Chapter 244 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Hayden!” 

+25 BONUS 

We spoke at the same time. 

“You said you were leaving today, right? Where are you going?” I asked, panting as I ran over to him. 

He frowned a little, probably because I’d just jumped out of my car, but when he heard my question, his expression softened, and a smile tugged at his lips. “What, worried I’m gonna run away?” 

His teasing made my cheeks heat up. I pretended to be mad. “Seriously, where are you going?” 

“I’m not leaving, at least not right now,” Hayden said, dodging the question. 

I frowned, “Huh?” 

“I was planning to leave because my work here was done and there wasn’t much keeping me around. But now things have changed,” Hayden said as he stepped closer and leaned down, his eyes locked on mine. Because now I have a girlfriend.” 

It felt like a jolt of electricity shot through me. I took a step back, overwhelmed, then turned around. 

But before I could take another step, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me right into his arms. 

His chin brushed against the top of my head, his voice low and husky. “I’m not going anywhere. And if I ever have to leave, I’ll tell you, and I won’t go unless you’re okay with it.” 

My heart was practically doing backflips, and my whole body felt like it was on fire. 

Seriously, this early in the morning? Him being all sweet and affectionate like this is just too much. 

I was about to say something when a voice called out from behind us, “Oh my gosh!” 

I jumped like I’d touched a live wire, trying to pull away from Hayden’s arms. 

But it was too late. Whoever saw us definitely saw everything. “I was wondering who was getting all cozy out here at this hour. Didn’t expect it to be you two!” 

It was Mrs. Lowrey. 

Even though our neighbors already thought Hayden and I were a couple, getting caught like this was beyond embarrassing. 

“Good morning, Mrs. Lowrey,” Hayden said. 

Meanwhile, I wanted to disappear into the ground, but Hayden seemed completely at ease. 

“Not as early as you,” Mrs. Lowrey said with a knowing smile, clearly aware that Hayden got up at the crack of dawn every day to work out. 

Then she tilted her head and looked at me. “It’s rare to see Keira up this early.” 

Do they all think I’m lazy or something? 

Chapter 244 

+25 BONUS 

“She gets up early every day too,” Hayden said, stepping in to smooth over the awkwardness. Then he turned to me. “You should get going.” 

I nodded, not wasting any more time. What was I even waiting for? 

As I walked away, Mrs. Lowrey leaned in closer to Hayden, and I overheard her saying, “Keira’s so lucky to have a boyfriend like you–handsome, caring, and good at everything.” 

She sounded genuinely envious. 

“You’ve got it backwards. I’m the lucky one to have a girlfriend like her,” Hayden actually replied. 

Mrs. Lowrey laughed, “Hayden, you’re too humble. You’re even better than everyone says…” 

I didn’t catch the rest of their conversation, but I was pretty sure it was all good things. 

I got in the car and drove off. As I left the neighborhood, I glanced back in the rearview mirror and saw Hayden still standing there, watching me. 

It felt like his gaze could follow me forever. 

I picked up some almond milk pudding and crispy buns for Lena, but she didn’t even get a chance to touch them. Before she could ask me about last night, she got called into the OR for an emergency delivery. 

i 

With Lena busy, I couldn’t hang around, but where was supposed to go this early in the morning? 

Going back home didn’t feel like an option. 

So, I decided to head to the office. But as I stepped out of the hospital lobby, I almost crashed into a guy who was rushing in. 

I managed to dodge just in time, or I would’ve been sent flying. 

I still stumbled a bit, but the guy reached out and caught me. “I’m so sorry… Oh, wait… it’s you?!” 

I looked up, and, of course, I recognized him. 

It was Brad, Tanya’s brother.