Bye-Bye Jerk, Hello Mr. Right
Hello 399

Chapter 399

Since I couldn't shove Jace off, there wasn't much else I could do. He really was something-so full of himself.

But if he wanted to live in his little fantasy, fine. Let him. The deeper he clung to his delusions, the harder he'd fall. Maybe that was karma catching up with him. Or maybe it was my parents, watching over me, making sure he stayed stuck in the past while I kept moving forward. "Gavin will bring you a phone soon. Get some rest," Jace finally said, releasing me.

He turned and walked away, back straight-just like always.

There was a time I'd watch him walk away and feel a rush of happiness. Now, I felt nothing. Detached. Like he was a stranger.

I headed downstairs, and as soon as I hit the lobby, there was Gavin already waiting for me. "Ms. Kay, Mr. Johnston asked me to get you a new phone, the same brand you prefer, but it's the latest model," he said, handing me a bag.

I didn't even look at it. "I don't need it. Just give me your phone," I replied, not in the mood for any of Jace's so-called generosity.

Gavin froze for a second. "Ms. Kay..."

Whatever he was about to say, he swallowed the moment he saw the look on my face. He knew me well enough to know that when I said I didn't want something, I meant it.

"Are you going to let me use your phone or not? If not, then forget it," I said, already turning toward the door.

"Of course, of course," Gavin said quickly, handing over his phone.

I took it, glancing at him before dialing Hayden's number. Gavin wisely gave me space, stepping away as I pressed the call button.

"Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable."

The automated message made my grip tighten around the phone. Hayden's phone was unreachable. Had he already boarded a flight home?

I tried calling my own phone next, just in case, and it rang. But no one picked up.

'Something's not right."

For a second, I wondered if he was mad enough to block me, refusing to take my calls. But that wasn't like him. Hayden wasn't that kind of guy-he wouldn't just shut me out, no matter how upset he was. He'd at least hear me out. 'Then why can't I reach him?

A wave of worry rolled over me, so I called the hotel where we'd been staying. The front desk confirmed it: Hayden had checked out.

He was gone. And I had no clue where.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 399

My mind was racing, but I forced myself to stay calm.

Panicking wasn't going to help. Gavin was still nearby, and it was too early to start blowing up anyone else's phone, especially Steve's. He had a big competition today, and by now, he was probably already at the venue. Taking a deep breath, I put the phone away and walked back toward Gavin, handing it over.

Gavin opened the car door for me-Jace's car, his usual one. I'd ridden in it so many times before.

There was a time I thought I'd never sit in it again.

But I wasn't going to be dramatic. Letting go wasn't about avoiding every trace of someone's existence. It was about being able to face them and their world without getting all tangled up in feelings. Yet, the second I slid into the seat, I realized... I wasn't quite there yet.

Everything in the car was exactly the same. Nothing had changed. Even the neck pillow on the passenger seat-my neck pillow-was still in its place.

I used to rest on it during our commutes to work, back when Jace and I were inseparable. But now? We were broken up, and he was publicly with Tanya. Shouldn't he have tossed it by now? Had he forgotten? Or was he still clinging to some delusional hope that I'd come back and use it again?

Lost in thought, I barely noticed when Gavin handed me a small box. The packaging caught my attention, pulling me back to the moment. I looked at him, confused.

Gavin smiled. "Mr. Johnston arranged this."