Lahat ng Kabanata ng Love's Redemption: Kabanata 181 - Kabanata 190

Was she actually planning to marry Jace?Why else would she ask something like that?But just two hours ago, Jace was still trying to get me back.Then Jace's words came flooding back: "Even if something happens to me—if I get hurt, or worse—still won't regret it?"Is this his twisted way of making me regret everything? If so, Jace has totally lost it. He's being so childish.I looked at Tanya, pretending to be confused. "Hmm?""I want to be with Jace, like... get married," she said, meeting my eyes.I gave her a small smile. "Is that so? Well, congrats.""But I'm worried his parents won't accept the baby," she added, her face full of hesitation and uncertainty.I tapped my fingers lightly on the table, staying quiet. This wasn't my problem, so I had no reason to chime in."Keira," Tanya said, her voice suddenly serious, "I know how much the Johnstons love you. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston treat you like their daughter, so..."She paused, then continued, "So, can you help me? I—"

Social suicide, right on the spot!This was the second time. First, I walked in on Hayden fresh out of the shower, and now I'd just fantasized about him—out loud—right in front of him.I couldn't help but wonder if he did this on purpose. I'd been knocking forever, so why open the door now?The only way to save face? Act drunk, then pretend to black out. That way, I wouldn't be the one embarrassed—everyone else would be."Lena, look! He is home, huh?" I said, trying to sound casual, pointing right at Hayden like I hadn't just verbally undressed him.Lena's lips twitched. She was clearly suffering from secondhand embarrassment. "She's had a little too much to drink," she said."I'm not drunk," I chimed in, fully committing to the act.After all, a drunk person never admits they're drunk.Lena pinched my waist lightly. "Oh, right, of course. You only had one glass of wine. No way you're drunk, huh?"I was completely at a loss for words.Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride

I didn't catch anything Jace said after that. What I'd just found out hit me like a truck.All the questions I'd had were finally answered, but I never saw this coming.Desmond had been someone I knew pretty well—thin, always smiling, the kind of guy who'd look out for everyone. I never imagined his death was because he couldn't deal with his wife hooking up with Jace.No wonder Jace was a total wreck after Desmond died... because it was his fault.Suddenly, everything made sense—why Desmond's parents treated Tanya like dirt, why they didn't want anything to do with the baby she was carrying. They probably didn't even think it was Desmond's kid.I wasn't even that mad at Jace for cheating on me before, but now, standing here, I realized just how low he'd really gone. He was the reason his so-called best friend was dead.Lena must've seen the change in my face, because she pulled me aside.Once we were in her break room, I just sank into a chair, totally silent for what felt like

It was Hayden.He was unlocking his door, holding a bag of vegetables in one hand. My sudden movement must've startled him, because he turned around, his eyes narrowing slightly.I just stood there, staring at him like I was having some kind of out-of-body experience. I didn't say a word—just watched him, completely zoned out.It wasn't until Hayden asked, "What's up?" that I snapped back to reality. I shook my head, still not fully awake."Are you sick?" he asked, setting the bag down and stepping closer.I couldn't get my mouth to work, so I just shook my head again, even though I wasn't sure what I was feeling.Then, out of nowhere, I felt something cool against my forehead—Hayden's hand. His voice sharpened with concern. "You're burning up."I was still in a daze, barely registering that he was talking about me.Hayden seemed to pick up on my confusion. Before I could process what was happening, he stepped inside my apartment and scooped me up into his arms. My already ligh

When I recalled what I'd said earlier, my breath caught in my throat. I wanted to explain, maybe apologize, but Hayden, still kneeling beside the couch, stood up before I could say anything. "Dinner's ready. Come eat."As he pulled his hand away, I realized how tightly I'd been gripping him. In my dream, I thought I was holding onto my parents—but it had been Hayden all along. And I'd cursed him, thinking he was the one getting in the way.Awkwardly, I let go. His arm lifted, revealing deep red marks from where I'd squeezed too hard.Without a word, he turned and walked off. I slowly sat up, feeling sticky and uncomfortable. I'd definitely broken a sweat—probably a sign the fever had finally passed."Here, put this on. Don't catch another cold," Hayden said, coming back with a blanket.I reached out to grab it, but my grip was still weak, and I almost dropped it. He ended up draping it over me himself, then handed me a warm, damp cloth to wipe my hands.For a moment, I felt like