Chapter 214

Lena was always level-headed, but she had a habit of avoiding difficult situations. Sometimes, she'd make decisions without even trying. In that way, we were different. But everyone has their own perspective and way of handling life. There's a saying: no one can truly interfere in another's life. Even with Lena and me being close, that remained true.

I stayed at her place overnight before heading home. I still hadn't seen Hayden. When I arrived, my downstairs neighbor stopped me, asking if I'd been on vacation with my "boyfriend." Apparently, we'd both been absent for a while, and that's when it hit me—Hayden hadn't returned while I was gone.

Even though Demi said he was busy, I knew the truth: Hayden only stayed because of me. When I was around, he was home every day. But the moment I left? He didn't even bother. Well, if he wasn't coming to me, I'd go to him.

I went to the amusement park. The moment Demi saw me, she sprinted over, hugging me tightly before playfully punching my shoulder twice. "Keira, you're so heartless! You haven't seen me in ages!"

Those punches stung—like I'd actually done something wrong.

"Aren't I here now?" I said, patting Demi's back, but my eyes were already on Hayden. He was at the highest point of a structure, harnessed in, wearing a hard hat, conducting some kind of inspection. But even from that height, he was watching me. I waved.

Hayden hit a button and began descending. I smiled and turned back to Demi. "So, is Mr. Hart still giving you a hard time? Is that why you're so grumpy?"

"Nope, he's actually much nicer now," Demi said with a grin. Then she added, "Keira, you've changed. You're not like before."

I blinked, surprised. "Changed how? Got a tan?"

The past few days with Yuna had been spent immersed in nature—sunbathing, feeling the wind, even wading in rivers. I'd done it all.

"No, not like that," Demi said, grinning. "You're more carefree. More beautiful, even. And… kind of captivating."

Before I could reply, Hayden reached the ground. He stepped down easily, his long legs and work gear giving him an intense, masculine air. For a split second, I had a strong urge to kiss him right then and there.

"Mr. Hart," Demi greeted him formally, ignoring me.

Chapter 214 (Bonus)

"The lights in section D, groups 3 through 6, are unstable. Check them and send me last night's dynamic lighting footage for that area," Hayden ordered, all business.

Demi pouted, glancing at me as if she didn't want to go. I wanted some time alone with Hayden, so I waved her off.

"Don't leave! Let's have lunch later," Demi said, clearly missing me and trying to make plans. She was sweet, but completely oblivious today. Couldn't she sense the tension between Hayden and me? She used to notice things like that much faster!

"Handle your work first. We'll see about lunch later," I said, gently urging her on.

"You two chat. I'll check the lights," Demi finally said, nodding at Hayden before slowly walking away, glancing back at us every few steps.

Once Demi, our "third wheel," was gone, Hayden and I stood there silently, locked in an intense gaze, the tension palpable. "Are you tired?" Hayden finally asked, breaking the silence.

"Not really," I replied, just as a breeze ruffled my hair, blowing it across my face. I brushed it back, and when I looked at him again, his expression had changed. His eyes had darkened, the intensity unmistakable. I watched his Adam's apple bob slightly, as if he was holding something back.

My gaze lingered on his throat for a second before I spoke again. "You sure there's nothing you want to say to me?"