Chapter 52
“Hailey. I brought you lunch,” Mateo said, holding out a box with grilled salmon. “This is the last serving.”
In the cafeteria, his clear, handsome face was lit up with a warm smile.
Students passing by couldn’t help but cast envious glances. Hailey’s boyfriend was Owen, and now here was Mateo, a brilliant and handsome guy who was also pursuing her. It was like living a dream.
Hailey gave a faint smile. “Sorry, Mateo, I don’t like grilled salmon.”
77%
Mateo didn’t seem embarrassed at all. Instead, he pulled his hand back, looking slightly sheepish as he scratched his head. “Sorry, I didn’t know. Hailey, what do you like to eat? I’ll make sure to get it for you next time.”
“Hailey, over here! I’ve got a seat saved for you!” Joshua called from a short distance away.
“Mateo, it’s better to focus on your studies, especially with exams coming up. I appreciate the gesture, though.” With that, Hailey turned and walked toward Joshua.
Mateo, undeterred, stood his ground and called out loudly, “Hailey, I’ll win you over!”
+5
The students around them gasped in surprise. They thought, ‘Now that’s bold!‘ Everyone knew Hailey was already taken, yet here Mateo was, openly declaring his feelings. Not only had he been kicked out of A–class because of Hailey, but he seemed not to be holding a grudge but openly pursuing her. They thought, ‘Is this what they mean by puppy love?‘
Mateo seemed determined to pursue Hailey no matter what. Everywhere around school, he was constantly doing little things to win her over. Students couldn’t help but notice that even with Selena, he’d never been this attentive.
Her former crush was now pursuing Hailey, and the students couldn’t help but quietly laugh at Selena behind her back.
However, Selena had been unusually quiet lately. She showed up to class on time, stayed focused, and, in her spare time, did some ads and variety shows. She wasn’t starting trouble anymore and even went out of her way to avoid Hailey whenever she saw her.
Hailey didn’t know what Selena was up to, but she was enjoying the peace–except for Mateo, who was starting to get a little annoying.
Before long, November arrived, and the weather suddenly turned cold.
After the New Year, winter break came to an end, and with the SAT approaching, everyone was feeling the pressure. However, the students in A–class at Hallon City were the exception.
They were all top students, and most of the ones in A–class came from wealthy families. Money was never a worry for them; even if they didn’t get into a top university, they’d be set for life.
It was another Friday after school. Hailey skipped the bus home and instead hailed a cab to Hallon City Airport.
She was going to pick someone up. By the time she arrived at the airport at 5.30 PM, the plane still had ten minutes bef landing, but the place was already packed with fans, buzzing with excitement.
Countless fans gathered, holding up light signs and cheering slogans.
Hailey didn’t wait at the entrance; instead, she made her way to the VIP entrance.
It wasn’t long before someone screamed, and soon, the entire crowd erupted in a frenzy.
They were shouting his name, “Miles Vaughn!” in a wild chorus.
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12:59 Sun, 30 Mar
Chapter 52
Miles, the superstar idol, had skyrocketed to fame from the moment he debuted. With a face that seemed almost otherworldly, a brooding yet charming demeanor, and standing six feet tall, lean, and striking, he was every girl’s dream
come true.
Now, five years into his career, Miles’s fanbase was approaching a billion.
Of course, his popularity wasn’t because of his looks and charm. What truly made him stand out was his talent. Last year, Miles won the Best Male Singer award, a recognition that truly proved his abilities.
Miles had successfully transitioned from a popular heartthrob to a respected, talented singer.
This year, Miles announced his plans to pursue acting. As soon as the news broke, his critics went into a frenzy, seizing the opportunity to tear him apart.
Although Miles had a remarkable career in music, acting wasn’t his strength. You could tell from his music video appearances–his eyes were empty, lacking any real emotion, almost robotic. People started saying he was only chasing money, completely out of touch with his true abilities.
Despite the backlash, nothing seemed to slow down his popularity.
The crowd was overwhelming. Hailey stood in the corner, unable to see anything ahead of her. She pulled out her phone and quickly sent a message: [I’ll be waiting for you in the parking lot.]
After sending the message, Hailey headed to the parking lot. She expected to wait for a while, but only ten minutes later, she spotted a tall, thin man in all black, wearing a mask and a hat, sneaking toward the entrance.
Hailey raised an eyebrow and walked toward him, calling out softly, “Miles?”
Miles kept his head down, not looking at Hailey. In a hoarse voice, he muttered, “I’m not Miles. You’ve got the wrong person.”
Hailey couldn’t help but laugh, calling out, “Miles.”
“I’m not wait, what?” Miles froze for a moment, then finally looked up at Hailey.
She wore a white coat, her youthful, beautiful face partially hidden by dark, silky hair. She looked exceptionally young and delicate, with a petite frame, giving off the impression of a sweet, pretty little sister.
Miles thought, ‘Hailee doesn’t look anything like the ruthless, no–nonsense hacker I’ve heard about online.
Miles swallowed hard, then cautiously called out, “Hailee?”
“It’s me,” Hailey said, raising an eyebrow. “Can’t recognize my voice?”
To prove it, Hailey pulled out her phone and showed him their chat history.
“Damn!” Miles muttered, eyeing Hailey closely with a look of disbelief. “How old are you?”
“Just turned eighteen.”
Miles couldn’t help but gasp. “How are your skills so impressive? Who trained you? Could it be Evan Daniel?”
Evan was a legend in the hacker world, having vanished five years ago without a trace, never to be heard from again. Even Hailey didn’t know who Evan was.
She shook her head. “No, it’s all my talent.”
Miles couldn’t help but curse again under his breath. He thought, ‘People like her… it’s infuriating.’ His heart and mind were racing with disbelief as he looked at Hailey before him, still unable to believe she was the infamous Hailee.
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12:59 Sun, 30 Mar
Chapter 52
“Let’s go, it’s getting late. I’ll treat you to dinner, and there’s a small favor I need to ask,” Hailey said.
Half an hour later, Hailey, Miles, along with his manager and assistant, arrived at an exclusive, high–end restaurant.
“Wait a minute… Miles, are you sure you want to take this role?” The manager glanced at the script titled “The Moon in My Heart” and paused, deep in thought.
The manager initially thought it was a romance based on the title, but when he opened it… He thought, ‘What the hell, it’s a war drama!‘
Miles hadn’t even looked at the script, leaving everything to his manager. Hearing the concern, he innocently asked, “What’s the problem? Hailey wouldn’t steer me wrong. If she says this script is perfect for me, then it must be.”
The manager stared at him, speechless. You’ve been played, and you’re still helping them count the money.
AD
