Connor stared at Hayden as though he were a traitor.
‘We agreed to let Debbie choose for herself. And even if one of us married her, we swore we would still treat Charlie well. But what you’re saying now-” his voice shook with fury, “-do you nean you actually want a real marriage with Debbie? Do you like her? Do you have any idea how nuch that would break Charlie’s heart?”
“he words tore from him in anguish. Yet only he knew how his chest had clenched with panic he moment Hayden declared his intentions.
How could Debbie possibly be with someone else?
lot with Hayden. Not with anyone.
But Connor did not dwell on the strange tremor in his heart. He buried it under the easy excuse f hating Hayden’s “betrayal.”
lis glare grew darker, and colder.
enji, unable to hold back, seized Hayden by the collar, his face contorted with rage.
So this is it? You want to betray Charlie? Don’t you dare forget what you promised her! She ought so hard for us, suffered so much–and this is how you repay her? You animal!”
layden’s face remained expressionless as he brushed Kenji’s hand aside.
Those promises to Charlie were yours. I never swore anything to her. From the beginning, the ne I loved was Debbie. Yes, I pitied Charlie for a time, but I’ve always known where my true eelings lie. Enough is enough. If you three have already shifted your hearts to Charlie–then I will ake responsibility for Debbie. I will give her happiness.”
faint smile curved his lips, as if his solution were the most natural in the world.
he others refused to marry Debbie, saw her as a burden, a mistake. But he–he had always oved her.
ack then, he had been swept along by Easton and the others‘ obsession with Charlie, even poled himself into thinking he felt something for her. But now, his clarity was absolute. His eart belonged to Debbie.
ind this moment, he told himself, was the perfect chance.
lut his declaration only made the others‘ expressions darken.
aston let out a sharp laugh, his eyes like blades. “So that’s what you’ve been hiding, Hayden Planning this in silence for how long? Years? You played along, and pretended you cared for Charlie, when all along you were scheming for Debbie.”
His smile twisted into a sneer, and his voice dropped lower, venom dripping from every word. Forget the vile things you’ve done to her–Debbie will never love you. Not in this lifetime. Even if you wasted your whole life, you’d never win her heart.”
Hayden’s face darkened, his expression shifting between fury and pale defiance. Then he let out a cold, mocking laugh.
‘Maybe I was cruel to her–but not as cruel as you three. At least I still have a chance. You? After
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what you’ve done, you don’t even have the slightest hope.”
He cast them all a dismissive glance.
“Our paths are different. There’s nothing left to say. Easton, Connor, Kenji–didn’t you all declare that the one you love is Charlie? Then go to her and pursue her. As for me and Debbie–leave us alone. I’ll take care of her.”
Without another glance at their storm–dark faces, Hayden turned and strode out of the private
room.
He needed to move fast and find the place where Debbie’s engagement was being held.
Unlike those three fools who still couldn’t even see their own hearts, he knew exactly what he wanted. He knew he had made mistakes, but if he could soothe the wounds they had carved into her… then surely, she would turn to him in the end.
His steps quickened with determination.
Inside the room, the three men sat in heavy silence, each avoiding the other’s gaze.
Finally, after several tense minutes, Connor rose abruptly, his face dark with determination.
“I can’t believe Hayden hid this from us. If he can scheme against us, how could we ever entrust Debbie to him? And worse–she’s rushing into an engagement with some stranger, all to spite us
I won’t let her ruin herself.”
Without waiting for a response, he stormed out, dialing his secretary.
“Book me the fastest flight to France. Track Hayden’s movements, and find out exactly where
Debbie is.”
He couldn’t explain the desperation driving him, nor did he have the time to dissect it. He only knew he had to get to her.
Moments later, Kenji grew restless as well. Looking at Easton still seated, he spoke like a mar justifying himself:
“Connor is right. Debbie’s sudden engagement… we don’t even know who the man is. Yes, she wronged Charlie, but she grew up with us. I can’t let her throw herself away.”
Clinging to that excuse, Kenji stormed out as well.
Only Easton remained, seated rigidly on the sofa, his handsome face shadowed with fury and something darker still.
His phone kept buzzing. Charlie’s name flashed again and again.
He had told himself he no longer loved Debbie–that what he felt was mere kinship.
But when he heard she was engaged to another man, it was as though a thousand ants devoured his heart, leaving behind nothing but a gnawing, unbearable pain that bent him double.
He couldn’t understand it. Couldn’t explain it.
Why wasn’t she clinging to him anymore? Why had she truly let go?
And when Hayden declared so boldly that she would be his…
Easton could no longer deceive himself.
Minutes later, he rose as well and left the room.
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Maybe he couldn’t yet face his own heart. But there was one thing he knew with certainty.
Whoever Debbie’s fiancé was–it could not be anyone but him.
Meanwhile, Charlie sat furiously redialing, only to find Easton’s phone unreachable.
She couldn’t understand why the calls that had once gone through now failed to connect.
But deep down, she was certain Debbie was the reason.
Her expression turned venomous.
“Debbie… you dare to compete with me? Fine. If it’s a game you want, then I’ll play with you!” she
seethed.
