Chapter 622

Jace’s gaze darkened, and I gave him a faint smile. “Even if you don’t say it, I already know who it is.”

“And who do you think it is?” he asked, calm but clearly trying to gauge my reaction.

I met his eyes and didn’t answer.

Jace shifted, sitting up straighter—like he was about to climb out of bed, injury be damned. “You don’t think it’s Wayne, do you? Are you seriously planning to be with him just to get back at me or… avenge Hayden?”

Of course, after years of dating me, he could still read my mind like a book.

“If it’s not him, then tell me who it is,” I shot back.

“Rea, it’s not Wayne. How could you even think that? But honestly…” Jace said, shifting his stance. “I don’t know who it is, either. Back then, I just… guessed there had to be someone pulling the strings.”

I stayed calm, my tone light but deliberate. “If it’s not him, even better. At least I won’t feel any guilt about being with him.”

Jace froze. “Rea…”

I exhaled slowly. “Jace, we’ve known each other for ten years. We were together for four. Then I fell in love with Hayden.”

“I’ve been through it all—the joy of unrequited love turning mutual and the rush of love at first sight. But honestly? Love is exhausting. I’m tired of being the one who loves more.”

“I want to try being with someone who loves me more this time.”

Jace’s expression hardened. “Fine,” he said, his voice sharp. “If that’s what you want, go ahead—but it absolutely cannot be Wayne.”

I chuckled softly. “And why not? Give me one good reason.”

He stiffened, like someone had just electrocuted him. You already know the reason, Rea. Do you really need me to say it?

“He’s my brother. You’re my ex-fiancée. If you two get together, what does that make me? What will people think of my family?”

“How am I supposed to face you—or myself?”

I let the silence hang for two beats, meeting his gaze head-on. “So, what? I’m supposed to sacrifice my happiness just to protect your pride and reputation?”

That shut him up.

I watched him for a moment, then softened my tone. “I’m telling you this now so you have time to process it. That’s all.”

Jace’s voice cracked as he spoke. “Then can’t you pity me, just this once? Anyone else would be fine, but not Wayne.”

“Someone else?” I let out a quiet laugh. “Alright then—tell me. Who should I choose?”

Silence. Of course, he had nothing.

I glanced at his injured arm before standing. “Take care of yourself, Jace. Focus on healing.”

“Rea.” His voice stopped me in my tracks. I felt his hand grab my wrist just as I turned to leave. “What about me? Could you… reconsider me?”

His eyes locked onto mine. “I admit I made a lot of mistakes. I’ve paid for them, but you know I still love you. I always have. I’d give my life for you, Rea.”

He paused, his voice dipping lower, almost vulnerable. “You said you want someone who loves you more. Then let me be that person. You don’t even have to love me back. You can keep loving Hayden if that’s what you need.”

The humility in his voice was startling. This wasn’t the Jace I knew—he’d stripped away every last bit of pride.

“Rea,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to the back of my hand, “just give me one more chance. I’m begging you.”

I looked out the window instead of at him. “But you’re not exciting to me anymore.”

The words hit like a sledgehammer. Harsh? Maybe. Cruel? Definitely. But it was the truth. Wasn’t it excitement that made him cheat with Tanya behind my back? A craving for something new? A thrill?

I didn’t wait to see his reaction. I only felt his grip on my wrist slowly loosen until his hand fell away entirely.

I didn’t say anything else. As I turned to leave, I glanced back at Jace. He was slumped in the chair, looking completely wrecked, like all the fight had drained out of him.

Leaving the hospital behind, I headed back to the office. Maybe it was because I’d been gone so long—or maybe it was just me—but something felt… off. The place seemed heavier, like someone had hit the dimmer switch on the usual buzz.

When I stepped into my office, everything was exactly as I’d left it: neat, spotless, like a productivity shrine. Someone had clearly been keeping it all together in my absence.

“Ms. Kay, your vacation’s over?”

I glanced up to see one of the new hires poking her head in. Fresh out of college, she still had that wide-eyed look, like every thought was written all over her face.

“Yeah,” I said with a smirk. “Miss me already?”