Chapter 434 William and Hayden （35）
"Yes, something's wrong. Come with me." William didn't intend to let her slip away again and firmly took hold of her wrist, pulling her to his side.
Remy and the passing students were stunned by this scene.
"Sorry, I've already made plans with Hayden. Don't you think we should respect who came first here?" Remy's mood slowly turned sour as another man snatched away his date.
"Having plans is fine. We could all hang out together, right?" William said, his voice smooth and his half-smile suggesting ease, but his eyes held a glint of cold determination.
Remy felt a chill in the air at William's look and quickly nodded with a stiff smile, "That's not a bad idea."
"Then you two can have your date. I'm going to excuse myself." In front of Remy and so many students, Hayden tried to offer William some dignity, her smile shallow but graceful.
But as she finished speaking, she tried to withdraw her hand from his grip forcefully.
Unexpectedly, William tightened his hold cunningly; there was no pain, yet she couldn't break free.
Hayden exchanged a sharp glance with William.
William gave her an indulgent smile, "Since Remy doesn't mind, Hayden, let's go."
He then shifted his grip from her wrist to drape an arm across her shoulders, and he started guiding her toward the staircase.
Hayden glared at him, attempting to shake him off, but to no avail.
Not wanting to create a scene and embarrass all three of them, Hayden gave in and let him lead her downstairs.
Remy looked at William's empty arms and then at the intimate way William held Hayden, his face growing even darker with displeasure.
Could William and Hayden be in a relationship?
After hesitating for a few seconds, he still lifted his foot to follow them.
As everyone emerged from the classroom, they saw William casually draping his arm around Hayden, which left several girls feeling disappointed. Limping slightly behind was Michelle, using a cane for support. Watching the pair descend the steps together and disappear around the corner, her grip on the cane tightened, veins standing out in stark relief on the back of her hand.
Were they being so shamelessly open about their relationship now?
Hayden, don't get too smug!
...
Allowing William to hold her, Hayden followed him to the parking lot.
With the car keys in hand, he approached William's Range Rover, and it unlocked as he got close. He chivalrously opened the passenger door for Hayden, releasing her only after giving her an encouraging look to get in.
Indifferently, Hayden lifted her eyes, her gaze defiant and apathetic, blatantly refusing to hop in.
"I think we need to sit down and have a serious talk," William said, his eyes never leaving hers, full of tenderness.
"What about?" Hayden asked, her expression unchanged.
Hayden, I've fallen for you. Seriously. I want to be with you," William confessed, his voice warm and steady despite the waves of emotion crashing within him.
He never expected to meet the woman who would make his heart beat faster at Southern, but there she was. This unexpected encounter consumed his thoughts day and night, leaving him feeling powerless.
Listening to his gentle, deep, and rich voice, each word washed over her like waves, sending her heart and breath into disarray. There was even a moment, lasting two or three seconds, when her heartbeat and breathing seemed to stop altogether.
What did William just say? He said he'd fallen in love with her, was serious about it, and wanted to be with her.
Could what he said be true?
For a moment, Hayden was struck motionless, utterly unresponsive.
In her twenty-two years, Hayden had lost count of the number of boys who had confessed to her, but none had stirred her heart quite like William had just now.
"William, Hayden, which restaurant are we headed to?" Remy's voice intruded at that moment as he caught up with the gazing couple and awkwardly asked them.
Suddenly, William frowned at Remy, wordlessly conveying his annoyance.
"...," Hayden snapped back to reality and turned to the stern-looking Remy, quickly saying, "Sorry, something just came up, and I won't be able to join. Remy, let's reschedule, and I'll treat you another day."
As soon as he spoke, Hayden didn't stick around for Remy's reply. She swiftly turned and walked away, almost like she was running from something. As she hurried off, her cheeks flushed with warmth, a beautiful blush adding color to her face. Her heart raced in her chest.
She quickly brought her hand to her heart, whispering to herself repeatedly, "Calm down, just calm down..."
William stood by the passenger door of his car, squinting his deep-set eyes as he watched Hayden walk away. He didn't try to stop her, thinking she deserved some time to think. He had said what he needed to say.
"What's going on with Hayden..." he mumbled.
"Sorry! I'll invite you out with Hayden next time," William said, glanced at Remy, and closed the passenger door. He then stepped around the car's hood and headed to the driver's seat.
Pulling open the door, he gave Remy one last look and flashed a wry smile, "By the way, Hayden is my girlfriend."
With those words, William ducked into the car, started the engine, and drove off, leaving Remy there with a furrowed brow.
Had he been played?
...
Hayden didn't need to figure out how she managed to drive back to Orion Nash's mansion. She took several wrong turns on the way and nearly collided with another car.
Once inside the mansion, she headed straight to her room and collapsed onto the bed, her heart still racing out of control. Did she really like William, she wondered to herself? If she didn't, why would she feel so nervous and excited?
