Twenty-Three

Chapter 23

Livia’s POV

My phone would not stop vibrating. I stared at the screen like it had personally offended me.

It was Hayden Calling again.

I let out a slow breath, irritation crawling up my spine. “Persistent much?” I muttered under my breath.

A smirk tugged at my lips.

Oh, if he wanted to listen so badly… then I would give him something to hear since he doesn't want me to rest.

I tapped to answer, connected it to the tiny microphone I had hidden near my bed weeks ago for meetings and recordings. I positioned it carefully, making sure the sound would travel clearly, then I muted him.

“Let’s see how long you last,” I whispered, my heart pounding, not from guilt, but from spite.

Hayden walked out of the bathroom, towel hanging low on his hips, water still glistening on his chest. He raised an eyebrow at me.

“You look mischievous,” he said, narrowing his eyes playfully. “What are you planning?”

I smiled sweetly. “Nothing you wouldn’t enjoy.”

He laughed. “Dangerous answer.”

I pulled him closer, my fingers trailing slowly across his chest. “Do you know you are incredibly handsome?” I asked smiling.

His expression softened. “You don’t say that often.” he said blushing.

“Well, maybe I should.” I tilted my head. “Maybe I should appreciate what I have more.”

His hands tightened around my waist. “Liv… what’s going on?” he asked softly.

“Nothing,” I whispered against his ear. “I just want you, completely.”

I made sure my voice carried, every word intentional and every sound deliberate.

“Many rounds tonight,” I teased lightly. “Think you can handle that?”

He chuckled deeply. “You are challenging me?” he asked.

“Absolutely.” I replied with a smile and leaned in, letting my laughter, my praise, my exaggerated affection fill the room. I made sure there was no doubt in anyone listening that I was enjoying myself.

That I was choosing this, that I was not waiting for anyone. Minutes passed, then more.

My heart raced not from passion, but from anticipation.

Was he still there? Was he listening?

I imagined his jaw tightening. His fists clenching and that possessive fire in his eyes.

Let him feel it and let him choke on it.

The next morning, my body felt heavy, tired but satisfied.

Hayden stretched beside me, grinning lazily. “Where did that energy come from last night?” he asked.

I smirked, pretending to yawn. “Maybe I have just been underestimating you.”

He leaned over, kissing my forehead. “I love that side of you.”

My chest tightened for a second, love.

He always said it so easily.

“I loved your energy,” he added. “You were different.”

I looked away. “Different how?” I asked grinning at him.

“Hungry,” he said with a grin. “Confident, confident.

If only he knew. A knock sounded at the door.

“Ma’am,” the maid’s voice came softly. “I’m here to take Emerald to school.”

I exhaled. “Come in.”

The maid stepped inside carefully. Emerald ran in briefly, hugging my leg.

“Mummy, you look tired.” 

I forced a smile. “I’m fine, baby.”

“Did you fight with Daddy Hayden?” she asked.

“No,” I said quickly. “Not at all.”

Emerald studied me like she didn’t believe it. “Okay…”

Hayden chuckled. “Your mum just had a long night.” he said smiling at her.

I shot him a look. “Enough.”

Emerald giggled and followed the maid out.

When the door closed, I grabbed my phone immediately. The call duration: 38 minutes.

He had listened for thirty-eight whole minutes before cutting the call.

I stared at the screen, satisfaction flooding through me.

“Who does he think he is?” I hissed.

Hayden looked up. “Who?” 

“No one,” I snapped a little too quickly.

He sat up straighter. “Is this about him?”

“Don’t,” I warned.

He held up his hands. “I’m just asking.”

I stood from the bed and walked toward the window. “He thinks he can just show up and tempt me back. Just because he’s handsome and just because he’s powerful.”

Hayden’s jaw tightened. “You’re still thinking about him.”

I turned sharply. “No, I’m proving a point.”

“To who?” I asked.

“To him.” I replied.

“And what about me?” Hayden’s voice lowered. 

“Am I just part of your revenge?” he asked.

That hit harder than I expected.

“Don’t make this dramatic,” I said coldly.

He stood now. “I’m not. I just need to know where I stand.”

“You stand right here,” I said firmly. “With me.”

“Then why does he still have this much control over you?” he asked suspiciously.

Silence filled the room and I hated that question because I didn’t have an answer.

Hayden stepped closer. “If you are over him, Livia, then be over him. Don’t fight ghosts.”

“I’m not fighting ghosts,” I said, my voice sharp. “I’m reminding him I’m not his.” I stated.

“And are you reminding yourself too?”

My breath caught and I looked away.

He sighed and grabbed his shirt. “I love you. But I won’t compete with a shadow forever.”

The door shut behind him as I stood there alone, gripping my phone tightly and for a second, I almost dialed Zachary’s number.

Just to say something petty and just to hear him breathe.

My thumb hovered over his contact.

“No,” I whispered to myself.

That would give him satisfaction and I refused to give him anything.

Just as I was about to toss the phone aside, it rang again.

My heart jumped, I didn’t check the screen immediately.

“It’s him,” I muttered. “Of course it’s him.”

I let it ring once, twice and three times.

Then I finally glanced at the caller ID.

My brows furrowed, It wasn’t Zachary.

It wasn’t Hayden either.

The number was unfamiliar and I hesitated before I answered.

“Hello?” but there was silence.

“Who is this?” I demanded, irritation creeping back into my tone.

Then a low voice spoke.

“You think you are playing a smart game, Livia?” he asked.

My blood ran cold.

“I don’t know who this is,” I said firmly.

A soft chuckle came through the line. “Oh, you know exactly who I am.”

My grip tightened on the phone.

“Careful,” the voice continued. “Games like this have consequences.”

The call ended as I stared at the blank screen, my hear pounding violently now.

This wasn’t part of the plan, this wasn’t supposed to happen or had he recorded it?

Had someone else been listening? For the first time since last night, satisfaction disappeared and fear took its place.

I swallowed hard.

“What did I just start?”