Chapter 220

He didn't give me a choice. I knew what that meant. I clutched my phone, glancing at Hayden. As I approached him, about to speak, he preempted me. "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow."

Leaving? I froze, startled. "Where are you going?"

He continued walking. "Back."

Back? Back to Chiverton? But he said he'd stay. He even rented an apartment here. Thinking about the apartment reminded me of the demolition notice and Ms. Brown's request. I hadn't even mentioned it to Hayden yet.

I wanted to ask why he was leaving so suddenly, but the distance between us made me hesitate. Instead, I said, "I'll come by tomorrow night to check out the lights."

Hayden looked at me. His eyes seemed to say, You might have time, but I don't.

I thought he'd refuse, but after a few seconds, he merely said, "Okay." I knew he was forcing himself. He was upset, but he didn't want to make things harder for me. Once again, he was compromising. And that's when the guilt hit me.

I was completely taking advantage of his feelings, toying with him. They always say the person who cares more is the one who gets hurt. It was the same with Jace—I was always the one getting hurt. All those old heartbreaks flooded back. I'd been through enough, and now I was doing the same to Hayden.

"Hayden," I said softly, "I'm meeting Steve tonight; I asked him for help with something. I have to go—"

His eyes darkened slightly, but all I received was a low, "Mm-hmm."

"Tomorrow night, you can cook for me, and we'll watch the lights together," I said, attempting a playful tone, hoping to lighten the mood.

Hayden's mouth twitched, but he retorted, "Keira, I'm not a kid. You can't just slap me and then think everything's okay with a piece of candy."

I pouted. "Oh."

He frowned slightly, so I leaned closer and teased, "Well, if candy won't work, what will, babe?"

The instant I said "babe," his entire body stiffened. His ears flushed, and he looked around as if unsure where to focus his gaze.

I had only intended to tease him, but I didn't expect calling him "babe" to fluster him so much. Seeing Hayden—normally so cool and collected—become so flustered over a single word was somewhat satisfying.

Just as I thought he might react, he said in a low voice, "You reject me, avoid me, but then tease me. Are you messing with me on purpose? Just keeping me on the hook?"

His tone was serious, and a hint of hurt lingered in his eyes, as if I'd actually caused him pain. Guilt twisted in my chest. I swallowed hard and, instead of answering, I said, "See you tomorrow," then spun around and walked away quickly, only exhaling once out of sight. Walking back, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd gone too far.

But in that moment, I'd just wanted to tease him. I didn't want to be with him like that, but I couldn't stop myself from provoking him, watching him get flustered. It made no sense, even to me. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how selfish and cruel I was being. Regret hit me hard—I should have known when to stop.

The guilt gnawed at me so much that I shook my head in disbelief, even wanting to slap myself for being so reckless. I was still lost in thought when I heard Tanya call out, "Keira."

I looked up and saw her standing nearby. From her expression, it was clear she'd witnessed everything. Great. This couldn't get any more awkward.