As we approached the living room, I could see two people sitting upright from a distance. Hayden’s mother was talking to his father with a serious expression. Observing them, I couldn’t help but wonder how they managed to look so youthful despite their age.When they noticed us entering, I braced myself for yelling, cursing, or even outright hostility. A loud scream did echo through the room, but it wasn’t one of anger, but rather it was of excitement.“Good heavens! Is this her!?” Hayden’s mother exclaimed, standing abruptly and striding toward us with elegance. Her flowing blue dress swayed with each step, and before Hayden could greet her, she brushed past him without a second thought.“Move aside! I’m not here for you,” she declared, leaving Hayden visibly stunned. She stopped directly in front of me, cupping my face with hands trembling in emotion. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.I froze, unsure how to react, managing only a stiff attempt to smile to at least reciprocate he
I was sitting on the terrace, staring blankly at the front lawn, waiting for their discussion inside to end. The silence enveloped me, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Minutes passed before I heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, I saw Hayden holding a glass of water in his hand. “Don’t worry,” he said, offering me the water. “We don’t have to do what my mom said.” I took the glass, sipped a little, and placed it on the table. “She seems pretty energetic,” I said, earning a smile from him. He nodded. “She likes you,” he said. “Cause if she didn’t she would have worn her signature o]poker face. She mostly wears a stoic expression and ignores people, even my grandfather when he’s being too much.” “What? Really? I didn’t get that vibe from her at all.” I said, surprised.His lips curved into a thin smile, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs and getting comfortable. “She’s a good mother. A mother who w
[Bang!] I stirred awake when I heard a loud sound beside me. I was sleeping since I got up early for my 7:30 session earlier. I still had enough time to rest before my 9:30 session so I made the most time out of it. Sadly, the peace was short-lived.“Are the rumors true?” Gab asked, his voice dripping with curiosity. I groggily looked at him, blinking, wondering what he was referring to. “What are you talking about?” I muttered, already putting my head down. “The news about you and Hayden dating.” He asked. And I couldn’t help but grit my teeth, my frustration bubbling up instantly. …Yesterday, after Aiden and I talked, I entered the room only to find out Auntie had already told the press Hayden and I were dating. I stood there, speechless. I thought we were still discussing the idea—not jumping straight into it. Hayden, understandably, was furious when he found out what his mom had done.But I calmed him down, reassuring him that this might actually be the safest option. Reluct
“So why are you really here?” I asked Hayden, my tone skeptical.We were walking along the path in the oval, and since it was lunchtime, most students were inside eating, so there wasn’t anyone around here, leaving us completely alone.“I already told you. I am here for a board meeting,” he replied, a smirk tugging at his lips.I narrowed my eyes at him. “Liar.” I spat.“No I’m not,” he smiled, laughing. “Do you really think I’m lying to you?” He asked.I shrugged, “Just a gut feeling.” I said, and he laughed even more.“Don’t worry, I’m not stalking you. I really am here for business,” he said, tracing a cross sign over his chest dramatically. I sighed, deciding to just to let it go.“Plus, it’s not like that I’m obsessed with you to be stalking you in such a broad daylight,” he said, and my jaw dropped. The nerve of this guy! Did he really just say that? Without thinking, I started hitting him on the arm.“Wait, wait! I was just joking!” he protested, shielding himself from my blo
I felt someone poke my shoulders. I looked beside me to see Ara pouting. “Hey! Are you even listening to me?” She asked, her face scrunched up in frustration. “You were talking to me?” I asked, confused. She groaned, covering her face with her hands as if she couldn’t believe my lack of attention. I just can’t help it, a lot of things have been running in my mind lately. I even got called multiple times during class today because I always spaced out mid session. “I asked if you want to go clubbing with us.” She repeated. “Oh, that. I think I’ll have to pass, I still have to study, and…” “Wow, is Aiden’s older brother that strict with you? Is he restricting you on going out on weekends?” She interrupted, her face looking appalled at the idea. I quickly jumped to Hayden’s defense. “No, you got it wrong. I just really need to study, that’s all.” “Ohhh…I see. I thought he was stopping you. Sorry, my bad.” She said, holding up a peace sign. “Ummm…Anyway, about your fr
“Ugh.” I groaned, as a sharp pain shot through my head.We must have drank a lot last night for me to have this massive hangover.When I opened my eyes, the light of the sun that shone through the open curtain greeted me, making me instantly shut my eyes again.Aiden must have carried me home last night. I always turn into dead weight when I’m drunk. I should thank him later.I rolled over on the sheets, groaning, when I heard the door creak open.“Aiden, what time did we get home last night?” I asked, my voice muffled by the pillow.I waited for his reply but got nothing. “Aiden?” “Are you finally sober now?”That voice.I bolted upright so fast my vision blurred. Hayden stood by the door, arms crossed and his expression unreadable.“W-what are you doing in my room?” I stammered, clutching the blanket against me like it could shield me from his piercing gaze.“Your room?” He raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk. “Take a good look around. Or is it that y
