Chapter Hello 203
Chapter 203
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203
The silence between Lindey and me was suffocating.
I was just about to come up with an excuse to end the call when Lindey's voice cut through, trembling with anger. "Matthew's like this because of that bitch. For that alone, I'll never forgive her."
She was practically spitting the words out. I had never heard Lindey sound so vicious before. It sent a chill down my spine, leaving me completely speechless.
"Rea," she said, "when you can, visit Matthew more often. You're the only one who can give him some peace."
Her words weighed heavy on me, but I agreed.
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After the call ended, I leaned back in my car seat, feeling completely drained, like something was crushing my chest, making it hard to breathe.
When I got home, I curled up on the couch, my mind racing, trying to piece everything together. Everything pointed to Thorsten. But the connection between him and Matthew-their business ties-and the fact that Thorsten's location was password-protected? That just made things feel even more suspicious.
If there was nothing to hide, why go to such lengths to keep it secret?
The more I thought about it, the more my mind spun, and the fear of facing the truth only grew. I couldn't stop overthinking it until my head started pounding.
I grabbed a pillow, burying my face in it, trying to drown out the chaos in my mind. It was my go-to when things got too overwhelming.
Just as I was on the verge of cutting off my own air, I heard a knock at the door.
At first, I thought I imagined it. Then I heard my name.
www
I pulled the pillow away, my heart racing as I cautiously made my way to the door. Even in broad daylight, there was always a chance of danger. Before unlocking it, I called out, "Who is it?" "It's me, Hayden."
Hearing his voice stopped me in my tracks. What was Hayden doing here? Did something happen?
I opened the door, and there he was, looking effortlessly handsome in a black t-shirt and cargo pants- practical, yet somehow still striking.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, still a little stunned
Without a word, Hayden stepped forward and placed his hand on my forehead. The warmth of his palm against my skin brought an unexpected sense of calm,
"No fever," he said, lowering his hand and lifting a grocery bag filled with fresh ingredients. The crisp Jeaves peeked out, and I could tell he'd just bought them.
"For lunch, I'm making creamy risotto. Side dish: boiled spinach and chicken breast. How's that sound?" he asked, like a caring husband checking in on his wife Chapter 203
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I started to protest, "No, don't worry about it, it's too much trouble. I'll just order foo-"
Hayden cut me off. "You can't eat anything greasy right now."
Somehow, he was already inside.
By the time I snapped out of my daze, he was moving around the kitchen like he belonged there, prepping ingredients with quiet efficiency.
He'd already done me so many favors, there was no point in pretending I didn't need the help. I leaned against the doorway, sipping my water as I watched him tie on an apron and get to work. "You've got time to come over today? Is the amusement park project done?" I asked, trying to fill the silence.
"Almost," Hayden replied, his knife slicing through the vegetables with practiced ease. The sound of the blade hitting the cutting board made it clear-he knew his way around a kitchen.
"Let me know when it's all finished," I reminded him.
"Yeah," Hayden said, still focused on the vegetables.
I took another sip of water, my eyes tracing over him from head to toe. I had to admit, Hayden was the kind of guy who looked good from every angle-front, back, and somehow even better from behind. His narrow waist and broad shoulders? Let's just say it was way too easy to let my mind wander to places it shouldn't.
To stop myself from thinking things I definitely shouldn't be, I focused on the little mole at the back of his neck. "Hayden, we didn't talk today, did we?" "No."
I bit.my lip, curious now. "Then how did you know I'd be home?"
It was something that had been bugging me since he showed up. I hadn't told him I'd be home, and I
hadn't mentioned it to anyone else either. Yet, here he was at my door, groceries in hand, like he knew exactly where I'd be.