Chapter 399

Since I couldn't push Jace away, I did nothing. He was so self-absorbed. But if he wanted to live in his fantasy, fine. Let him. The longer he clung to his delusions, the harder his fall. Perhaps it was karma. Or maybe my parents, watching over me, ensured he remained stuck in the past while I moved forward.

"Gavin will bring you a phone soon. Get some rest," Jace finally said, releasing me. He turned and walked away, his back straight—as always. Once, I'd feel a rush of happiness watching him leave. Now, I felt nothing; detached, as if he were a stranger.

I went downstairs. Gavin waited in the lobby. "Ms. Kay, Mr. Johnston asked me to get you a new phone—the same brand, but the latest model," he said, handing me a bag.

I ignored it. "I don't need it. Just give me your phone," I replied, rejecting Jace's supposed generosity.

Gavin hesitated. "Ms. Kay…"

He stopped, seeing my expression. He knew me well enough to understand my refusal.

"Are you going to let me use your phone or not? If not, forget it," I said, turning to leave.

"Of course, of course," he said quickly, handing over his phone.

I took it, glancing at him before dialing Hayden's number. Gavin wisely stepped back as I pressed the call button.

"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable."

My grip tightened. Hayden's phone was unreachable. Had he already left for home?

I tried my own phone; it rang, but no one answered.

Something wasn't right. For a second, I wondered if he'd blocked me in anger. But that wasn't like him. Hayden wouldn't shut me out, no matter how upset he was. He'd at least listen.

Why couldn't I reach him?

Worry overwhelmed me. I called the hotel. The front desk confirmed it: Hayden had checked out.

He was gone. And I had no idea where.

Chapter 399 (continued)

My mind raced, but I forced myself to remain calm. Panicking wouldn't help. Gavin was nearby, and it was too early to contact anyone else, especially Steve. He had a big competition today and was probably already at the venue.

Taking a deep breath, I put the phone away and returned to Gavin, handing it back. He opened the car door—Jace's car, his usual one. I'd ridden in it countless times.

Once, I thought I'd never sit in it again. But I wouldn't be dramatic. Letting go wasn't about avoiding someone's existence; it was about facing them and their world without being entangled in emotions.

Yet, the moment I sat down, I realized… I wasn't quite there yet. Everything was exactly the same. Nothing had changed. Even the neck pillow on the passenger seat—my neck pillow—remained in place.

I used to rest on it during our commutes, when Jace and I were inseparable. Now, we were broken up, and he was publicly with Tanya. Shouldn't he have removed it?

Had he forgotten? Or was he clinging to a delusional hope of my return?

Lost in thought, I barely noticed Gavin handing me a small box. The packaging caught my attention. I looked at him, confused.

Gavin smiled. "Mr. Johnston arranged this."