Chapter 863

“No need to thank me. After all, while I was away, you worked hard taking care of my wife,” Hayden said, fully embracing his mischievous nature with a smirk. Then, pulling Keira by the hand, he added, “Come on, let’s go. Let’s let Mr. Shane experience heartbreak first.”

Keira stifled a laugh, barely managing to hold it in as they walked away. From behind them, Ron’s voice carried over, dripping with mock grievance. “So I haven’t even started dating, and I’ve already been dumped?”

Hayden shot him a playful hand gesture before leading her back into the yacht. Looking out through the yacht’s window, Keira saw Lena and Aaron sitting together outside. “Aren’t we going fishing?” she asked.

“When did Mrs. Hart become so oblivious?” Hayden teased, guiding Keira into the kitchen. “I’ll make you a dish you haven’t tried before.” He gently pushed Keira into a lounge chair. “You rest here for a bit.”

Hayden brought her a glass of water, helping her drink a few sips before kissing her forehead. Only then did he tie on an apron and get to work. Watching him move around the kitchen, Keira suddenly felt like she was dreaming—this was too surreal. Maybe it was because he had been gone for so long over the past six months. So long, in fact, that she had moments where it felt like he’d never been part of her life at all.

Looking back now, she was just thankful he came back. If he had stayed away any longer, she might’ve started to fear he’d forgotten about her entirely. That thought made Keira feel a pang of guilt. Compared to Lena, who could hold onto her feelings for Nate for so many years, Keira felt shallow in comparison.

Thinking of Lena, Keira turned to look out the window again. She could only see her back, but she was now wearing a man’s jacket—Aaron’s jacket. It carried his warmth and his unmistakable scent. Lena wasn’t actually cold, but she hadn’t refused the gesture. She knew all too well how assertive Aaron could be, and there was no fighting that.

Chapter 063

In fact, his assertiveness had only grown during his years abroad, rather than diminishing. Leaning slightly forward as she adjusted her fishing rod, Lena stole a glance at Aaron from the corner of her eye. Because of her angle, she could only see his profile—his perfectly arched brows, high nose bridge, and deep-set eyes. His features carried an almost European refinement, like someone with minority or mixed heritage.

She knew he wasn’t biologically related to her grandparents, and it often made her wonder if he was of foreign descent. Of course, she’d never dare say that to his face. But he was undeniably handsome—so much so that back in school, his looks had been a constant headache for her. Too many girls had asked her to pass him their love letters.

“Uncle,” she called softly. Aaron turned his head slightly to look at her. “Hmm?” She shook her head. “Nothing. Just thinking about how ridiculously handsome you are.”

The way he looked at her just now—any other woman in her place would’ve been completely smitten. “You think so too?” Aaron asked, showing no embarrassment at the compliment. Lena nodded earnestly. “Of course! Honestly, I can’t imagine what kind of stunning woman would be worthy of you.”

She tilted her head as she spoke, her hair flying wildly in the breeze. A few strands stuck to her face, and her clear, unguarded eyes gazed at him. This was what comforted Aaron the most—no matter how much time passed or how things changed, her eyes always looked at him with pure clarity.

“My standard for choosing a girlfriend isn’t about looks,” Aaron said, reaching out naturally to brush the strands of hair from her face. The gesture was so casual and gentle that Lena felt awkward trying to avoid it. “Then what is it?” she asked, her body tense but her voice striving for nonchalance.

Aaron’s fingers lightly grazed her cheek as he looked at her with a gaze that was soft and warm. “Someone I like.”

Chapter 864