Chapter 332
And it seemed like they’d been watching for a while.
Which meant they’d seen all the little affectionate moments between Hayden and me, Great.
I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things, but their expressions didn’t seem all that pleasant.
Since we’d run right into them, avoiding a greeting wasn’t an option.
Hayden and I walked over, saying hello to Lindey, Matthew, and Wayne.
Lindey was the first to smile. “Rea. Hayden, what are you two doing here?”
I glanced at Hayden. “We’re visiting a friend.”
I left it vague, not mentioning Yuna. Hayden was big on protecting his sister’s privacy, and I knew if Matthew or Lindey found out she the hospital, they’d want to visit. Explaining that to Yuna would
under wraps.
get complicated fast. Best to keep
Then I turned to Matthew. He was leaning on Lindey, looking pale and clearly not doing well.
“What happened to Matthew?”
“He’s “Lindey started, but Matthew cut her off. “Just high blood pressure, nothing serious.”
Lindey gave him a look that screamed liar, but didn’t press him.
It was obvious he was hiding something, just like I had my own reasons for keeping distance lately. We weren’t as close as we used to be. I couldn’t help but remember how, in the past, even the smallest cold or cough had Matthew texting me first, asking for help.
“Rea, anything you need help with?” Wayne jumped in.
“No, we’re good,” I said with a polite smile.
The silence came back, lingering uncomfortably until Hayden stepped up, smoothing things over. “Mr. Johnston, how about we accompany you to see the doctor?”
It was a thoughtful offer, one that made me look good by association.
Matthew waved it off quickly. “No need, no need. You two go handle your own stuff.”
Lindey added, “Rea, come see Matthew again when you’re done.”
“Alright. Hayden and I will head out now.”
Hayden gave Matthew and Lindey a polite nod, and we left, hand in hand.
We hadn’t gone far when I heard Lindey sigh. “She has really grown distant from us.”
“Stop talking nonsense. You overthink everything.” Matthew muttered.
I could feel the lump forming in my throat. Hayden must’ve noticed, because he squeezed my hand a little tighter, silently reassuring me.
We were spending the day with Yuna as she went through pre–surgery exams. A heart donor had already
+25 BONUS
been found, and though the tests were exhausting, Yuna was practically glowing, like she’d been set free. Her mood was contagious–Hayden and I couldn’t help but smile more with her around.
Of course, because fate’s a comedian, we ran into Matthew again while Yuna was getting her heart checked. Naturally, my little white lie from earlier–about who we were visiting–was out in the open. But no one really seemed to care, not with everything else going on.
As we were leaving after Yuna’s check–up, she suddenly asked, “Keira, were those people relatives of yours?”
“They’re my foster parents,” I said, giving Matthew and Lindey a whole new identity in Yuna’s eyes.
“And that tall guy–is he their son?” Yuna pressed.
I smirked. “Why, you think he’s cute? Interested?”
Yuna shook her head quickly. “No way, but he kept staring at you. His expression was… weird. Hard to describe.”
I laughed. “You’re so nosy! You’ve been watching him closely, huh?”
“I have to keep an eye out for Hayden,” Yuna said with a playful grin. “What if some other guy tries to steal you away?”
She was too adorable.
Hayden gave her a gentle tap on the head. “And what would you do if that happened? Think you could stop him?”
“Of course,” Yuna puffed out her chest. “I’d tell him Keira’s my brother’s girl, and if he wants to steal her, he’d have to get my approval first.”
Hayden and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Yuna didn’t mind, just looked proud that she’d made us laugh. But after a moment, her face got serious again,
“Keira, do your foster parents have any other kids besides him?” she asked.
