Chapter 4 Lennox felt like she'd been struck by lightning . Watching Raina laugh and joke with Hayes's crew like they were old friends - this clearly wasn't her first rodeo with his inner circle . When the hell had he brought her into the fold ? And Lennox had been completely clueless . All those times his buddies called her " Mrs. Montgomery " to her face - were they laughing behind her back ? Pitying the poor fool who didn't even know her own fiancé had checked out ? Her nails bit into her palms as she watched the scene unfold . Truth or dare was in full swing , the bottle pointing straight at Raina . Whatever challenge they'd thrown at her had the whole table chanting " Drink ! Drink ! Drink ! " But one look at Raina's wide , helpless eyes and Hayes was snatching the shot glass , downing it himself . " Enough . " His voice cut through the noise . " Raina's not feeling great . Quit being dicks . " More knowing laughter rippled through the booth . d Few spins later , Raina was up again . This dare was simple - ask someone for something they're wearing . Her shy gaze drifted to Hayes before landing on his wrist . " Your bracelet … could I maybe … ? " Lennox's heart stopped . The wooden prayer beads . Her mother's bracelet . The only thing she had left . Hayes barely hesitated . Just rolled those familiar beads between his fingers and slipped them right off . Cold shot through her like a bullet , leaving her shaking . E She could still hear herself years ago : " This is the most precious thing I own , Hayes . " And his response , soft and sure : " Then I'll never take it off . Promise . " S 144 # 4738 པ་ མར་ N M ミ When she'd noticed it missing in her past life , he'd fed her some bullshit about keeping it safe so it wouldn't get damaged . She'd been stupid enough to believe him . Now she knew the truth . He'd handed her most precious memory to the one person guaranteed to destroy her . Fuck this . Lennox shoved through the door , eyes blazing . " Give it back . Now . " The entire booth went dead silent . Hayes went pale , scrambling toward her . " Len , it's not what you think- " " Then what is it ? " She tried to push past him , but Raina had already melted behind Hayes like smoke . 15:16 A Billion - Dollar Goodbye : Too Late for Second Chances . Mr. Ex 2.4 % Chapter 4 " Hayes … " Raina's voice was barely a whisper . And Hayes - Hayes fucking shielded her . Something vital cracked inside Lennox's chest . " Seriously ? You're gonna protect her ? After everything her family did to mine ? " Hayes's jaw worked silently before he found his voice . " I didn't tell you because I knew you'd react like this . " " She saved my life once , Len . Almost died doing it . I know you hate her mother , but Raina … she's not like that , " " I don't give a fuck what she's like ! " Lennox's voice cracked . " You want to play hero ? Fine . But don't use my shit to do it . Give me that back ! " Raina shrank back , tears welling . " But Hayes gave it to me … I've never wanted anything so much … " Her voice broke completely . " Nobody's ever given me something so special before . You can't just … take back gifts … " She pressed a hand to her chest and started that delicate little cough . The room held its breath . Hayes's face softened as he rubbed her back , then turned to Lennox with something like resignation , " Just let her keep it , Len . " Six words that hit like a sledgehammer to the chest . Lennox didn't budge , her voice raw : " That's my mother's bracelet , Hayes . My dead mother's bracelet . " " You're handing it over to the daughter of her killer . You want mom spinning in her grave ? " Hayes's throat bobbed , but before he could speak , Raina's coughing fit cut him off . Tears streaming , Raina walked toward Lennox with the bracelet extended . " If you really need it back … " Just as Lennox reached for it , Raina suddenly grabbed her wrist and threw herself backward . Crack ! The bracelet went flying , hitting the floor with a sound like breaking bones . ♡ ( 0 ) ( 0 ) Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!