Hayden was driving us to God knows where. I’m still a little groggy from last night so I tried taking a quick nap. When I woke up, my eyes were greeted by a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster that could be seen from where we were at. Coupled with the sound of children laughing and running around. And yes, we’re currently at a theme park. As to why he brought me here, I completely have no idea.“Why are we here?” I asked, turning to him.He was smiling the whole time while looking at the theme park. “I just figured you would like it here.” He said. “Why? Don’t you like theme parks?” “I do,” I said with forced enthusiasm. In reality, I dreaded rides. My fear of heights made roller coasters a nightmare, and the only rides I could stomach were the carousel or the kiddie train—neither of which screamed “thrill-seeker.”“Great! I’ve got the whole day planned out,” he said, practically glowing with excitement.I sighed inwardly, deciding to go along with it. He seemed happy, and I didn’t w
Hayden and I walked in silence.I didn’t know what to say or how to explain myself after what happened earlier.I just felt a little uneasy, knowing he went as far as to search these kind of things on the web just to make sure I’d have a great time. I really just don’t know how to react. No one has ever gone this much trouble for me, and the fact that it’s Hayden doing these things makes me even more nervous. He walked ahead, occasionally glancing back to check if I was still following him.“Hayden?” I called softly, but he didn’t respond, his steps unwavering. I clenched my fists, swallowing the lump in my throat. If I were in his shoes, I’d probably be mad too. I deserved this silent treatment.“Hayden, about what happened earlier…I’m…” “I’m sorry,” He cut me off, leaving me confused. Why was he apologizing when I was the one who owed him an explanation?“What are you saying? I’m the one who should apologize,” I said, quick to correct him.“No.” He shook his head, his voice tinge
I stepped out of the restaurant, feeling drained. The meeting had gone well, but my energy was completely spent. All I wanted was to go home, take off these heels, and maybe sleep for a week. I pulled out my phone and started tapping on the cab app, already thinking of what presents I should take home with me for Blake. But my actions halted when I saw him.I wore a confused look as I approached him, as he leaned against the door of his car. His black car gleamed under the afternoon sun, parked just a few meters away from the restaurant's exit. The moment he saw me looking, his face lit up. He pushed off the car and made his way toward me."Perfect timing," he said with a smile. “I was getting bored. Hop in, I’ll drive you back."I opened my mouth, ready to decline, but before I could say a word, he raised a hand and said, "I know you have questions. A lot of them. And I’m willing to answer all of them."That made me pause. I studied him carefully, unsure of what game he was playing
I was already running a bit behind schedule when I rushed out of the house, tossing my bag into the passenger seat and starting the car. Today’s meeting wasn’t in the city, but somewhere a little more private. Aleo Country Club, a good thirty-minute drive from here.The roads were quiet the deeper I drove. Fewer cars, fewer houses, just long stretches of trees and grasslands. It wasn’t creepy, not really. Just… serene. I even opened my windows to catch the fresh breeze of the morning air.I was halfway there when the car gave a weird jolt. I frowned and tapped the gas, but nothing. “Uhh…what now?” Another jolt. Then the engine sputtered like it was choking. And then — silence.“Seriously?” I muttered, hitting the steering wheel lightly. I tried the ignition again. It coughed, clicked, then died.“Great, just another one of my bad days.” I pulled over to the side, looking around trying to find someone that could help me. However, there was nothing but empty fields and trees. Not even
Later that evening, I parked in front of the house and immediately heard chaos bursting from the living room.I opened the door, and a squeal echoed through the space.Hayden was running after Blake, who was waving a sock triumphantly above his head, giggling like a madman. “Give it back, you little thief!” Hayden laughed, nearly tripping over the coffee table.Blake was fast for someone his size, ducking under furniture, tossing pillows to block Hayden’s path. I had to cover my mouth to stifle a laugh.When I travelled my gaze around the room, in the cone row my eyes, I saw two people standing across the room, standing near the doorway were Uncle Nathaniel and Auntie Elena. Elena spotted me instantly, her face lighting up.“Oh, sweetie, there you are!” she chirped, bustling over to me in her high heels as if they were sneakers. “Are you okay? You look rather tired. Is Hayden treating you right? If he’s not, just say the word, and I’ll set him straight!”I laughed as she cupped my fac
