Still, she chose to be direct. “Zane, I’ve already explained this before…”

“I remember, and I get it,” Zane said, meeting her gaze. “There’s no need to feel any pressure. I’m not asking you to be in a relationship with me right now. It’s just…”

“Care about you, and those feelings keep growing.” Zane’s voice was sincere, a little more vulnerable than before.

Zane went on, “So, I want to give this a try. If we see each other more, maybe you’ll get to see a different side of me…”

Zane hoped she would realize he wasn’t so bad after all. Maybe then she’d be willing to take a chance on something new. He looked at her, earnest and hopeful. “Would you consider it? I just want the chance to know you better—and for you to know me as well.”

“Well…” Hadley weighed her words. Part of her didn’t want to agree, but she couldn’t bring herself to shut Zane down completely.

After a moment, she explained, “Zane, I just came from the studio and learned that a program will start soon. Right after that, I’ll start filming a new drama. My schedule’s going to be packed.”

There was no space for anything extra in her calendar, so she couldn’t say yes to his request.

“I see…” A touch of disappointment flickered across Zane’s eyes. But he pulled himself together and managed a small, understanding smile. “That’s alright. Your work should come first. I can handle myself. As long as you don’t dislike me, I’ll be fine.”

When she heard those words, Hadley was taken aback by his answer. “Zane?” His persistence surprised her.

Zane let out a laugh, teasing lightly, “You don’t actually dislike me, do you?”

“Of course not!” Hadley replied quickly, shaking her head.

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“Then that’s all that matters.” Zane lifted a brow, offering her a wry smile. “At my age, I don’t act on a whim anymore. So, please don’t let it worry you. I know where I stand.”

He had spent years keeping his feelings at bay, so finally meeting someone who made his heart race again was something he didn’t want to ignore. He added, “I promise I won’t force my way into your life or cross any boundaries. I just want to fight for it, so I won’t look back one day and regret not doing anything.”

Later, Zane retrieved the box of toys for Joy and moved it into Hadley’s trunk. He offered her a simple farewell. “Say hi to Joy for me, will you?”

“I will,” said Hadley, giving a nod.

Zane watched as she drove off, his gaze lingering for a moment before he made his way back to his car. But just as he was about to get in, something out of the ordinary happened.

“Who exactly are you?” Zane’s brow furrowed as he stared at the unfamiliar men who had suddenly appeared. Their clothes and sharp glares made it clear they were not here for a friendly chat.

“You’re Zane Hayes, right?” The man at the front squinted at him, his voice cold and dismissive.

“That’s me…” Zane replied, his frown deepening. “Wait, how do you—”

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