Chapter 73

It was time to let Jace know exactly where I stood. “Jace, what you’re calling a ‘small mistake’ is something I can’t ignore. You know me well enough to understand that I don’t tolerate betrayal,” I said, stepping back to create distance between us. “My love life doesn’t need to be a soap opera, but my partner can’t send mixed signals to another girl—not even a little. If I’m in, I’m all in,” I added, glancing sideways to gauge his reaction.

I caught Hayden’s gaze a few steps away; he seemed to have overheard part of our conversation. Our eyes met briefly before I refocused on Jace. His expression was a mix of impatience and annoyance, as if he found me unreasonable. “You should know that in today’s world, nobody stays faithful forever. You need to stop living in a fantasy.”

He wasn’t entirely wrong—temptation was everywhere, and the ideals of slow, deliberate love, with eyes only for one person, seemed a relic of the past. I smiled faintly. “If that’s the case, then I don’t want it. I won’t settle.”

Jace was stunned. I held his gaze. “Let’s make this the last time we talk about us. We’re done. Let’s go our separate ways.”

He let out a cold laugh. “Fine. I can’t wait to see what kind of guy you end up with.” He spun around and stormed off.

Watching him go, I realized how childish he was, like a boy who couldn't get his way. If he were truly done, he wouldn't keep returning, would he?

When Demi returned with the spray and medicine, she whispered, “Did you and Mr. Johnston fight again? He looked furious.”

I laughed. Demi always lightened the mood. As I began to open the spray packaging, I teased, “And what exactly does a furious pig look like?”

“Come on, Keira…” Demi playfully punched my arm. “Was Mr. Johnston trying to reconcile? Maybe you should give him another chance. He must still love you; otherwise, why would he keep—”

“I’ll handle it,” Hayden interrupted, taking the spray from my hands and opening the packaging. “Ms. Young, I need a black and a red marker pen.”

“Oh, right away!” Demi hurried off, eager to please Hayden.

Hayden finished unpacking the oral spray, but instead of giving it to me, he sprayed it into the air to test it. Then, without a pause, he said, “Open your mouth.”

“I can do it myself,” I insisted, knowing his intentions. I reached for the spray, but he held it out of my reach. I had no chance against him.

“You think you can see the inside of your own mouth?” he asked. Before I could reply, he added, “I’m doing this so you get better quickly and it doesn’t affect our work. There’s no need to make it harder.”

He made it sound like I was being unreasonable. Sighing, I opened my mouth, letting him spray the medicine.

The cool mist hit the ulcers, sending a shiver down my spine. Hayden’s hand was on my shoulder, pulling me closer to his chest. My head was tilted back, forcing me to stare at the bright sky. The sunlight was so intense I had to close my eyes. He held me close, carefully applying the spray.

In that hazy, closed-eyed moment, it felt surreal, like I was floating. Only then did I realize I could have used a mirror. But it was too late to mention that.