The early morning light slipped through the cracks of the curtains, painting faint gold lines across the bed. I stirred awake, groggily opening my eyes, my body still heavy with sleep. Slowly, I turned to my side and found Hayden beside me, sleeping peacefully, a soft snore escaping his lips.A small, sad smile tugged at my mouth. I brushed a few strands of hair from his forehead and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against his temple. He didn’t move, he just let out a deeper sigh before settling again.I slipped out of bed quietly, grabbing my purse and phone before heading out.One of the things Kara had found, one of the things that really got me worried, was that Hayden had regularly visited a mental health clinic years ago. Right after Cassie’s death. The timing wasn’t a coincidence. It couldn’t be. Whether it was guilt, grief, or something worse, I needed to know what demons he was fighting. That’s why I’m going to that clinic to find the details I need. My car rumbled softly
Hayden and I walked in silence toward the parking lot. My hand was still in his, but it felt like there was a glass wall between us.Just as we reached the car, I stopped abruptly, pulling my hand away from his. Hayden immediately turned to me, confusion flashing across his face."Bella? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and careful.I didn’t answer right away. I kept my eyes on him, gathering every stray thought running wild in my head. Finally, I found my voice."I’ve been trying to understand everything," I muttered. "You said before that you couldn’t tell me what was bothering you, and I respected that. I really did." I took a step closer to him, needing him to see how much I meant it. "But now... maybe you can at least give me assurance. That what happened inside there—with that Cedric—isn’t something I should be worried about."Hayden’s eyes dropped to the ground. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking every bit as tired as I felt."Nothing will happen," he sa
My body tensed slightly, the air growing a little too heavy, and I didn’t know why. Something just didn’t feel right.Cedric turned to me with a glint in his eyes that I couldn’t quite read. I thought this guy was simple, but I guess in this room full of people, the word “simple” wouldn’t sound right after all. “So, Isabella,” he began, his tone light but I could sense he was just pretending. “Are you Hayden’s girlfriend?”The question caught me off guard. My lips parted, but the words didn’t immediately come out.Cedric continued before I could even respond, “You know, my sister and Hayden have a long history.”I blinked at him. “Fiona and Hayden are close?” I asked, trying to steady my voice, even though my chest felt like it was tightening.Cedric chuckled softly, tilted his head, then glanced at Dominic. “Not Dominic, Cassie,” he clarified, enunciating the name clearly. My heart stopped.He turned back to me, still smiling. “I mean, the three of you did have a long history toget
The morning passed by quickly. I really wish I could go home and take a long nap. But unfortunately, I can’t. Whoever said adult life gives you more freedom. They’re liars. I had barely taken a proper sip of my coffee when my assistant, Mia, knocked lightly on the door of my office. She peeked inside, holding her tablet close to her chest.“Ms, just a quick reminder—you’ve been invited to the Heritage Gala this evening. It's happening at the Grand Atrium Hotel. The car is supposed to be ready by five."I blinked. Right. The Heritage Gala. I had completely forgotten about it."Thank you, Mia. I’ll wrap things up early then."She gave a polite nod before disappearing down the hall.Despite the early chaos, the rest of the day seemed to breeze by. I felt oddly light. I smiled to myself as I grabbed my coat and bag, ready to leave.But as soon as I stepped out of the building and into the parking lot, the sight that greeted me made my stomach sink.My car tires—both on the driver's side
It was quiet, almost too quiet, when I finally found the courage to ask.I looked at Hayden, his face slightly turned away, as if avoiding what he knew was coming. My heart felt like it had been wrung out, twisted and bruised from the weight of everything I had learned, everything I had seen, and most of all, everything he had failed to say."Why did you lie to me?" I asked, voice barely above a whisper.Hayden didn’t answer. Not immediately. His jaw tensed. His hands fidgeted at his sides. But his eyes, his eyes couldn’t meet mine.The silence between us wasn’t just silence. It was loud and deafening. It pierced through the walls I had tried to build for myself."Can you really not tell me?" I asked again, softer this time.He turned his head slowly, eyes finally meeting mine. There was pain in them. Pain and conflict. He hesitated, then shook his head.My heart sank, but I nodded. I tried to understand. He must have his reason for not telling me.I stepped forward and cupped his fac
I got home late that night. Way too late.The driveway was empty and quiet, and the porch light was the only thing still on. I stood outside for a moment, staring at the house. It looked the same as always, but I wasn’t. Not after what I saw, not after what I heard.I don’t want to be affected by what’s happening, but I am…and I don’t know how to stop this feeling coursing through my heart. Sigh.I opened the door quietly and stepped inside. The living room was dark, the silence stretching far too deep. I didn’t even bother turning on the lights. My legs moved on their own, carrying me upstairs. I just wanted to see Blake to calm myself down. I pushed open his door slowly trying not make any noise as possible. He was curled up beneath his blankets, his tiny fists tucked under his cheek as his chest rose and fell slowly. I let out a quiet sigh, one that seemed to drag all the weight from my shoulders. I watched him for a few more seconds, just making sure. Then I gently closed the