Chapter 132

Was Hayden actually stunned by my appearance? I’d always perceived him as possessing unshakable inner strength, impervious to superficiality. But perhaps even the toughest men have vulnerabilities when confronted with beauty. Maybe the saying, "Men are creatures of sight," held some truth.

Seeing his undivided attention, I decided to press further. I tossed my wavy hair back flirtatiously, noting his gaze deepen, his expression growing colder. The sudden shift was enigmatic, and I wouldn't waste time deciphering it. "Are you going to agree to it or not?" I asked directly.

"Agree to what?" he replied, his eyes already drifting away. I smiled. Hadn't he hung up on me last night, suggesting we talk when I sobered up? Now he feigned ignorance? I knew he was teasing.

"To be my boyfriend, temporarily," I repeated my previous request.

He remained silent, staring into the distance. Following his gaze, I saw the Ferris wheel nearing its peak. Remembering Gavin's comment about Jace's planned proposal, I wondered if that was the location. I squinted, searching for anything unusual, but Hayden interrupted. "What do you mean by 'temporarily'?"

"Just pretend to be my boyfriend until Jace Johnston's infatuation subsides. Afterward, we'll part ways, as if nothing happened," I explained, feeling a pang of guilt. "We wouldn't actually be dating, just pretending, to deceive Jace."

"And why should I agree?" he asked, meeting my gaze. I couldn't meet his eyes; the embarrassment was overwhelming. If not for Lena's encouragement or Jace's erratic behavior, I never would have considered this.

A breeze stirred, blowing my hair across my face. Tucking it behind my ear, I replied, "Because you're the most suitable person. And also…" I hesitated. I wanted to confess his feelings for me, his thoughts of marriage, but that would alter everything. He might believe I was manipulating him, exploiting his affections.

So I couldn't say it. "And also… what?" Hayden pressed.

I offered a guilty smile. "Nothing."

"But I also like you and mentioned wanting to marry you, right?" He stated plainly what I'd avoided.

He saw through me. Concealment was futile. Turning to him, I asked, "Yes, so will you do it?"

He remained silent, my heart pounding with nervousness. Seconds stretched into an eternity, my face flushing. Was this rejection?

Fiddling with my hair, I attempted to alleviate the awkwardness. "If you don't want to, forget I said anything."

As I turned, Hayden stopped me with his hand. "I can agree, but if I'm doing this, I want it to be real. Keira, I don't want to pretend. I want to be your actual boyfriend. If it doesn't work out, fine, we'll break up. But I'm not playing a role in your scheme."

Hayden's strength, handsomeness, and direct manner made it clear he wasn't trifling. I'd intended a pretense, but he insisted on reality—a significant deviation from my plan.

Chapter 133