Chapter 636

Yara’s question hit me sideways. I hadn’t dared let my mind go there. I hadn’t dared entertain such a thought. I mean, I saw him collapse, heard the doctor say the surgery didn’t work, and yeah, I even held his ashes. That’s as final as it gets.

Sure, I’ve dreamed about him coming back. But those were just desperate little fantasies. Life isn’t some cheesy movie. Hayden died. End of story. No rewrites, no miracles. I hated it, but the truth didn’t care about my feelings.

“I wish he wasn’t,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Then why are you here, grilling me if you’ve already made peace with it?” Yara shot back.

I studied her for a moment. “Because something feels off,” I said finally.

Her eyes narrowed. “What exactly feels off?”

“The Hart family’s reaction doesn’t add up. And you…” I paused, narrowing my eyes at her. “You’re way too calm. Not even a little wrecked—that’s what feels off.”

Yara didn’t even blink. “Who says I’m not devastated?” she replied flatly. “But being heartbroken won’t bring him back.”

Fair point. I’d told myself the same thing a hundred times just to keep going.

“Anything else bothering you?” she asked.

There was. But the words stuck in my throat. It was all just a hunch—nothing I could pin down.

When I stayed quiet, Yara pulled a slip of paper from her bag and slid it across the table. “This is for you.”

I frowned. “What is it?”

“Take a look,” she said, nodding toward it.

Unfolding the paper, I stared at the words, the simple word contusion twisting into something heavier.

Yara broke the silence. “The ring was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when he didn’t pick up, they reached out to me to collect it.”

“Why not just grab it yourself? Why are you showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?” I barked out a bitter laugh.

Yara let out a short, humorless laugh of her own. “What would I even do with it? It’s not for me. That ring was always for you. I was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don’t believe me, check the size. Or better, read the engraving—it’s got both your last names.”

I froze, stunned.

Yara pressed her lips together before adding, “You must’ve hated me when you thought I was picking it out for myself.”

She wasn’t wrong. Back then, just the thought of it had gutted me.

“He went through so much to keep you safe, Rea. Every step, every decision—he made it for you. And in the end, it cost him his life,” she said, her voice wistful.

The ache in my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again, the weight of it suffocating. Words wouldn’t come.

Yara’s gaze flicked to my wrist. “Nice bracelet. The design’s really something.”

I ignored her comment, but Yara laughed anyway. “That red string you’ve tied on it—it’s hideous.”

She was talking about the clasp I’d rigged with a cheap red cord. The bracelet Hayden had made was unfinished, missing its clasp.

I flicked the tiny bell on the bracelet, its soft chime filling the silence, then turned and walked away without a word.

Chapter 638

I didn’t even need to check the engraving inside the bands. These rings were made for Hayden and me. There was no doubt.

“Would you like to try it on, Miss? If the size isn’t right, we can adjust it,” the clerk offered gently.

I picked up the woman’s ring and slid it onto my middle finger. It fit perfectly. My eyes drifted to the bracelet on my wrist—the designs were identical.