Chapter 60

Quentin: Keira, is it true you and Jace broke off your engagement?

Eric: Keira, Jace is furious. Don't be upset. We'll help.

Daniel: Keira, when you have time, let me treat you and Jace to dinner.

Toby: Count me in. I can definitely help mend things between you and Jace.

Andrew: Guys, stop the fuss. Couples fight and make up. You're stirring things up.

I stared at the screen, puzzled. What had they heard? The chat had eight members; all were Jace’s sworn brothers. Besides those who’d posted, Jace, Steve, and I were also in the group. Steve hadn't commented, but he knew me best. In the brotherhood, Jace was third eldest, Steve sixth. I met Steve before Jace and I were officially a couple, even before Steve and Jace's brotherhood.

I privately messaged Steve: Steve, what rumors have they heard?

Steve replied instantly: Jace posted on Instagram. Didn't you see it?

He must have seen the group messages. His silence stemmed from his knowledge of my situation with Jace.

I immediately checked Instagram and found Jace’s post: a picture of a red rose captioned, "Red is still the best." I loved white roses, a fact everyone knew. He was essentially telling everyone he no longer wanted me. Considering his harsh words on the phone, this also signaled his desire to be with Tanya.

The group awaited my response. I liked Jace's post and replied: Thanks for your concern, everyone. Jace and I have ended things. We're just friends now.

The group exploded with shocked emojis. I glanced at them, opened the group settings, and left. Whatever they said now, I didn't care.

However, I barely slept that night. My dreams were filled with the group questioning our breakup. I woke before dawn, eyes puffy from crying. I iced the swelling, applied makeup, and packed a few changes of clothes for my stay at the Holiday Inn.

When Demi arrived at the amusement park, I was already working. "Keira, did you stay here all night?" she asked, shocked.

"No, I just arrived early," I replied. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Not yet," Demi admitted. She often cut it close and snuck in breakfast.

"Go eat first. We'll start after. And no more sleeping in if you're working with me," I grinned.

Demi stuck out her tongue. "Okay, no more sleeping in. But once we finish the project, you owe me a week off to catch up on sleep."

I planned to resign after the project. Would I still have the authority to grant her time off? I agreed anyway; I should still have enough influence.

Around noon, as Demi and I ordered takeout, Steve arrived. "Let me treat you to lunch," he offered.

"I can't. I have to meet the lighting engineers this afternoon," I declined.

Steve looked around the amusement park. "You're really dedicated to this place."

I smiled. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Chapter 63 Chapter 61