Chapter 357

It was all in my head. Even my father's voice—a mere illusion. They'd been gone for ten years. How could I have possibly heard them?

I felt utterly lost. The last light faded, plunging the room into darkness. The weight of their absence, the finality of never seeing them again, crushed me. Tears flowed uncontrollably.

That night, I barely slept, haunted by bittersweet dreams of my parents.

Waking, I felt as though I'd been run over. My body ached, heavy as if I'd toiled all night. I tried to rise but couldn't. Then it struck me—I was sick. My forehead burned with fever.

"Kiki, you up?" Hayden called from outside my door.

I tried to answer, but only a raspy whisper escaped. My throat felt like it was lined with glass. I texted: [I’m sick. You can come in.]

He had a key. Within seconds, the door creaked open, and I heard his hurried footsteps. His cool hand on my forehead brought such relief I almost leaned into it.

He pulled away. "You have a fever. We're going to the hospital."

Too weak to argue, I clutched his hand to my face, needing the comfort. He kissed my forehead. "I'm here. Don't worry. We'll get you to the hospital."

My throat burned, but I managed, "Medicine. I need medicine."

"Okay, we'll do that first," Hayden said softly, stroking my cheek. "But we're still going to the hospital." He left to find medication.

He returned with water and medicine, gently helping me sit up. After I swallowed the pills, he said, "Okay, now let's head to the hospital for a checkup."

I shook my head, but he kissed my forehead, firm yet gentle. "Be good. You spiked a fever out of nowhere—we need to find out why." He knew how seriously I took health, especially after everything with Yuna.

I sighed, conceding, and let him take me to the hospital. The medicine had begun to work; my fever was already subsiding.

"I'm feeling better. No need for tests," I said, dreading the inevitable—I hated needles, especially blood tests.

"Let's just see the doctor," Hayden insisted.

There was no winning against him, so I complied. As expected, the doctor ordered a blood test.

This was the part I dreaded, but Hayden's presence was a comfort. As the nurse prepared the needle, his large hand covered my eyes. Leaning close, he whispered, "I'm taking you to dinner tonight. Mr. Shane invited us."

Dinner? Out of nowhere? Mr. Shane invited us?

Before I could question it, the nurse announced, "All done."

Hayden's hand moved from my eyes to my arm. I blinked, looking at my arm then at the nurse. Had it really happened? I hadn't felt a thing. The nurse was skilled, but Hayden's distraction had worked wonders. Having a boyfriend who truly loves you makes even the worst moments bearable. "You just gave a lot of blood. Let's get you something good to eat," Hayden said, guiding me toward the hospital café while we waited for the results.

As we entered, I spotted someone familiar: Lena.

I started toward her, but Hayden stopped me, nodding toward another direction.