Chapter 233

My throat tightened. Was Hayden seriously suggesting we all share a cabin? I was about to protest when he took my hand and guided me toward another. "You're not getting on that one?" Jace called after us.

"Yeah, hard pass," Hayden retorted, helping me into a different cabin. He followed, closing the door behind us. Through the glass, I saw Jace's face darken, his eyes burning with anger. He was definitely not pleased.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep," he admitted smoothly. "Didn't feel like sharing a cabin with him." A smug, almost defiant grin played on his lips—like a kid who'd gotten away with something mischievous.

I couldn't help but laugh. Hayden was full of surprises. One minute he was tough and distant; the next, sweet and thoughtful; now, cute and a little bratty.

"Hayden," I said.

"Yeah?" He turned, his eyes sparkling in the cabin's light.

"You're really cute," I said, just as the Ferris wheel's soft music began to play. Perfect timing.

"What?" Hayden asked, feigning ignorance or perhaps avoiding the compliment.

I smiled, turning to the window. As the Ferris wheel ascended, the entire amusement park came into view—the carousel, roller coasters, water slides. From this height, the park seemed tiny, nestled amongst the city's skyscrapers and the warm glow of the streets below.

The flickering lights drew my attention back. Inside, the park was all fun; but from here, it was a spectacle to be admired. This sea of lights was its heart, making it Scavora's brightest spot—its newest landmark.

I remembered the day Jace presented the park plans. "Rea, I'm giving you this. Do you like it?" In that moment, I believed he loved me. Why else would he know about my dream—a dream connected to my father and me—to build a park? Jace had made that dream a reality, only to have it shatter before it could take root.

The lights shifted, each color imbued with meaning: blue for deep affection, red for prosperity, purple for mystery and persistence. I remembered choosing Hayden's firm for the park's lighting, out of several competing companies. Watching the colors blend now, I realized fate had been pushing Hayden and me together from that very moment.

I glanced at him as the Ferris wheel reached its peak.

"Have you heard the legend of the Ferris wheel?" he asked softly, gazing at the stars.

I pursed my lips. "Not the legend, but I've heard if you make a wish at the top, it comes true."

"Wanna make a wish?" His gaze returned to me, his eyes bright, reflecting the stars.

I considered it, then shook my head. "Nah, I'm good."

"Why not?"

I offered a small, sad smile. "Because it won't come true. When I was a kid, I wished every birthday that my parents would always love me, that we'd always be together. But life had other plans."

"Come on, make one. I'll make it happen," Hayden said, moving behind me and gently covering my eyes with his hands.