Switched

Chapter 11 - The Moment of Truth

Kayden's POV

"Kayden, what's happening?" My brother's annoyance was palpable as he stood upright, hands planted firmly on his hips.

"Really want to know?" I asked mockingly, running a hand through my tousled hair. "I doubt you're ready to hear it."

"Kayden, just tell me what's going on," he demanded, his tone firm.

"Fine. I'm fucking in love with Hazel," I confessed, raw honesty in my words. His eyes widened in shock. "But she's yours. I won't interfere. She's into Jayden, not me," I added sadly, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Now, please, just leave me alone," I pleaded, turning away. Closing my eyes, I muttered under my breath as exhaustion weighed heavy upon me.

The next morning greeted me with a pounding headache, a cruel reminder of last night's escapades. Groaning, I reached for my temples and slowly sat up in my bedroom. It was likely Jayden who had brought me here. My memory of the night was hazy, blurred after Jayden intercepted my drink, preventing me from consuming any more alcohol.

Throwing back the covers, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and rose unsteadily to my feet. The stench of alcohol lingered in the air, a harsh reminder of my indulgence.

After a brisk shower and a change of clothes, I made my way to the kitchen. Downing a painkiller with a gulp of coffee, I prepared myself for the day ahead at the company.

***

Frowning, I slipped my phone into my pocket, disappointed that Jayden hadn't answered my call. Since that fateful day when I was consumed by alcohol, I hadn't laid eyes on him. Even when I tried calling, he remained elusive. According to my dad, he'd taken off to Los Angeles with his buddies.

With my keys in hand, I exited the company and headed straight for the mansion. An hour earlier, my mother had called, urging me to swing by after work.

Pulling up in front of the mansion, I stepped out of my car and began the short walk to the entrance. Despite my hopes, there were no messages from Jayden as I checked my phone. Letting out a sigh, I returned it to my pocket just as the housekeeper swung open the door.

She welcomed me with a polite smile, informing me that my mother awaited in the living room. Inquiring about Jayden's whereabouts, she replied that he hadn't returned yet. I offered a nod of understanding before making my way to the living room.

Planting a kiss on my mother's cheek, I settled beside her on the couch.

"Care for a drink before dinner?" my mother offered kindly.

"No, thank you," I declined with a shake of my head, my anxiety bubbling beneath the surface. "What's on your mind? What did you want to discuss?"

She let out a heavy sigh, running her fingers through her hair. "Your grandpa called earlier today. Apparently, Jayden reached out to him this morning."

"Is everything alright with Jay?" I asked, a hint of worry creeping into my voice.

"He's fine. He told Richard that he ended things with Hazel yesterday," my mother answered, her attention divided.

"What?" I exclaimed, taken aback.

"Did you not know either?"

"No. Jayden hasn't been answering my calls," I admitted, rubbing my chin as I pondered the news.

"It's just not like Jayden," my mother said, her concern evident in her tone.

I sighed, reaching out to comfort her with a gentle squeeze of her hand. "Don't worry, Mom. From the start, he hasn't shown much interest in dating Hazel," I reassured her softly. "But what he's doing to her is unacceptable," I added through clenched teeth, my frustration boiling over.