Chapter 79

I knew Lena wouldn't reply immediately, not at this hour. So I closed the chat and scrolled through my social media feed. The first post was from Steve—candid photos from last night's celebration, everyone laughing and clinking glasses. But what caught my eye wasn't the party itself; it was a hand in the corner of one photo. Jace's hand. I recognized it instantly by the ring—the one I'd given him.

A strange mix of embarrassment and regret washed over me. That ring was part of a matching set. I still had mine. I'd bought them for $99.90 with my first paycheck at eighteen. I'd worn the women's ring, and given him the men's. He'd teased me then, saying I was trying to "lock him down." But afterward, he never wore it.

When I hinted at it, he dismissed it, claiming it would only invite ridicule. It was too cheap—a sentiment I understood. A guy like Jace couldn't be seen with such an inexpensive ring. But that ring meant something to me. It was my first purchase with my own money. After his dismissal, I never mentioned it again, and he never wore it. Yet, there it was in the photo.

I wondered, "What is he trying to do? What is he trying to say?" I didn't know, and I didn't want to spend time guessing. Still, seeing the ring stung. It reminded me of my former self—always cautious, always chasing Jace, always feeling like I was reaching up to him.

Lena's message arrived, pulling me from my thoughts. "[Who'd you sleep with?]" She was always blunt. I stared at her message, still shaken by the sight of Jace's ring.

"[Jace?]" she asked next. Then, "[No way it was him.]" "[Was it Hayden?]" Bingo. She knew me too well to be wrong.

"[If a guy and a girl crash in the same room and nothing happens, there's only one explanation—the guy's got issues.]" Classic Lena.

Hayden's got issues? My mind flashed to Hayden's physique, and I knew Lena's theory was wildly inaccurate. The problem wasn't Hayden. Which left… me. The thought that I couldn't even compete with a pregnant widow for Jace made me shake my head and close the chat, ignoring Lena's further messages.

"Keira, you weren't in bed last night. Where did you go? I texted you, but you didn't reply," Demi asked, her voice still sleepy. I hadn't thought she'd notice, given her usual deep sleep.

Feeling guilty, I looked away. "I went for a run."

Demi's eyes widened. "You went for a run in the middle of the night? Are you self-torturing, or were you just too horny to sleep?" Her logic never ceased to amaze me.

"Shut up," I retorted.

"So why were you running in the middle of the night?" Demi pressed, unconvinced.

I dodged her question, telling her to hurry and get ready; we had work downstairs. She was as relentless as ever. "Keira, you're going to burn yourself out. Maybe take it easy before you snap or something…" I just sighed.

Demi trailed behind me as we headed downstairs to the restaurant for breakfast. Hayden was already there, halfway through his meal.

"Good morning, Mr. Hart!" Demi chirped brightly.

Hayden gave a curt nod. "Morning."

I avoided his gaze and nudged Demi, hoping to get her to come with me to choose our breakfast. But she had other plans. Grabbing my bag, she grinned. "Keira, I'll eat whatever you eat. You go pick, and I'll save our spot."

I stared, speechless. Demi winked, clearly wanting more time with Hayden, leaving me no chance to object. The truth? I really didn't want to sit with Hayden.

I was about to head to the food stations when Hayden's voice cut through the air. "Ms. Young, I can save a spot for both of you. It's better if you get your own breakfast."