Chapter 439 William and Hayden （40）
William fell silent.
"And what happened next? Once you got back to the dorm, did Michelle confess her feelings to you? What did you say?" Hayden pressed, visibly irritated.
Looking at her, William finally understood why Hayden had been so cold to him over the past few days.
Not just cold, but almost hostile.
He noticed that she didn't understand something about him and Michelle. Without intending to, William smiled.
"What's so funny?" Hayden was clearly bewildered.
"Are you jealous? Do you think something is going on between me and Michelle?" When William looked up at her again, his gaze was so intense it was almost fiery.
Hayden glared back at him, lost for words.
Was her jealousy really that obvious?
"I am not," Hayden said, turning her head away and looking out the car window, her embarrassment growing.
William chuckled and took her hand, bringing it to his lips for a soft kiss, "From now on, don't keep things to yourself. Please tell me what's on your mind. If I do something wrong, you can yell or hit me; I'll take it without resistance."
Hayden turned to glare at him again without a word.
Her cheeks were flushing, irresistibly tempting.
Just as William was about to act on that temptation, a car horn honked impatiently behind them.
Reluctantly, he let go of the moment, kissed the back of Hayden's hand again, and gently pressed the gas pedal, rolling the car forward. He didn't forget to clarify seriously, "After I took Michelle back to the dorm, she felt a bit better from the stomach medicine, and she confessed to me. But I rejected her clearly."
"Really?" Hayden looked at him for confirmation.
William smiled, "If I'm lying, I'm not a man."
Hayden remained silent.
Okay, she didn't disbelieve him. It was just an offhand question.
After William explained everything, she instantly felt calmer. Sitting back in the chair, her mind went empty, probably because she hadn't slept much the night before. Soon, feeling very sleepy, Hayden drifted into a deep sleep.
William noticed the person next to him, breathing steadily and deeply. Taking a quick look at her, he gently pressed the brakes, slowing down the car.
...
Hayden didn't know how long she had slept, but as she opened her eyes and woke up, she was surprised to find herself lying in William's bed, enveloped by a scent distinctly his, bringing her an inexplicable sense of peace.
Sitting up in bed, Hayden stretched mightily. When she lifted the comforter to step out, she looked down to see a pair of women's slippers neatly placed by the bed—prepared for her by William.
A smile curled the corners of her mouth involuntarily.
Feeling cherished and cared for by the man she liked was wonderful indeed.
She got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
There, she found her toothbrush and towel from before—William hadn't thrown them away; they were placed neatly where they belonged. It was clear from the start that he was serious about her.
After freshening up, Hayden left the bedroom to find William; however, as soon as she stepped out, a rich aroma wafted toward her.
William was cooking.
Realizing this, Hayden immediately dashed to the kitchen.
Sensing steps approaching, he turned, and his face softened with tender affection upon seeing her.
As Hayden approached and saw the three soups already set on the dining table, her craving got the better of her. She looked at William with longing eyes and asked, "Can I try them now?"
William chuckled, "I made them for you. What do you think?"
With the answer she wanted, Hayden sighed with contentment, "It's so delicious!"
Watching her, her face expressing sheer enjoyment, William felt immensely pleased.
Then, licking her fingers, Hayden approached William and asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"
Looking at her, William set down his fork. Then, stretching his arm, he wrapped it around her waist, pulling her close into his arms and holding her tight. His gaze was intense, and he said earnestly, "Hayden, from now on, do whatever you want in my presence. There's no need to hold back or worry about anything."
Hayden lifted her gaze to his kind and handsome face, thought for a moment, nodded, and said, "Do you want my help?"
"Really want to help?" he asked after a soft kiss on her forehead.
Hayden nodded emphatically, "When men and women work together, the work feels lighter."
William raised an eyebrow with a smile, "Then grab a fork and knife. It's almost ready."
"Okay."
...
William's culinary skills were indescribable. He turned simple ingredients into otherworldly delicious dishes.
Hayden had been raised on a variety of exquisite delicacies, but the soup William made was truly the tastiest she had ever had.
Already a bit hungry, Hayden didn't pay attention and ended up eating too much, polishing off all the soup William had made.
After finishing the last spoonful and setting down her bowl, Hayden patted her slightly bulging stomach, contentedly saying, "I'm so stuffed."
William looked at her, a crooked smile playing on his lips as he stood and walked over to sit at the dining table across from her. He deftly lifted her chin with his finger, leaned in, and with a steady gaze said, "Since you're so full, why don't we do some exercise to digest a bit? How about that..." Before he even finished speaking, and without waiting for Hayden's consent, he pressed his lips against hers.
Hayden was momentarily surprised when his face came unexpectedly close to hers. But as she collected herself, she slowly shut her eyes and kissed him back.
