Chapter 331

If they unplugged the oxygen machine, she would be gone forever.

“You should go be with her, for her last moments,” I whispered.

“I know, I’m going,” Wade replied, looking up. “Sorry for bothering you.”

“I still hope for a miracle,” I said.

He didn’t respond, turning and walking away. I stared after him, feeling something different—unlike last night.

“What are you staring at? I’ve been calling, but you didn’t answer,” Hayden said, approaching and taking the flowers from me.

I wasn’t sure how to tell Hayden about Wade, especially since I hadn’t mentioned our encounter last night. Wade’s story was so complicated. Mostly, a strange sadness settled over me, Wade’s words echoing: “She might not make it much longer.”

“Hey, what do you think it means when two unrelated people look alike?” I asked.

“People share genes. With so many people, similar genes are normal,” Hayden replied, matter-of-factly.

Thinking of Wade and why he’d followed me, I asked, “Do you think you’ll ever look for traces of me in someone else? Someone who looks like me?”

“Why would I do that?” he retorted.

I met his gaze. “I don’t know, just a hypothetical.”

“To me, you are unique.”

He always made me feel special.

I smiled. “Okay, okay. I was just asking. Don’t overthink it.”

Hayden softened, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m serious. I’d never look for your shadow in someone else. You’re one of a kind.”

I laughed at his sweetness. “Alright, got it. Let’s go.”

As we walked, hand in hand, he asked, “What made you ask that?”

“I saw a picture. There’s a girl who looks remarkably like me,” I paused, the image vivid in my mind. “Like, ninety percent.”

Initially, I was shocked, but the more I considered it, the stranger it became—she really did resemble me.

“That similar?” Hayden sounded surprised.

“Yeah, so I’m worried you might…” I teased, “…mix us up one day.”

But Hayden didn’t laugh or defend himself. Instead, he asked, “Where did you see this?”

“On a guy’s phone.”

“A guy’s phone?”

“Yeah, a postgraduate student,” I said casually, explaining about Wade.

Hayden fell silent.

Sensing something was wrong, I tilted my head and gently scratched his palm. “What’s wrong? You’re not jealous again, are you?”

“No,” he said, but his averted gaze contradicted him.

I huffed. “Then why aren’t you saying anything? You totally are—”

“Kiki,” Hayden interrupted, stopping in his tracks. “Why didn’t you tell me about this yesterday?”

“It was minor. I didn’t think it was a big deal,” I shrugged. “Plus, I thought he was Lena’s secret admirer.” I explained, then added, half-jokingly, “Don’t be so petty. I know your jealousy shows you care, but sometimes it feels like I’m in a cage. It’s uncomfortable.”

“I’m not being petty. I’m worried,” he retorted, his voice serious. “What if he’s up to something bad? If you don’t tell me, I can’t protect you. What if something happens to you?”

Okay, maybe I was overthinking.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I’ll tell you next time, I promise.” Reaching up, I ruffled his hair with a smile. “Now, stop being mad.”

He smiled faintly, the tension easing. I playfully scratched his palm again. “You know, you’re really cute when you smile.”

With that, I tugged him along. But glancing ahead, I froze. Three familiar faces stood nearby, their eyes fixed on us.