Chapter 253

After sending my text, I added, "Some young hottie." Then I stared at my phone, waiting. One second, two seconds, three seconds… nothing. What? Was he mad? Or ignoring me?

My fingers hovered over the screen, almost typing, "Hey, you good?" but I deleted it. Twice. If he flipped out over some random guy sending me flowers, what would be next? Would he become possessive, like Jace?

In high school, guys constantly approached me, and Jace acted like I was his possession. Even at RiverwaveCorp, people flirted unaware of my engagement, and his jealousy was always excessive, always overreacting. He'd rage, blaming not only the other guy but also me for being "too friendly."

To maintain peace, I avoided any male friends who might trigger him. I swore I'd never let that happen again. So, I tossed my phone aside and returned to work.

About ten minutes later, my phone rang. It was Hayden. I frowned and answered, "What?"

"Why didn't you reply to my texts?" Hayden's voice crackled, hurt.

Surprised, I opened my chat app and saw unread messages:

I'm not happy about it, but I know it's not your fault. If some guy sends you flowers, I get it, but you're not allowed to actually like those guys. And seriously, don't joke like that. It makes me feel insecure.

He radiated frustration. For a second, I was speechless.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Hayden asked again.

"I don't know what to say."

"I'm not mad, just… kinda jealous," he admitted, sounding sincere.

I laughed. "Jealous? What does that even look like? Send me a selfie."

"What are you having for lunch?" Hayden asked, changing the subject.

Was he hinting at lunch together, or planning to bring me something? Either way, I had to decline. I told him I was having lunch with Lindey.

"I wanted to have lunch with my girlfriend," Hayden said, making his intentions clear.

I chuckled. "You're being so clingy. Don't you have work?"

Then I remembered he was leaving today, so maybe his schedule was lighter. "Wait, didn't you say you were leaving? Is it for work?" I asked, repeating my morning question.

"No, I just need to take care of some things. But I'll be back soon and stay with you in Seavora," he said, surprising me. His company's HQ wasn't here, nor did they have an office in this city.

"What about your job?" I blurted out.

Hayden hesitated. Remembering Ron's suggestion, I blurted, "Hayden, why don't you join my company? They're hiring, and they could use someone like you."

"You want me to work with you?" Hayden asked.

Flustered, I paused. "Not with me, just… at the same company. I'm in marketing, so we wouldn't even be in the same department."

"But we could still see each other whenever we want," Hayden said, leaving me speechless.

"Alright!" He agreed.

And now I regretted it. Working with Jace as his assistant hadn't brought us closer; it had driven him away.

"You should get back to work. I'll see you later," Hayden said before hanging up, leaving me stunned.

It's true: "Watch what you say." I'd dug myself a hole. It was too late to undo it. I could only hope Hayden would find a better opportunity and reconsider. Maybe I'd talk to him tonight.

I smacked my head. Why did I complicate things?

By eleven, I left the office and headed to Signature Soirée, where Lindey suggested we meet. The waiter recognized me and led me to a private room. "Right this way!" he said, holding the door open. I stepped inside and froze. Lindey wasn't alone—Jace and Tanya were there too.