Chapter 312

“What is it?” I asked, still smiling.

Yuna bit her lip, hesitating. “Is my surgery going to cost a lot?”

My heart sank. I’d been worried she’d ask that. “Not at all,” I said quickly. “It’s really affordable. Plus, Hayden just landed a great job as chief engineer, so we’re good.”

She didn’t respond, so I slid closer. Sometimes trust isn't about words, just presence. I gently ran my fingers through Yuna’s hair. “The doctor handling your surgery is my best friend’s friend. He’s the best. All you need to do is focus on getting better. You’re going to be fine.”

Tears welled up in Yuna’s eyes. “Keira, you’re so kind.”

I smiled. “Well, if I weren’t, Hayden wouldn’t have stuck around.”

Yuna giggled. “You and Hayden are like a storybook couple.”

Thinking of all the romance novels she devoured, I teased, “Once you’re better, you’ll have your own love story.”

Her face turned red, and I could tell she’d thought about it. What girl hasn’t? It explained why she kept rereading those romance novels.

While she finished packing, I went to find Hayden. He wasn’t in his room or the yard. Where could he have gone?

Curious, I stepped outside and scanned the area under the moonlight. Off in the distance, down by the riverbank, I spotted him. Even in the dark, I knew it was him. Once someone’s in your heart, you just know.

I headed toward him. He was so deep in thought he didn’t notice me coming, so I snuck up behind him and wrapped my arms around him in a playful hug.

Hayden tensed for a split second, then softly asked, “What are you doing here?”

I let out a small, teasing huff. “Who am I? How’d you know it was me? Why didn’t you think it was one of the girls around here who’s crushing on you?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the hint of jealousy in my own voice.

“No one else would have the guts. And…” He paused, giving me a knowing look, “your scent is one of a kind.”

So I’d slipped into his heart too.

I moved in front of him, looking up into his eyes. “What are you doing out here all by yourself? What’s on your mind?”

“Just getting some air,” he said, staring at the river. But I could see the tension.

I snuggled closer. “You’re worried about Yuna, aren’t you?”

He didn’t answer, but I knew. Even with the best doctor, there were no guarantees. Hayden, who faced everything head-on, was terrified of losing her. I understood that fear. It was the kind of loss he couldn’t bear.

Suddenly, a scary thought hit me—if something went wrong, would he blame me? But if she didn’t have the surgery, Yuna’s time was limited. There wasn’t much choice.

“Hayden,” I whispered, resting my head against his chest, “don’t worry. Yuna will make it through. I know it.”

He gently rested his hand on my head. “I know. Whatever happens, I’ve made my peace. You don’t have to carry that burden.”

I froze; he’d sensed my fear.

“It’s going to be okay,” I whispered.

“Yeah,” Hayden murmured, holding me close as we stood together, wrapped in the quiet of the night.