Chapter 186
Chapter 186
Hailey didn’t know how much time had passed when Gracie’s voice suddenly rang out from the hallway.
“Why won’t this bathroom door open? Is it broken?
Hailey felt the doorknob behind her start to turn. Her heart raced in panic.
She felt like she was losing control. Owen was pressing her, while his girlfriend was just outside.
Owen was relentless, pushing her without giving her any space to breathe.
I’ve called the staff, they should be here soon, Raphael’s voice echoed from outside.
“Please hold on a moment, came the voice of the staff.
Hailey’s eyes widened. She pressed her back against the door, feeling the key being inserted into the lock.
Owen didn’t budge. He remained close, pinning her against the door.
Owen cased off her slightly, and their noses almost touched.
His breath was heavy as he whispered with a low, mocking laugh, “It’s been three years, Hailey. It’s been so long.”
This was the real greeting,
Three years apart, and he finally greeted her properly.
Hailey barely had time to respond before she felt the door behind her was about to be opened.
If Gracie and Raphael saw them in here alone, with her clothes disheveled and her face flushed, everything would be ruined.
Hailey shoved Owen away, scrambling to hide herself.
She had just hidden when the bathroom door opened.
Owen stood at the doorway, his clothes impeccably neat, his expression cool and aloof.
“Owen,” Gracie called, taking his hand. “Is everything alright?”
She glanced around, noticing nothing out of place.
Owen smiled gently, lifting his hand to tuck a stray lock of Gracie’s hair behind her ear. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
Gracie blushed slightly, nodding in agreement. As they started to leave, Gracie suddenly seemed to remember something. “Wait, Owen, have you seen Miss Dalton? She went to the bathroom, but I haven’t seen her since.”
Owen shook his head and glanced at Raphael, whose face was cold. “I haven’t seen her.”
Gracie continued, “Mr. Park, should you try calling Miss Dalton? She might have left early due to something.”
Raphael remained calm, responding quietly, “You all go ahead. Hailey just texted me. She had something work–related, so she left early and asked me to apologize on her behalf.”
Gracie smiled, “Glad she’s alright. We’ll head back to the private room, then. Goodbye, Mr. Park.”
Raphael gave a quiet nod.
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[ 08:21 Fri, 11 Apr 0
Chapter 186
Once they left, Raphael sighed deeply before entering the bathroom and closing the door behind him.
99%
Hailey crouched behind the door, pale–faced, her lips slightly swollen as she buried her face in her hands. Her eyes were red from the silent tears.
Raphael’s eyes narrowed slightly as he knelt down beside her. “Did he hurt you?”
Hailey kept her head lowered, her long hair covering her face. She took a deep breath before saying. “I’m fine, Raphael. Thank you for everything today.”
Raphael pressed his lips together, not saying anything. He took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. “Let’s go back.”
Hailey nodded, standing up from the floor. After crouching for so long, she felt a bit dizzy and almost stumbled.
Raphael noticed and gently pulled her into his arms. Hailey closed her eyes for a moment, then straightened up, taking a deep breath.
“Raphael,” she said quietly. “I want to move somewhere else.”
“I’ll help you find a place,” Raphael replied, always willing to help her.
Hailey looked up at him, meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry.”
Raphael’s steps faltered for a moment, then he let out a soft, bitter laugh. He gently brushed her cheek with his hand. “Hailey, I don’t need your apology.”
Hailey lowered her head, her fingers gently touching her hair. “I’m really sorry.”
She couldn’t be with Raphael because of guilt.
“It’s okay.” Raphael smiled at her, his eyes filled with tenderness. “This is enough for me. I never asked for anything more.”
Hailey met his gaze, her lips trembling slightly.
Everything felt so tangled. She had thought Owen had moved on, but his actions today left her utterly confused.
She couldn’t understand what Owen wanted. He already had someone else–why was he still treating her like this?
Though her heart still ached for him, Hailey knew they would never be together again. Since her return to Wothaland, she had tried to maintain a polite distance from him.
What exactly did Owen want from her?
She clenched her teeth in frustration.
Raphael took Hailey back to her apartment. Noticing she wasn’t feeling well and hadn’t eaten much, he took the opportunity to make some pasta for her while she went to take a shower.
By the time Hailey finished showering, she felt much better. She ate the pasta, and as night fell, she tidied up the nearby room and asked Raphael to get some rest.
After cleaning up the dishes, Hailey went to her bedroom. Despite being exhausted from the day, she couldn’t sleep.
Her phone on the bedside table buzzed.
Hailey checked the screen.
It was a friend request from Gracie on WhatsApp. After their last meeting, Gracie had added her as a contact.
08:21 F#, 11 Apr
Chapter 186
Hailey accepted the request.
Gracie quickly sent a message: [Miss Dalton, are you will swike
Hailey: (Not yet.)
Gracie: [Did something happen at dinner today? You suddenly left, and hoped to you Please Sorge 1 wasn’t a good host)
After sending the message, Gracie followed up with a cute emoji
Hailey: It was work–related, so I had to leave quickly. I’m really sorry!
Gracie: [I see. Well, let’s plan to meet up another time.)
Hailey replied with a casual “Sure before setting her phone aside.
She knew this invitation wouldn’t lead to anything.
Hailey took a deep breath. She couldn’t keep entangling herself with Owen. It wasn’t fair to Grace, who didn’t know anything. *
She had to move out and cut all ties with Owen. They shouldn’t have anything to do with each other from now Hailey got up from the bed, found two sleeping pills from the drawer, and swallowed them before closing her eyes She had been struggling with insomnia for three years.
Every night before bed, she had to take sleeping pills. Some nights, she needed double the dose to fall asleep.
Raphael worked quickly. Within a week, he found Hailey a new place to stay.
Although it was a bit farther from her workplace, the neighborhood was quiet, with good security. Hailey was satisfied with the choice.
The rental contract was for six months, and since she was moving out early, she wouldn’t get a refund for the rent. But Hailey wasn’t concerned about the money, so she informed the agent and took a day off to start packing.
