Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 521 A Bold Invitation

Violeta's cheeks flushed slightly as she pressed her lips together. She asked, "Hayden, why didn't you tell me you came back early? You know, our agreement wasn't strictly for five years. If a better opportunity comes along, you shouldn't pass it up." Hayden smiled when he heard that.

"And my answer is the same as before. How do you tell what's better in my eyes?

"I see things others can't."

Hayden didn't want Violeta to feel burdened, so he added, "I didn't come back just for you. I honestly missed home. I wasn't used to the food or the environment in Newham. I wanted to come back to the place where I grew up. Is that wrong?" Violeta sighed and said, "No, it's not."

She knew this was just an excuse from Hayden.

Violeta didn't dwell on it but quietly made a mental note.

"Oh, by the way, I might be joining a new production soon. This one's going to take a long time."

Hayden raised an eyebrow and asked, "Hmm?"

Violeta bent over. She leaned her arms against the railing and hung herself in an inverted U shape.

She said, her voice broken and intermittent, "The company is investing in a movie. It's a major production that will take at least two years to film. I'm not sure if I'll get the role, but I'm pretty confident. Hehe, maybe I'm getting a bit overconfident. I was supposed to go to a company event today, but I skipped it. I'm sure Eugene will cover for me."

Violeta looked up at Hayden from below.

From her angle, his image appeared upside down.

Hayden patted her back and pressed her skirt down. He urged, "Stand up now. I don't want you to fall."

Violeta quickly stood upright, draped her arms over Hayden's shoulders, leaning close to his ear, and whispered, "Do you have..."

Hayden's back stiffened at the question. His hand tightened around Violeta's waist.

...

Later, Hayden drove Violeta back to Liberty Grove.

As he dropped her off, Violeta suggested they visit his place.

Hayden led her upstairs to the Sky Garden, and through the glass, Violeta could see her own house across the way. "From here, it's just as close."

"Vio."

Hayden handed her a cup of rich, aromatic coffee. Violeta took a sip and then said, "Why don't I move in with you?"

Hayden replied, "I should move to

your place: This apartment isn't really set up for long-term living.. Zoren still comes by sometimes to store things. He's practically turned it into his backup storage."

In one corner, there were bags of cat food stacked up.

The people from Zoren's animal rescue base would stop by the city center to resupply when they came to rescue animals. It was convenient for them.

Hayden had returned to Quinston, where he was currently living with his parents.

If Violeta were to move in, Hayden figured he'd need to renovate the apartment and had Zoren clear out his stuff.

Now that they were officially together, both of their families were aware. Therefore, living together was only natural. Violeta nodded and said, "That works. You can move to my place."

She set the coffee cup down and wrapped her arms around Hayden's waist, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Are you sure you don't have that at home?"

Hayden's eyes darkened slightly, and he warned, "Stop messing around."

Violeta stood on her tiptoes and kissed his chin playfully. She pointed out, "Hayden, you're 28 this year, you know."

Hayden lowered his gaze, his lips brushing against her nose. He challenged, "You want to try?"

Violeta's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she said eagerly, "Sure."

Hayden pressed her against the glass. He lowered his head to meet her lips and nibbled gently.

The edge of his glasses dug into her nose, so she reached up to remove them. Their gazes intertwined, and the tension in the air became almost tangible, his warmth unmistakable.

Hayden effortlessly lifted Violeta.

In the next moment, they were on the bed.

But he only teased her a little.

Ten minutes later, Violeta found herself at the door of her own apartment, while Hayden stood beside her without his coat.

He held her bag, which he handed to her. "Go on, head inside."

Violeta pouted slightly and grumbled, "Hayden, you're really no fun."

Hayden's chuckled. His shoulders shook and his eyes filled with a mix of amusement and affection as he looked at her.