Chapter 36

Lena’s face hardened. “I’ve already told you—keep this up, and it’s harassment. I’ll call the police.”

“Dr. Lane, it’s not harassment! I just… I like you. I want to be with you…”

I cringed. It reminded me of the man who sent her flowers signed “Sancho.” Was this him? Regardless, he was Sancho now.

“Dr. Lane, I swear, it was love at first sight…” Sancho even raised his hand in a grand, heartfelt gesture.

“But she hated you at first sight,” I retorted, sliding closer to Lena.

Hayden also stood, poised to intervene.

Sancho glanced at me. “Who are you? I’m talking to Dr. Lane. Could you, please, leave us alone?”

His voice alone was almost enough to make me nauseous.

“And who are you to think that just because you say you like her, she has to care?” I wouldn’t let this go. “Yeah, I like her! It’s a pure, sacred kind of love. My feelings are noble!” He sounded serious, yet looked at me as if I were incredibly obtuse.

I surveyed him from head to toe: his Nike shirt, Under Armour pants, and Skechers sneakers—all blatant knockoffs.

Money doesn't equate to decency, but at least be honest about who you are. Don't pretend. When I first met Hayden, he wore a plain tee and work pants—nothing flashy, but genuine. Sancho, strutting around in his counterfeit brands, was utterly cringeworthy.

Then my eyes fell on his watch—a fake Rolex Submariner. I almost laughed. “You like Dr. Lane? And what are your qualifications? Do you have the means to support such grand feelings?”

Sancho’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. He seemed speechless.

Before he could respond, I interjected. “Dude, you cry over a five-cent price hike on iced tea, and you think you’ll win over Dr. Lane? Do yourself a favor—go home and take a long, hard look in the mirror.”

The small crowd that had gathered erupted in laughter.

Sancho’s face flushed crimson, and he jabbed a finger at me. “Don’t look down on people!”

Before I could reply, Hayden’s arm shot out, grabbing Sancho’s wrist. The man’s hand dropped instantly, his expression shifting from anger to sheer panic.

“Let’s take this outside,” Hayden said, his tone brooking no argument. He guided Sancho firmly toward the door, allowing no protest.

Chapter 36*

Sancho remained silent, allowing himself to be dragged out as if he’d lost his voice. But I knew better—Hayden’s grip likely hurt too much for him to speak.

Through the window, I watched Hayden release his hold outside. Sancho immediately clutched his shoulder, his face contorted in pain.

Lena saw it too and smirked. “No wonder Jace bailed. He never stood a chance against Hayden.”

I nudged her. “You’re awfully callous, cracking jokes like that.”

Lena chuckled, her eyes still fixed on the scene outside. We watched as Sancho, thoroughly humiliated, nodded frantically at Hayden as if he’d learned his lesson.

“I doubt he’ll be back,” Lena said.

I nodded, feeling proud of our handling of the situation. “Nate totally owes us dinner for dealing with his wannabe competition.”

“If that guy counts as competition, Nate’s standards must be seriously low,” Lena teased, subtly complimenting Nate.

Her mention of Jace, however, made me think. “Wait, did Tanya ever go through with the abortion?”

Lena’s face tightened. “Don’t even get me started.”

“What? Why?” My curiosity was piqued.