Chapter 442 William and Hayden (43)
The following day, just as Hayden had woken up and was about to go to the bathroom to freshen up, her phone started ringing.
It was William calling.
Hayden felt a warm sensation as she saw her name flashing on the screen, and she answered the call with a smile.
"Did I wake you up?" William's voice sounded warm and soothing, like gentle sunlight.
With a smile, Hayden shook her head as she made her way toward the bathroom. "No, I'm awake."
On the phone, William, just done with his morning exercise, had a genuine smile in his eyes, and his voice sounded a bit husky from working out. "Why don't you come over for breakfast?"
In the bathroom, Hayden shook her head again. "No, I have to go to class soon."
"I'll come pick you up."
"No, thanks." Hayden refused directly. "I'll come over in the evening."
William faced rejection once more, so he had to make a compromise.
He understood that Hayden was unlike other girls. She wasn't clingy and valued her independence, needing her own space.
"Alright, what do you want for dinner then?"
"Hmm..." Hayden pondered for a moment. "I'll decide later and text you."
"Okay."
They had a short chat before hanging up, leaving Hayden feeling warm inside.
Since her mother had gone, it was really comforting for Hayden to feel someone caring and cherishing her first thing in the morning.
After getting ready, changing, and having breakfast, Hayden went straight to the university for her classes.
As she settled into her seat in the classroom, Remy walked in and immediately made his way to the back row, sitting next to her with a smile.
"Hayden, are you really William's girlfriend from the other day?" Remy asked directly.
Hayden glanced at Remy, her lips forming a slight smile. "He wasn't when he told you, but he is now."
Remy felt a bit down. "...Does the dinner you promised me still stand?"
"Of course, just choose a time," Hayden nodded.
It was only a meal, and Hayden was not someone to go back on her promise.
"How about tonight? We've organized a party, and there'll be dozens, maybe hundreds of classmates there," Remy suggested excitedly.
Thinking about his proposal, Hayden nodded in agreement.
If one day she were to take over The Smith Group, she would undoubtedly need to cultivate some useful and reliable talents.
...
The class concluded a little after eleven.
As Hayden exited the academic building, she raised her eyes and quickly spotted a black Range Rover parked nearby. Standing by the driver's side was a familiar, tall, and dignified figure—his gentle eyes focused on her.
Their eyes met across the air for a second; Hayden smiled softly and confidently approached the man.
Michelle stepped outside, her eyes immediately finding William not far away and Hayden walking toward him. A surge of anger choked her throat, leaving her gasping for air.
Nearby, William noticed Hayden approaching, and a smile curled the corners of his mouth. He took long strides toward her.
As they neared each other, William extended his arm and, in a smooth motion, wrapped his large hand around Hayden's. After exchanging smiles, he took her hand and walked her to his car.
Michelle watched the scene unfold, feeling bile rise in her esophagus, nearly spitting out in fury.
"Do you have classes this morning?" Hayden asked William as they stood close.
William shook his head. "No classes."
"So, you came here just to wait for me?" Hayden prodded.
William chuckled and tightened his grip on her hand. "Waiting for the woman I love is only natural."
The woman he loved. Those simple words sent ripples of emotion through Hayden's heart, spreading like the touch of a spring breeze across the sea.
Soon, they reached the car, and William opened the passenger door for Hayden. She sat down without buckling her seatbelt.
As soon as William got into the car, he leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her.
"Where are we going?" Hayden asked, looking at the man who was now so close he was almost pressed against her.
After fastening the seatbelt, William rested his hands on the back of her seat, enclosing her between his arms. Without speaking, he leaned in and kissed her—a deep, lingering kiss that lasted for two or three minutes before William reluctantly pulled back. He softly wiped off a smudge of lipstick from her mouth and said in a husky voice, "Let's go have lunch. You'll like the place."
With flushed cheeks and heavy breaths, Hayden looked up at him and nodded. "I was actually going to tell you that I might not come over tonight. There's a reception I have to attend."
"A reception!" William's brows knitted together. Memories of a previous masquerade where Nikolai had drugged Hayden crossed his mind, and he had a flicker of worry in his eyes.
"Are you worried someone will drug me again?" Hayden noticed his concern and chuckled softly.
"Uh-huh," William admitted, surprised by her straightforwardness.
Hayden's laughter brightened as she gazed at him. "My friend told me about what happened with Nikolai at the masquerade. I appreciate you standing up for me."
Seeing her smile, William felt himself relax and smiled back. "So, you're not worried about tonight then?"
