Chapter 25
“Hailey Nicolas took a sip of water, his tone carrying a weight of seriousness.
Nicolas had just found Hailey, and now he had to start lecturing her. It wasn’t something he wanted to do
Besides, what if he came across too harsh and hurt her feelings! That was the last thing Nicolas wanted.
After reading the text, Hailey felt more at rase. No matter what the truth was between her and Owen, everyone now believed they were a couple.
And they had an agreement–three months. They had to keep up the act for at least that long before they could officially “break up. Hailey couldn’t go back on her word.
“Uncle. Hailey stood up, pouring Nicolas a glass of water with a soft smile. “I know exactly what you’re going to say. Don’t worry. I’ve thought it all through. My studies will always come first.”
Owen chimed in right after, “Uncle, I won’t get in the way of Hailey’s studies.”
Nicolas nearly choked on his water, whipping his head around to glare at Owen. “Who said you could call me that?”
Owen rubbed the back of his neck, looking completely innocent.
This guy’s such an act, Nicolas thought, slapping the “troublemaker” label on him immediately. No doubt, Owen must use his good looks to lure Hailey in. But if Hailey really likes him, there is no choice.
Nicolas only thought that he hadn’t even had a chance to properly spoil her yet, and now she was already being stolen away by some guy. It was heartbreaking.
So, for the rest of the meal, Nicolas sat there looking downright miserable.
“Oh, Hailey,” Nicolas said suddenly, “Do you have time this weekend? I’ll come pick you up. Let’s have a family dinner. Your grandparents have been missing you like crazy. I haven’t even told them we found you yet. They’re going to be over the moon when they hear.”
Hailey thought for a moment before asking, “Uncle, can we have it at home?”
“Of course,” Nicolas replied without hesitation.
A smile lit up Hailey’s face. She said, “Td love that. I really want to see where Mom grew up.
At the mention of Valerie, Nicolas sighed. “Valerie was always such a good kid. The only time she ever truly stood her ground was when it came to marrying Aiden. No matter what we said, she wouldn’t budge.”
“In the end, we had no choice but to give them our blessing. But who would’ve thought that just after you were born, everything would fall apart… Aiden was a bastard, Nicolas muttered, unable to hold back.
Hailey pressed her lips together, the room falling into a brief silence.
“Alright, Dad,” Casey cut in. “Let’s not bring up the past. We finally found Hailey–let’s focus on that. Oh, right, Hailey, how’s it been staying at the Dalton house? Are they treating you okay? If not, just move in with us.”
Nicolas nodded in agreement. “Casey’s right. Aiden has always been selfish. There’s no way he’d treat you well. If things ever get difficult over there, just come home to us
Not his home. Their home. Nicolas truly saw Hailey as family, even though she didn’t carry their last name.
A warmth spread through Hailey’s chest as she smiled at Nicolas. “It’s alright, Uncle. I’m living with Grandpa now, and he’s
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Chapter 25
been wonderful to me.
“Mr. Dalton is a good man. Knowing you’re with him makes me feel a little better” Nicolas acknowledged with a nod.
Then, as if something had just occurred to Nicolas, his expression darkened. “I heard about that stepmother of yours trying to marry you off to the Blackwell family”
Nicolas had spent the morning digging into everything that had happened since Hailey returned to Hallon City When he learned what Rose had done, he was so furious he nearly shattered his phone.
That woman is shameless, Nicolas snapped.
“It’s been handled. Hailey reassured him. “Uncle, you don’t have to worry. With Owen around, my father won’t be interfering with my marriage anymore.”
After all, getting tied to Owen was something Aiden was thrilled about
At that, Nicolas hostility toward Owen finally eased–just a little. “Good” he said.
By the time they finished lunch, the afternoon was already slipping away. Hailey and Casey had classes to attend, and Nicolas had meetings lined up. 50, Owen–who had arrived halfway through–ended up being the one to drive the girls
back to school..
Just before getting into the car, Nicolas watched Hailey slide into the backseat with Casey, and only then did he leave with a satisfied look
Right now, Nicolas was treating Owen like a full–on predator, watching his every move.
Owen was slightly annoyed but couldn’t do much about it. Nicolas was Hailey’s uncle–he had to play nice.
“So, Hailey, Hailey’s husband, you two who confessed first?” Casey asked, completely unfiltered.
Hailey stiffened, her cheeks warming. “Casey, just call him Owen.”
“Call me Owen,” Owen said with a faint smile. “You can call me that for later–once we’re married.”
Hailey shot him a look, pressing her lips together.
“Fine, Owen it is. So?” Casey wasn’t letting it go.
Owen kept his eyes on the road. “I did. Your sister’s shy.”
Casey turned to Hailey and gasped. “Oh my God, Hailey, your face is so red!”
Owen caught a glimpse of Hailey through the rearview mirror. She glared at Casey, her fair skin dusted with a soft pink. She looked like a perfectly ripe peach–tempting, sweet.
It was the first time Owen had ever seen her like this. So much of her usual sharpness was gone. Instead, she looked soft and delicate.
Casey kept chatting the whole way back, only stopping when they neared the school. Suddenly, she shouted, “Owen rull over, pull over!”
Owen brought the car to a stop smoothly. “What’s wrong?” Hailey asked.
“I see someone I know,” Casey replied quickly. “Hailey, you go ahead. I’ll catch up later”
Before Hailey could say anything, Casey had already jumped out, hurrying across the street
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Chapter 25
Hailey watched as she ran up behind a boy–one with striking features, sharp yet gentle. Then Casey tapped him on the shoulder, flashing a bright smile
“So full of youthful energy. But something that feels… far away from me now, Hailey thought
“Knock, knock.” The sound of fingers tapping against the steering wheel pulled Hailey back.
Owen was looking at her through the mirror, his dark eyes locked onto hers. Deep, quiet, and impossibly beautiful.
For a split second. Hailey’s heart stuttered, a quiet tremor echoing through her chest.
“Come sit in the front. Owen said, his voice low.
Hailey responded with a sound and got out of the car slowly. Since Casey had left, it would be impolite for her to stay as if she considered Owen merely as a driver.
Then Hailey sat into the passenger seat, sitting up straight, eyes focused ahead.
Owen chuckled, leaning in slightly. Hailey smelled faintly sweet–soft, warm. His gaze darkened just a little.
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