The Treasure You Discarded, The Regret You Earned

Maybe it was because I had been up all night. That was what I told myself as I closed my eyes, hoping for just a moment of rest.

Then, Hayden's phone rang again.

The sharp noise grated on my already frayed nerves. My mind instantly conjured the image of the caller ID flashing [Little Darling,] and irritation flared in my chest. I frowned, voice laced with fatigue.

"If you want to flirt, do it outside. I don't want to hear it. I feel like throwing up."

"It's my uncle," Hayden said.

Hearing that, I exhaled, relaxing slightly.

He picked up the call. "Hello, Uncle!"

On the other end, Hunter's voice was tight with urgency.

"Bring Ariella to the hospital now! Your grandma fell—she hit her head! The doctor said it's not looking good!"

The tension in the car shifted instantly. Hayden's expression darkening as he spun the car around and sped toward the hospital.

When we arrived, the air was thick with anxiety. Outside the operating room, Elliot sat hunched over on a chair, hands covering his face, his entire frame radiating guilt. Hunter stood by the wall, arms crossed, expression grim.

Hayden crouched in front of his grandfather, voice low and urgent. "How is she?"

Elliot didn't respond, lost in his daze. Finally, Hunter spoke, his voice heavy.

"It's bad. Brain hemorrhage. The doctor said she might be paralyzed after."

At the word "paralyzed," Hayden went still, his body slumping into the chair like the strength had been drained from him.

I knew what that word meant to him. Years ago, his parents had been in a car accident. His father died on the spot and his mother—paralyzed—had wasted away until she finally passed. The trauma of it had never left him. Even now, his hands trembled slightly.

Something in me softened. Without thinking, I reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder, offering the only comfort I could.

"It's just the worst-case scenario. Don't lose hope. Grandma is strong—she'll be okay."

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.

"Yes," I said, my voice steady. "Audrey broke off her engagement and came back. If I keep clinging on, I'll just be a joke."

As if summoned by her name, the elevator doors opened with a soft chime.

Audrey stepped out.

It had been years since I'd last seen her. She had changed—no longer the naive university student she once was. There was a quiet confidence in the way she carried herself now, her beauty sharpened with experience.

She dragged her suitcase behind her, scanning the room before heading straight to Hayden. Without hesitation, she crouched before him, reaching for his hand with natural familiarity.

"Hayden, I'm back," she said softly.