Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right by Rosie Steppe

Chapter 482

Chapter 482

Would Hayden regret this?

I had no idea. But the way he walked away so decisively felt like someone was squeezing my heart, tighter with every minute. The pain twisted inside me all night, leaving me wide awake, tossing and turning.

I hadn't even felt this broken when I ended things with Jace.

By the time the sun finally dragged itself over the horizon, I dragged myself out of bed, got ready, and headed to the office. At least there, I'd see Hayden. If I had such a miserable night, I was dying to know how he handled it. To hide my exhaustion, I applied a layer of makeup before stepping into work.

As fate would have it, I ran straight into Ron in the lobby. Spotting me, he waved with his usual over-the-top enthusiasm. "Ms. Kay! Good morning!"

Ron, my ridiculously energetic superior, always greets me like we're long-lost family-just short of throwing his arms around me in a teary reunion. "Good morning. Mr. Shane," I nodded politely.

"Where's your plus-one? Didn't come in with you today?" he teased with a grin.

ache sitting in my chest since last night. Forcing a smile, I shot back, "Plus-one? You got me a

comes now!" Hayden was walking toward us, dressed down in his usual work gear-just a T-shirt and cargo pants. Not the sharp, polished look from

everything, he still showed up

was his company all

just a front-a mask Hayden used to keep everyone in

me: last night, he'd listed all my supposed faults, but

Did he not trust me? Did he think I'd stick around just for his money? Or maybe he never wanted to share his success with me at all? Anger surged

them, I turned on my heel, ready to walk away. But Ron called after me, "Don't go! Come up with us." Then, calling over to Hayden, he added, "Hurry up, Hayden! Don't keep

+25 BONUS

Chapter 482

his eyes immediately locking on me. But I shifted away, refusing

wasn't clueless. He could sense the tension but chose to laugh it off, saying, "Hayden, Ms. Kay here doesn't recognize you

awkwardness hung in the air like a fog, but Ron, ever the peacemaker, kept trying to lighten the mood. "You've got some serious dark circles, Hayden. Rough night with that sore throat?" Even though

too much free time today, huh?" Hayden finally

shrugged it off with a grin. "Hey, blame it on that bitter coffee this morning. Now I'm craving something sweet." He shot me a wink, clearly hoping for some rom-com moment between me