I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 643

Zoe didn't give Hayden's accusations a second thought.

When Hunter had tried to re-enter her life five years ago, right after she regained her memories, she had discovered she was legally bound to Hayden Thorne. That piece of paper had locked her away, stripping her of the freedom to connect with anyone else.

She had absolutely no desire to date again. However, Hunter's relentless pursuit left her with no choice but to accept the meeting. She needed to look him in the eye and sever the cord once and for all. From the moment she married Hayden—whether she had been fully aware of it or not—any lingering connection she had with Hunter was completely dead.

Autumn arrived early in the city this year. The trees lining the streets had already shifted into a brilliant, golden hue, casting a cinematic glow over the pavement.

Hunter had chosen the quaint cafe they frequented during the height of their college romance. By the time Zoe arrived, he had already ordered her favorite pastry and a rich, aromatic coffee. Dressed in a relaxed beige knit sweater, bathed in the soft amber lighting and gentle acoustic music of the cafe, he looked every bit the polished, gentle romantic she once knew. His eyes were impossibly soft as she approached.

Hunter stood to greet her, his smile faltering slightly as his gaze shifted to Yara Quinn trailing closely behind. A bitter smile touched his lips.

"I thought it was just going to be the two of us. You brought a friend?"

He hadn't come just to reminisce. Burning a hole in his pocket was the engagement ring he had held onto for six years. Today was the day he planned to win Zoe back. But perhaps having a witness wasn't the worst thing.

"Long time no see, Hunter," Zoe said, her tone cool and distinctly professional, completely devoid of the warmth of old friends. It sounded more like she was sitting down for a corporate negotiation. "This is my assistant, Yara."

Bringing an assistant instead of a friend made his romantic setup feel slightly pathetic.

Hunter's eyes darkened fractionally, but he maintained his composure. "A pleasure to meet you, Yara."

Yara didn't sit at their table. Without acknowledging him, she scanned the room, picked a strategic corner booth that offered a clear line of sight to Zoe, and sat down in silence.

Zoe turned her attention back to Hunter, delivering a standard, polite inquiry. "Why didn't you bring your wife? How is Zoey?"

"It's true, I don't love him—"

"But we share two children, Mr. Keating."

The interruption came from behind them. Hayden Thorne smoothly pulled out the chair next to Zoe and sat down, radiating an aura of absolute, terrifying calm. Zoe flinched in shock.

When did he get here? And how did he slip in like a ghost?

Before she could react, Hayden seized her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. "You aren't wearing your ring. I suppose the last diamond was a bit too bulky. I'll make sure to get us a matching couple's set next time."

Zoe angrily tried to wrench her hand free, opening her mouth to snap at him, but Hayden gave her zero room to speak.