For a moment, his eyes met mine, searching, holding onto that fragile thread of hope.
Then, his phone rang again.
I didn't have to look to know who it was this time. The name flashed across the screen. [Little Darling.]
The warmth in me vanished. My fingers curled back, withdrawing from his shoulder.
Hayden hesitated. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing. He got up, phone in hand and walked away to answer the call.
I turned my gaze elsewhere, unwilling to listen.
After a while, he returned. At least he had some humanity left—he didn't leave to pick up Audrey at a time like this.
The surgery was still ongoing. Exhaustion from the sleepless night made my legs heavy, but I couldn't bring myself to sit next to Hayden. Instead, I leaned against the wall beside Hunter.
His voice was low when he spoke. "Did you get divorced?"
I shook my head. "Didn't get the chance."
He studied me for a moment before asking, "Are you still going through with it?"
I nodded.
Even if I could endure for the sake of my child, Audrey was back now. There was no place left for me in Hayden's heart.