Chapter 236

“You’re seriously low,” Jace snarled, grabbing Hayden by the collar. My heart lurched, and I started toward them, but Hayden remained calm. “You think this is low because you’ve never cared about Keira the way I do.”

Jace’s eyes narrowed. His voice was sharp. “These cheesy tricks might work on a little girl, but Keira’s not into fake stuff. Don’t you get it?”

Not into it? I remembered telling Jace that once. It was our first Valentine’s Day together. He’d gotten me nothing—not even a card or dinner. The next day, out with Steve and friends, Steve jokingly asked about Jace’s romantic plans. I’d been mortified. Jace apologized later, claiming he’d forgotten, and I’d laughed it off, pretending I didn’t care. But seriously, what girl doesn't appreciate flowers and romance? It wasn't that I didn't want it; it was that he hadn't given it to me.

“Still think she doesn’t like it now?” Hayden’s voice was steady.

Jace glanced at me. I didn’t know if he saw the lingering tears on my cheeks, but he’d seen them before. If he had even a clue, he’d know why I was crying. I was crying because Hayden had brought my parents back, virtually. I was overwhelmed with joy and longing, but also by the care and thoughtfulness he showed. Hayden’s love was in the details—the meals, his quiet attentiveness, the personalized light show…

After a long, tense silence, Jace finally looked away, his eyes still cold as they fixed on Hayden. “Keira loves me. We were together for ten years. She would’ve given up her life for me.”

Hayden remained silent, but Jace sneered. “Don’t believe me? Have you noticed the little scar on her left ring finger? That’s the proof.”

I instinctively curled my fingers. He remembered the injury I’d sustained for him. But did he remember the promise that came with it? The promise to replace that lost piece of flesh with a ring? No. He didn’t remember. If he did, he wouldn’t have been sneaking around with Tanya.

Chapter 235

“Yeah, she would’ve died for you—but how did you treat her?” Hayden retorted, his voice icy.

Jace froze. Hayden raised his hand, gripping Jace’s wrist. His voice was calm but firm. “You’re the one who didn’t appreciate her, which gave me this so-called ‘low’ opportunity. Get it?”

Hayden yanked his hand free. I walked over, silent, looping my arm through his. “It’s getting late. Let’s go.” He looked at me with such tenderness, and we left.

On the way back, neither of us spoke. Even on the stairs, only our footsteps echoed.

“Night,” he muttered at my door, reaching for his keys.

“Hayden,” I called, stopping him. He turned, the dim hallway light casting shadows on his face as I stepped closer. “Do you really not care about my past? Do you actually want to be with me?”

“Haven’t I made that clear?” he asked softly.

He had, hadn’t he? He’d moved into the apartment across from mine. He’d done everything to show he was serious. If I still doubted him, it would be like spitting on everything he’d done.

“Hayden,” I whispered.

I stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He froze. I wrapped my arms around his waist, my words a breath against his mouth. “Let’s just be together.”

Hayden remained still, silent.