Chapter 232

Jace was there. I hadn't expected it. But it made sense; tonight was the big lighting test, and as the amusement park owner, he'd naturally want to check it out. Our eyes met, and he started walking toward us. Hayden's hand slipped around mine, warm and steady.

I had to give him credit—he fully committed to the boyfriend act. The moment Jace appeared, Hayden's protective demeanor kicked in instinctively. Jace's eyes flickered to our joined hands, but he didn't seem fazed. "What time does it start?" he asked calmly. Hayden and I knew he meant the lighting test.

"Ten minutes," Hayden answered.

"Where's the best spot to watch?" Jace asked, his tone still calm.

Hayden's grip tightened slightly. I glanced at him; he looked back, as if leaving the decision to me. He knew this place better than anyone; he didn't need my input. He was simply giving me the choice.

"There are several viewing spots, all marked," I said, feeling slightly like a tour guide. "The Ferris wheel offers the best view."

Jace's gaze lingered on me for a moment before shifting to Hayden. "Where are you guys watching from?" Was he seriously suggesting he join us? How could he not feel awkward? Then again, he'd clearly moved on. Whatever we'd had was in the past, so why the awkwardness?

"Keira and I are doing a general walkthrough first. Plus..." Hayden paused, giving me a quick look, before adding, "...tonight's not an official inspection. I'm just showing her around."

Something flickered in Jace's eyes, but all he said was, "Hmm." Hmm? What was that supposed to mean? I had no idea, and Hayden didn't seem to care. "Do whatever you want. Please excuse us," he said, without another glance at Jace.

Hayden led me deeper into the park, and as we passed Jace, I noticed a distinct chill emanating from him. "Let me know if you spot anything unusual," Hayden murmured. But I knew there wouldn't be any problems. If there were, he wouldn't have brought me here.

Chapter 232 (continued)

We strolled through the park, surrounded by glittering lights. It was incredibly romantic, but I couldn't allow myself to get swept away. Not with my ex trailing behind us. I couldn't ignore him or pretend he was a stranger. Hayden, however, seemed completely relaxed. He pointed out different lighting setups, explaining wiring problems and faulty bulbs as if it were commonplace.

Gradually, I began to relax. I even started to believe Jace had given up and left us alone. But as Hayden and I reached the Ferris wheel, I realized I was wrong. Jace had been following us the entire time.

We hadn't done anything overtly couple-like—just held hands—but even that seemed to make Jace uncomfortable. Yet, he remained. What was he doing, torturing himself? Oh, right. He didn't care about me anymore, so it wasn't torture for him.

I tried not to dwell on it, but it still stung; like all the feelings I'd invested in him were wasted.

"Mr. Johnston, would you like to go up?" Hayden asked, far too politely.

"Yeah." Jace was unusually quiet tonight, far calmer than the man who used to become agitated whenever he saw me with Hayden.

"After you," Hayden said, maintaining his strangely polite demeanor.

Jace, ever confident, stepped into the Ferris wheel cabin. Hayden turned to me. "Shall we?"