Chapter 904

“What did Sasha come to talk to you about?” Hayden asked her softly that evening, as he dried Keira’s hair. He rarely pried, but he must have noticed her low spirits ever since Sasha left and figured something was on her mind.

“Do you think the Drago family’s influence has been completely eradicated?” Keira asked, her question making Hayden pause mid-motion.

“On the surface, it seems so,” he replied, turning off the hairdryer. “But Thorsten had loyal confidants over the years. It’s possible there are still remnants left unchecked. Did Sasha notice something?”

Keira shook her head slightly. “She told me she opened a private bank account, one that no one knows about. She said if anything happens to her—if she’s gone suddenly or meets with some accident—I should ensure the money is kept for Nina.”

Hayden frowned, his gaze turning serious. “For her to bring this up out of nowhere, something must be wrong. Do you think she’s worried the Drago family’s remnants might target her?”

“Maybe,” Keira said, leaning her head against his shoulder. “But she didn’t say anything outright. It might just be her overthinking… or a moment of introspection.”

Although the news of Jace’s death hadn’t been made public, whispers had still spread. As someone who had once been a prominent figure, it was impossible to keep everything under wraps. Sasha had heard about it too and even asked Keira if she regretted parting ways with him.

“Making plans for oneself isn’t a bad thing,” Hayden said, his tone calm and reassuring. “It’s like how we signed our organ donation cards. No harm in being prepared.”

His words made Keira chuckle softly.

“What are you laughing about?” he asked, puzzled.

“I’m laughing about how your fake death was almost exposed because of your organ donation card. And how slow I was—I didn’t even notice until I’d cried my heart out,” Keira teased, half at him, half at herself.

Hayden pressed his cheek against the top of her head, his voice low and filled with remorse. “I’m sorry.”

Every time this subject came up, he was filled with guilt.

“If you’re going to apologize every time I bring this up, I might as well stop mentioning it. Otherwise, I’ll be annoyed with you for life,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. Secretly, she vowed to herself to stop bringing up that chapter of their lives.

“Did Sasha’s teasing get to you today?” Hayden asked after a pause.

Keira blinked, slightly taken aback. “Teasing me about what?”

“She said you weren’t a proper Mrs. Hart yet,” he replied, gently playing with her fingers.

“Oh, that. I didn’t take it to heart,” Keira said honestly. “Hayden, you know I don’t care about that kind of thing.”

“Don’t care?” Hayden repeated the words softly, almost to himself. “Does that mean you don’t particularly want to marry me?”

His ability to twist meanings was truly impressive.

Keira reached up and flicked his forehead lightly. “Since when did Mr. Hart become so insecure and sensitive? If I didn’t want to marry you, what am I doing carrying this baby?”

His gaze dropped to her belly, and his hand followed, resting gently on it. He stayed quiet for a long moment.

Both of them understood the significance of that child. The baby wasn’t just their bloodline, their love made tangible. It also gave them new identities: parents. Neither of them had grown up in a complete family. They both had longed for the warmth and love of a home but had never truly experienced it. This child represented not just their love but also their hope—a way to fill the gaps in their hearts and give the kind of love they had always craved from someone else.

“Kiki,” Hayden said, his voice quiet but resolute as he looked up at her. “I think we should hold a proper opening for the courtyard.”

Keira had already invited friends and family today, and to her, that was enough of an opening celebration. She didn’t see the need for anything more elaborate or ceremonial.

Before she could respond, Hayden added, “I’ll take care of everything. You won’t have to lift a finger. Okay?”

His earnestness made her pause. She saw the effort he was making, the care he was putting into even the smallest things, and her heart softened.

“Alright,” she agreed. “But only if you promise to keep it simple.”

Hayden smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “As you wish, Mrs. Hart.”