Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right

Chapter 356

Chapter 356

An abortion?! Seriously?

Tanya was still out here stirring up drama, as usual.

+25 BONUS

But, whatever. If she wanted to be extra, let her. I've got enough problems right now. There was no way I was about to go play hero.

"Let her be," I said, shrugging it off.

"Whoa, not playing the saint today?" Lena teased, reminding me just how much I used to butt into everything.

I smirked. "The saint went rogue."

She burst out laughing. "I love it."

After she hung up, I dragged myself to the demolition office to deal with the final paperwork. They handed me a form, saying I had three days to pack and bounce.

I thought I'd been ready for this since I first saw that demolition notice. I even started packing. But now, with the deadline set in stone, it hit me like a truck-my apartment was about to be torn down, for real.

When I got back to the complex, I just stood there, staring up at the building like an idiot. The old ladies I used to see hanging around? Gone. Probably moved already.

I was so deep in my head that I didn't even realize Hayden was next to me until I finally gave up and started heading inside.

"Hungry?" he asked, skipping over any small talk.

I shook my head, not in the mood.

I didn't know why, but right then, I was just done-too wiped to even talk.

"Tired?" Hayden could always read me like a book.

From."

I let out a soft "mm."

Hayden looked like he was about to say something, but I was already halfway up the stairs. He didn't push

it, just followed quietly and grabbed the bag from my hand without a word.

He knew me too well to force a conversation. We climbed the steps in silence.

At the last step, I held out my hand for the bag. He didn't give it back right away, just looked at me,

waiting. He knew what I meant, but he wanted me to say it.

I sighed, lowering my hand. "I went and dealt with my parents' deregistration today. It was... exhausting. I just need some space tonight."

Hayden's eyes darkened a bit. "At least eat something first."

I'm not hungry," I muttered, holding my hand out again,

After a pause, he finally handed me the bag.

1/2

Chapter 356

+25 BONUS

I slipped into the apartment, leaning against the door once it shut behind me. I didn't bother turning on the lights. The dim, fading sunset poured in through the windows, casting long shadows over the familiar furniture.

Three months ago, when I came back here, I'd done the same thing-just stood in this spot, taking it all in. Nothing had changed. Even after living here for three months, I'd kept everything exactly as it was before. Hayden, thankfully, hadn't touched a thing either. He got it. I looked around at the familiar furniture, and for a moment, it felt like my parents were still here. I could picture it all so clearly.

My dad was on the couch with his newspaper. The second he'd hear me come in, he'd glance up, smile, and say, "Hey, come here! You've gotta check out this article."

And from the kitchen, my mom in her apron, calling out, "Kiki, wash your hands and have some fruit! Dinner's almost ready."

Caught up in the memory, I walked over and sat down on the couch where Dad used to sit. I reached under the coffee table and pulled out an old, yellowing newspaper from ten years ago. It was still folded to the article Dad had pointed out to me back then. I started reading it aloud, just like I had that day. When I finished, I found myself repeating what I'd said all those years ago: "This is what you call good writing? I could be a famous author one day."

And then, as clear as day, I heard my dad's voice. "That's right, my daughter could be a famous author."

I froze, turning to the empty spot next to me. That's not what he had said back then. He'd tapped me on the head and laughed, saying, "Stay humble if you wanna improve."

But I had heard him just now. Something different.

I stood up, scanning the room. No one was there. Just me.

But I know I heard it.

"Dad? Mom?" I whispered, my voice shaky, as I hurried into the kitchen.

But the kitchen was empty. No one was there.

I turned back to the couch, my heart racing, but the room was as still as ever. No one. Just me.