The affectionate nickname was almost nauseating. Probably one of his lovers, not that it mattered anymore. Whoever it was, they had nothing to do with me.
But Hayden reacted instantly—panicked, even. His hands tightened on the wheel before he abruptly slammed the brakes. The sudden stop jolted my body forward, a sharp pain tightening in my stomach.
Then, he picked up the call.
"Hello! Audrey?" His voice wavered with uncertainty.
The moment I heard that name, my breath caught in my throat. My chest tightened, as if an invisible hand had wrapped around my lungs, choking the air from me.
On the other end, a soft, familiar voice came through, distant yet painfully clear.
"Yes, Hayden. I'm back in Havenford today. It's snowing and I can't get a cab from the airport. Can you come pick me up? It's really cold here."
Hayden didn't even hesitate. His entire body shifted with renewed energy, his voice filled with an emotion I hadn't heard from him in years—genuine joy.
"Of course! I'm coming right now. Wait for me, Audrey."
The moment he hung up, his gaze snapped toward me and just like that, the warmth in his eyes disappeared. His expression hardened with irritation.