Chapter 450 William and Hayden （51）
After sending the address, Hayden took a deep breath and returned to her office.
William found relief in Hayden's composed demeanor as she resumed her place in the office.
Soon, it was time to leave work. Seeing Hayden had no intention of leaving, William exited the office and called her.
"I'll wait for you in the car," William said softly as the call connected quickly.
"No need," Hayden cut him off crisply. "I have plans tonight with someone. You don't have to wait."
At that, William chuckled softly, "Can't I come along?"
They'd been together for a bit over a month, getting to know each other's bodies intimately. But Hayden seemed to trust him only a little when it came to certain things. Like anything about the Smith family, she kept to herself.
In Southern, in addition to classmates and coworkers, Hayden also never introduced her friends to him. William couldn't quite fathom her thoughts.
If she didn't trust him, she wouldn't be so relaxed, happy, and sweet when they were together—joy seemed to come naturally to her.
If she trusted him, why would she not share anything with him, keeping secrets buried in her heart?
"Hmm..." Hayden hesitated on the phone, trying to think of a good reason to refuse William without hurting him or raising his suspicions. After a moment's thought, she couldn't come up with any good excuses. She answered dryly, "It's not convenient right now. Once I'm done, I'll head to your apartment myself. Is that okay?"
"Okay, then I'll wait for you."
After receiving Hayden's answer, it would be a lie to say that William wasn't disappointed.
But he understood that even the most intimate of lovers should maintain their own spaces and allow each other to keep their secrets.
So, he quickly agreed with a sense of rebellion.
"Sure."
"Hayden," William suddenly called out to her very seriously.
"Yes? What else?" Initially ready to end the call, Hayden now listened attentively.
"Nothing," said William, a smile tugging at his lips, "I just wanted to tell you that no matter what happens, I will always be by your side, now and in the future. You'll never be alone."
"Okay, I understand," Hayden nodded, her eyes unexpectedly welling up with tears, "I'll come to see you soon."
"Great."
...
When Hayden arrived at the restaurant, Jasper was already there, sitting by the window. He waved to her as she walked in.
Bypassing any expression, Hayden walked over to him.
Back home, everyone knew that Liam from Imperial Capital Michelle was handsome but did absolutely nothing.
At that moment, watching Jasper's lopsided grin, Hayden couldn't honestly say she liked it, but neither did she dislike it.
Hayden was aware that Jasper was more about fun than work, often seen wasting money. However, she didn't think he was a bad person. Compared to many other wealthy kids in the Imperial Capital, he was actually quite decent.
"The restaurant is a good choice; I like it," Jasper praised immediately, standing up to pull out a chair for her with an unusual show of chivalry.
Catching his gesture, Hayden eyed him sideways, "Order whatever you like."
"Hey! You're being generous today," Jasper remarked as he settled back into his seat, his charming eyes surveying Hayden, "So, tell me, what do you need from me?"
Hayden took a sip of the water the server had just poured and looked at him. "I need something very important from you, and you must agree," he said.
"Must I?" Jasper frowned slightly and hesitated, "Let's hear it then. I'm not up for just anything, you know."
"I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend in front of my dad and The Johnson family. When necessary, join me for a meal or to go to the library or something similar," Hayden said, direct and unambiguous.
"Be your boyfriend?!" Jasper exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise. "Are you serious? Does William know about this?"
"What do you think?" Hayden shot back with a rhetorical question.
"Come here, come here!" Suddenly, Jasper squinted at Hayden and waved her over.
Hayden leaned in closer to see the serious look on his face.
As Hayden got closer, Jasper leaned in, too. They brought their heads together just above the center of the square dining table, their faces almost touching.
Jasper raised his hand to his lips and whispered in her ear, "Do you realize men have egos, especially someone as outstanding as William? His pride is much stronger than yours truly. If he finds out you want me to play your boyfriend in front of your dad and the Johnson family, he might get depressed."
"Well, he doesn't have to know," Hayden said firmly.
"It's not that simple, Hayden." Jasper frowned helplessly. "The problem isn't about us not wanting him to know; it's that in this world, there are no secrets that don't eventually get out."
Hayden bit her lip thoughtfully, still insisting, "If he does find out, I'll explain it to him."
"How will you explain it?" Jasper pressed her. "Are you going to tell him that you were afraid your dad wouldn't approve of him and the Bennett family, that you dragged me in as a stand-in, but in reality, you love him and couldn't care less about me?"
Hayden glared at him, speechless.
Jasper was correct. The truth was just as he had described, and she could only be honest when explaining it.
Seeing her silent acknowledgment, Jasper let out a heavy sigh. "Hayden, don't be naive. If you really tell William that, it's like slapping him in the face. You might as well break up with him up front."
"And what about now? Do you think my dad will let me be with him?" Hayden shot back.
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "How will you know if you don't try?"
How will you know if you don't try?
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