Chapter 145

My heart pounded. "I already told you, we can't happen. If you feel this way, we should stop pretending to be a couple. I'll find someone else."

As those words left my lips, Hayden, who had been standing motionless, took a large step toward me. "And who exactly do you plan on finding?"

I instinctively recoiled, but he advanced, his voice low and intense. "Another blind date? Or perhaps a friend?" The jealousy was palpable.

"Hayden Hart!" I tried to stop him, but I was backed into a corner.

Before I could respond, he said, "Yeah, I have feelings for you. But you rejected me, so I won't push it."

Wait, what? I was utterly confused.

Hayden's expression remained serious, his eyes fixed on mine. "I'm just your neighbor now. If you don't overthink this, there's nothing to worry about."

I stood speechless. Was he implying I was overthinking?

Before I could reply, Hayden asked, "So, why did you call earlier?"

His question broke the awkwardness, and I seized the opportunity. "What time is it? You're already off work? Is everything done at the amusement park?"

"No," he replied flatly.

I smirked. "Not done, and you're leaving early? Is this how you plan to finish on time, or even ahead of schedule?"

"I keep my promises," Hayden stated confidently.

"But if you're changing your approach," I countered, "what if something goes wrong during the final inspection? That could waste even more time."

"I'm aware, but I'll handle it. If any issues arise, I'll take full responsibility," Hayden said, as if he could bear the weight of the world.

Where does he get this unshakeable confidence? But considering he led the lighting setup, I supposed he earned the right to speak this way.

After a moment's hesitation, I offered a pointed reminder: "Hayden, even though I'm no longer on the project and not in charge of the lighting, if the final result isn't what I envisioned, I'll never forgive you."

Hayden's expression didn't change. "I promised you, and I will deliver."

At this point, little remained to be said.

"Alright, I hope so," I said, preparing to leave. But Hayden stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

I had no idea what he was doing, and I wasn't inclined to wait and find out. I tried to move past him, but he shifted with me, barring my way.

Annoyance welled up. "Hayden Hart."

"There's something I need your help with," Hayden said, looking almost sheepish.

This was the same man who could fix pipes and handle anything. What could he possibly need my help with?

Curious, I asked, "What is it?"

"I made too much food. Can you help me finish it?" His request was so unexpected, I almost laughed.

All the irritation from discovering he lived across from me vanished. I playfully kicked him, swatting at him. "You're messing with me, aren't you? Do you think I'm a child?"

He let me kick and hit him a few times before gently catching my hand. "New neighbor, let's get along from now on."

"Hayden Hart!"

Ignoring my protests, he led me to the dining table, where four dishes and a cream soup were arranged.

Did he really make all this for himself? Or had he planned for me to find out he was living here today? He couldn't have known I'd find out today. Was this his way of telling me, even if I hadn't noticed, by the end of the night?

The thought that he had me figured out reignited my frustration. "You..."

I was about to scold him when his deep, smooth voice cut in, "Just do me this favor and help me finish it, okay?"