Chapter 311

As Hayden and I exited the car, Yuna was relaxing in the yard, rocking in a chair, completely engrossed in her book. The breeze gently stirred her dress, creating an almost ethereal scene, like something from a movie. She was so absorbed that she didn't notice our arrival until Zach shouted, "Yuna, guess who's here!"

Without looking up, Yuna retorted, "Zach, your car sounds like a lawnmower. I knew it was you."

I laughed as Zach scratched his neck, embarrassed. "Yeah, well, it's not just me. I brought someone."

Yuna merely turned a page, still without looking up. Zach started to speak, but I waved him off and approached her. Standing behind her, I glanced at her book. "Still reading this? I thought you'd finished it." I remembered seeing it on her nightstand the last time I visited—one of those sentimental romance novels.

She froze, then turned. Her face lit up when she saw me. "Keira!"

I laughed as Yuna jumped up, but the moment she spotted Hayden behind me, she dropped her book and rushed toward him. "Hayden!"

Watching their embrace, seeing Hayden gently ruffle her hair, a realization struck me: This is why he's so good at spoiling me. He's been practicing with his sister all along.

While they caught up, I picked up the dropped book: The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot. The cover was worn, the pages yellowed, as if it had been read countless times. I'm not usually a romance novel reader, but this one piqued my curiosity—what was so captivating about it?

I had just opened it to the second page when Yuna returned. "Keira, you can't read that," she said, reaching out as if to snatch it away.

I smirked. "Oh? What's the big secret in this book?"

A blush crept onto her cheeks. "No secret. It's just… you and Hayden are already in love. You don't need this kind of thing anymore."

I grinned. "Oh, so this is a love guide for beginners, huh?"

"Keira!" Yuna whined, her face reddening further as she pouted.

I relented and handed back the book. Just then, Hayden approached and took my hand. "Come on, let's go inside for a drink."

I followed him, and since Hayden knew his way around, he began pouring me some water. But Yuna quickly intervened. "Hayden, I'll make her some tea." It was her special floral blend, always prepared just for me.

Without hesitation, Yuna turned to Hayden. "By the way, I want some grilled fish later," she added, completely unapologetic.

"Of course, I'll make it for you both," Hayden replied, giving me a quick smile. It was his way of reassuring me I was still his priority, even while showering Yuna with attention.

Yuna's eyes suddenly focused on my ring. "Keira, is that from Hayden? It looks so familiar."

"Yeah, it's your family heirloom," I said, glancing at Hayden, who was already preparing dinner.

The sun set slowly, and it wasn't until after dinner that darkness fell. When Yuna learned we were taking her with us, she practically bounced with excitement and quickly packed her things. "Can you check if I forgot anything?" she asked, uncertainly staring at her packed suitcase.

I glanced at it and shrugged. "Looks like you have everything. And even if you forgot something, we'll just buy it."

Yuna scrunched her nose. "That's such a waste of money. Plus, everything where you live is so expensive."

Her practicality tugged at my heart. Girls her age—the ones I was used to—were always indulging in bubble tea, desserts, and shopping, without a second thought. None were as frugal as Yuna. It's true what they say: children from less fortunate backgrounds mature quickly.

"It's okay. Hayden and I make plenty of money," I reassured her.

Yuna remained quiet, her quiet independence evident. After a moment, she looked at me, serious. "There's something I wanted to ask you…