Chapter 358

“I’ll have two orders of pasta,” Nate said smoothly. “One without tomato sauce, substitute black pepper sauce. A mango juice, plain water, and a blueberry mousse—light on the cream.” The order was clearly for two, one dish tailored perfectly to Lena’s preferences. Only someone close to her would know she adored black pepper sauce but detested tomatoes. Lena never complained about food publicly, but she wouldn't touch anything tomato-based.

Nate hadn't seen her in years, and their relationship was still new. Yet, he already anticipated her needs. It was endearing how attentive he was. I used to joke that they were two clueless people stumbling into love, but clearly, I underestimated them.

“We should order,” Hayden said gently, squeezing my hand, pulling me from my observation.

I nodded, realizing this wasn't the time to interrupt. They were likely grabbing a quick meal near the hospital, fitting it into busy schedules. Interrupting would spoil their moment.

Hayden led me to the counter, selecting light, soothing foods for my sore throat. “No dessert for now. Your throat is already hurting, and sweets could make it worse,” he said, his concern evident. His care rivaled Nate's.

I glanced at Nate and Lena, sitting in quiet, almost awkward silence. I couldn't resist teasing Hayden, “But what if I really want dessert?” Relationships need a little playfulness, right? Being cherished is part of the joy of love. Lena's subdued romance reminded me of the bland food I’d been eating lately—no spice, no excitement.

“If you insist, you can have a little,” Hayden smirked. “Just not too much.”

When I stared at him silently, he mistook my expression for lingering upset. “Be good,” he coaxed. “Once you’re feeling better, you can have as much as you want.”

“Hayden,” I said softly, “I was just kidding.” I mean, I was sick. Demanding sweets would only worsen my misery. That was a teenage whim; I was past that.

He froze, then smiled, tapping my nose. “You little troublemaker.”

To my surprise, dessert arrived with our food.

“You can have a little,” Hayden said, his eyes briefly flicking to Lena and Nate before softly adding, “Whatever anyone else gets, you’ll have too. Even what others don’t get—you’ll still have.”

Hayden always projected a serious, no-nonsense demeanor. But his words now were like a feather, brushing against my heart.

I took a bite of dessert, grinning at him. “It’s so sweet.” The sweetness wasn't just from the dessert; it was him.

“Did you notice them?” I asked, glancing at Lena and Nate. “They’ve barely spoken. They seem more like strangers awkwardly sharing a table than a couple on a date.”

Hayden smiled faintly. “You can ask Lena about it later.”

I huffed, watching Lena. “She’s too passive. With me, she’s fierce and unstoppable. But around him, she’s a shy kitten. It’s like she becomes someone else.”

“Everyone has different sides,” Hayden said, handing me my juice and nodding for me to drink.

I looked at him, my steadfast ally. “Yeah, just like you.” Outwardly tough and strict, with me, he was the kindest, most patient person, always knowing what I needed before I did.

“I’ve gotta give her a nudge,” I said, grabbing my phone.