Chapter 329 May the Two of You Be Happy and Together Always.
Chapter 329 May the Two of You Be Happy and Together Always.
"William, sorry I'm late! Is it still okay to say congratulations?" With a beaming smile and graceful poise, Hayden interjected just as William was about to slip the ring onto Michelle's finger.
William's movement halted, and he turned his gaze toward Hayden.
"Hayden, welcome. I truly didn't expect you to make it. Had we known sooner, we'd have waited for you," said Patrick as he stood up to greet her with a warm, affectionate smile and gestured for her to sit, "Come, please, have a seat."
Patrick's words carried an undertone of what could've been—had they known Hayden was coming back and willing to be with William, this engagement would've been called off.
"Seriously, Hayden, I didn't expect you'd make it. Come on in and take a seat!" Sophia said as she walked over to Hayden, her eyes lingering on the pronounced curve of her belly. The thought of her soon-to-arrive grandchildren nestled in there filled Sophia with indescribable joy. It was an overwhelming happiness.
"Sorry for my tardiness," Hayden responded with a respectful and polite tone. "Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, you're too kind. With my big belly, it's not ideal for me to stay long. I just wanted to drop off a gift and share a few words before I head out."
Hayden glanced at the regional general manager of the accompanying subsidiary, who promptly opened the exquisitely wrapped gift box he was holding. Everyone watched with curiosity to see what was inside.
Contrary to expectations, the box didn't contain anything expensive or delicate. Instead, there were two intricately crafted porcelain dolls with oversized heads—one boy and one girl—lying together peacefully. It was a matching set that offered an oddly soothing and pleasant sight.
After a quick look at the contents of the box, Hayden flashed a radiant smile. Locking eyes with William's indifferent gaze, she addressed him calmly and gracefully, "The gift might not be of great value, but my best wishes are sincere. I hope you both find everlasting happiness and never part!"
With that, Hayden made an elegant exit, not looking back.
"Hayden."
"Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, I've said my part and given my gift, now, if you'll excuse me," Hayden said smoothly, cutting off any attempt from Patrick and Sophia to detain her, and she walked out with renewed determination.
"Hayden!" Teresa couldn't contain herself any longer. She slid her hand free from Gabriel's grip and chased after Hayden. Gabriel, concerned, had no choice but to stand up and follow.
Hayden heard Teresa call her name, but this place was like purgatory to her; she couldn't bear to stay a second longer than necessary. So, instead of pausing, she gently cradled her pregnant belly and quickened her pace.
Seeing Hayden's pace quicken, Teresa felt torn between her concern and the urge to keep up. Worried about Hayden's condition, Teresa slowed down, reluctantly resigning herself to trail at a safer distance.
Those remaining in the room exchanged confused glances. Except for the few who were aware of the situation, nobody understood the reason behind Hayden's dramatic entrance and quick departure.
On the stage, William watched Hayden's figure until she left the ballroom and disappeared from his view. Only then did he snap back to reality.
"Here's to a life of sweetness and never parting ways."
The feeling echoed in the room and brought a mysterious smile to the corners of William's lips.
"Hayden!"
Teresa rushed after her, but Hayden had already reached the elevator. Teresa's voice didn't deter Hayden's determined stride. Stepping into the open elevator, Hayden pressed the button for the penthouse and hastily hit the close door button.
"Hayden!" Teresa's voice carried a hint of desperation as she watched the doors slide shut. Lifting her dress, she started running to catch up.
"Ah!"
"Babe..."
But just as she took two steps, a sharp pain in her abdomen stopped Teresa in her tracks, causing her to double over in agony.
Gabriel, who was following closely behind, heard her cry of pain. His heart raced as he rushed to her side, scooping her into his arms instantly.
The elevator doors had closed, and Hayden stood inside, her mind blank, heart clinging to the thoughts of William, oblivious to Teresa's pained cry. She stood motionless as the elevator ascended swiftly to the presidential suite.
"Babe, are you okay?" Gabriel cradled Teresa in his arms, his voice filled with concern as he looked down at the pained expression on her face.
After a moment to collect herself in his arms, Teresa's furrowed brows softened, and she looked up, gently shaking her head. "Honey, I'm fine. Please have someone check if Hayden is staying here, too."
"Forget about her. Let's go back," Gabriel snapped, recalling Hayden's indifference toward Teresa. It irked him to no end.
His darling, whom he couldn't dote on enough, was not to be dismissed so coldly by anyone—it was infuriating.
If it weren't for his past relationship with Hayden, he would have had her thrown out of the hotel and banned from entering any Ritz-owned property again.
"Honey, why be angry about it!" Teresa wrapped her arms around his neck, lips puckered in a pout, charmingly chiding him. "You troublesome men, always half-hearted and irresponsible; that's why so many women end up disappointed."
Gabriel held Teresa tightly, feeling a mixture of frustration and concern. He couldn't recall a time when he had been fickle or irresponsible, but arguing with her now seemed futile. Instead, he focused on comforting her, knowing that she needed his support in that moment more than anything else.
Watching Teresa pout adorably in his arms, Gabriel's annoyance melted away considerably. Holding her close, he walked toward the elevator and checked again, "You sure you're okay now?"
"Mhm." Teresa's anger cooled off as he remained calm, her head nodding gently. "You should find out what room Hayden is in."
"No, I'm not going," Gabriel stubbornly insisted. "We're heading back, and I'm calling a doctor to check on you."
"Darling..." Teresa cooed softly, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.
"Hayden is fuming right now; she needs time to cool off. Don't bother her; we can deal with it in a couple of days," Gabriel persisted.
"Are you going or not?" Suddenly, Teresa's face drooped, and she asked with a threatening tone.
Faced with her pout, Gabriel couldn't help but capitulate. "All right, I'll go. But you have to stop worrying, or else I'll start worrying about Hayden."
Teresa looked at him, speechless.
Seeing her quiet, Gabriel took it as agreement and glanced at a hotel staffer nearby. The staffer, catching on, quickly approached, awaiting instructions with respect.
After issuing a quick command, the hotel manager promptly arrived, escorting them to Hayden's presidential suite.
Inside the elevator, the manager dared not lift his head or breathe loudly, noticing that Gabriel held Teresa securely in his embrace.
