Chapter 279

Hearing the same words now felt like a mockery. “I know,” I said, adding, “I’m not a kid anymore.”

Jace seemed to understand and offered a tight smile. “I guess I’m just overthinking things.”

I remained silent as he continued, “Just be careful, okay? Don’t walk around distracted.”

I nodded, but the image from my dream—Jace, covered in blood—flashed through my mind. Seeing him at the hospital made my heart clench, and before I could stop myself, I asked, “What are you doing here?”

His lips moved as if to answer, but nothing came out.

“Aren’t you—” I began, wanting to ask if he was okay.

But before I could finish, someone called from down the hall. “Jace, hurry up.”

It was Tanya. Jace’s tall frame obscured my view, but I recognized her voice instantly. It all made sense now. He wasn't here because he was ill; he was here with Tanya. I didn’t need to ask why; it was probably a prenatal checkup. And here I was, stressing over him because of a stupid dream. How pathetic.

Jace’s expression tightened at the sound of her voice. He forced a smile, but it felt more mocking than anything. “You’ve got things to do. You should go.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away.

The moment I got in my car, my phone buzzed twice. A message. It was a text from Tanya: “[Keira, since you and Jace are no longer together, I hope you can keep your distance from him.]”

Her words enraged me. I quickly typed back: “[If you’re that worried, why don’t you just tie him to your hip? What I do is none of your business.]”

I hit send, then deleted her contact, letting out a long breath before starting the car and heading back to the office.

When I arrived, Hayden and Ron were gone. They must have overindulged at the welcome party and decided to skip work. Yuna’s situation wasn’t urgent, so I didn’t call Hayden.

But before the day ended, my phone rang. It was him, asking where I was.

“I’m at the office, working,” I replied, subtly hinting at his absence. It was his first day, and he was already MIA in the afternoon.

Chapter 279 (Continued)

“I’m out with Mr. Shane, discussing business. I’ll be back late, around seven. You should head home first. If you’re hungry, grab something to eat, and I’ll cook for you when I get back,” Hayden said, sounding as worried as ever about my meals.

So, he was actually out on business, not goofing off as I’d assumed. I felt a little guilty for jumping to conclusions.

“No need. I’ll grab something simple. Just let me know when you’re back,” I said. I needed to talk to him about Yuna’s surgery anyway. Even though it was good news, I hadn’t told Yuna yet; I wanted Hayden’s approval first.

“I will,” Hayden said.

I was about to hang up when he added, “I won’t keep you waiting long.” His tone held a suggestive undercurrent. I was speechless.

True to his word, Hayden arrived at seven. Remembering his last words, I decided to remain focused. “I wanted to talk to you because Yuna’s surgery is set. We’ve also secured a heart donor.”

He simply nodded with a calm “Hmm,” as if I’d mentioned the weather forecast.

My irritation flared. After all my efforts to secure a top surgeon like Nate for the procedure, his indifference felt like a slap in the face. Like I was interfering in something I shouldn't.

“What’s that supposed to mean, Hayden? If you don’t want—”

I didn’t finish. In two strides, he was before me, scooping me into his arms.

“Hayden, you—mmph…”

He silenced me with a firm, urgent kiss and carried me straight to the bedroom.

Chapter 280