Tanya? He'd either lost his mind or thought I was a complete pushover.

“If you really want me to say something, it won’t be anything good,” I retorted, making no pretense of calm.

“Rea, I—”

“Jace, I’m not a saint. I’m definitely not the bigger person here. And Tanya? She means nothing to me. So why would I go out of my way to say something nice about her?” I snapped.

Jace’s voice cut through the silence. “Are you acting like this because you’re jealous?”

I let out a dry laugh. “Oh, so that’s what this is about? You’re trying to gauge my jealousy? Well, let me save you the trouble—I’m not. Actually, I’m rather relieved. Relieved I figured you out sooner rather than later.”

Jace sighed. “The only thing I gave Tanya was a title. I owe her that much, but honestly, there’s nothing between us.”

I frowned, already over it. “That’s your problem, Jace. Not mine.”

“But I don’t have anyone else to talk to,” he said, sounding frustrated, almost desperate.

Hearing him like this—so defeated—was strange. He’d always been so arrogant, so self-assured.

But honestly, none of that mattered anymore. Whatever mess he was in? Not my problem. We were both adults, and he had to face the consequences of his own actions.

“Yeah, well, I’m rather busy,” I said, pausing before hanging up.

I drove to the repair shop, picked up my car, and went straight to Lena’s. Hayden hadn’t contacted me in a few days, but I assumed he knew I was busy with Yuna.

Demi had texted earlier, saying the lighting tests were nearly finished. Apparently, Hayden had been pulling all-nighters, fine-tuning the lights. His free time had vanished into sleepless nights.

When I arrived at Lena’s, she looked terrible—her cold had really knocked her out. It wasn’t just a sniffle; this flu had laid her low for days. She was finally getting a much-needed rest at home.

“I’m still contagious, you know. Stay back or I’ll give it to you,” she teased upon seeing me.

I hugged her anyway. “Go ahead, I dare you.”

She playfully smacked my arm. “Don’t think I don’t know why you’re acting so reckless. You’re not even married to Hayden yet, and you’re already spoiling his little sister like this. You’re the first future sister-in-law I’ve seen who’s this…extra.”

Since she mentioned Yuna, I didn’t try to hide my curiosity. “So, any progress?”

Lena remained silent, so I tilted my head. “Don’t tell me you still haven’t worked up the nerve, Lena. This is serious—a matter of life and death.”

“Do I look that helpless?” she retorted.

My eyes lit up. “You reached out! What did he say?”

Lena fell silent again, and I was losing patience. I shook her arm. “Come on, spill! What did he say? Can he do it?”

She sighed. “He said… he’d be back in a few days and would contact me then.”

I narrowed my eyes, unconvinced. “That’s it? Just that?”

Lena shrugged. “Yep. Just that one sentence.”

“Just one sentence?” I pressed.

She swatted my hand away. “I’m serious, that’s all he said. He’ll be back next Tuesday, and when he’s here, I’ll take you to meet him. Don’t forget to bring that girl’s medical records.”

“Wait, I’m going too?” I blinked, surprised.

Lena raised an eyebrow. “What, you thought I’d go alone?”

I nodded firmly. “Yep. You’re going solo. I’m not going to be the third wheel.”

Lena was quiet for a moment, then said softly, “That perfect someone he had? She works with him. They’re in the same group.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut.

Lena offered a sad smile. “So, yeah… there’s nothing to hope for. We were never meant to be.”