Chapter 8
Hailey leaned lazily against the wall, her eyes casually drifting over to Christopher, who was hunched up in the corner, looking like a mess.
He was so young, barely twenty, but his skin was ghostly pale, almost unhealthy–looking. His hair was a tangled mess, falling over his eyes, and his thin frame had an almost fragile quality to it.
His wrists were delicate, like a woman’s, and it made her feel a strange pang of sympathy.
He looked like someone who had spent his entire life fighting some kind of illness, someone who never saw the sun.
It seemed like he felt her stare, because Christopher slowly lifted his gaze and met hers.
His eyes, hidden beneath his messy hair, were cold, and utterly empty. They sent a shiver down her spine. The ugly scar across his right cheek only added to his intimidating presence, making him look like a demon that crawled out of hell.
And then, suddenly, he cracked a grin. The way the scar twisted with his smile? Yeah, it was terrifying
Hailey couldn’t help but snicker to herself, thinking. Seriously? Is he trying to freak me out with that creepy grin?”
Instead of backing away, Hailey just stuck her tongue out playfully and gave him a mock eye roll.
Christopher seemed a little taken aback, thinking, ‘Isn’t this the part where I’m supposed to scare her off?
Just then, the two women seemed to realize it was finally time to introduce them properly,
Rose, with that soft smile, turned to Hailey and said, “Hailey, darling, come here. I want to introduce you to someone.”
Hailey lazily scratched her ear, a little sarcastic as she responded, ‘Oh, so now you’re trying to marry me off? Is Grandpa okay with this?”
Thomas had no idea. He’d been singing Hailey’s praises at the party earlier.
And once he got a look at Christopher’s personality, he immediately decided against pushing for the Blackwell family marriage.
In fact, he’d considered calling off the engagement altogether, but, of course, Rose had her own plans.
Rose kept talking, barely pausing for breath, “Marriage is a huge deal, right? All arranged by your parents and matchmakers. Your dad picked this one for you. I just didn’t get the chance to mention it earlier.
“Trust me, Christopher’s a real gem–so sweet, gentle. Marrying him would be like living the dream…”
Hailey cut her off, smirking. “Oh yeah? If he’s so great, why don’t you get Selena to marry him?”
Rose pretended to be shocked, “What? No way! He’s your fiancé, not hers. How could she steal him?”
Hailey burst out laughing and looked up at her with a mock–innocent look, “But I already have a boyfriend, you know.”
And boom, there it was–perfect time to bring out the boyfriend card.
Rose’s eyes widened in surprise, “What?!”
Hailey nodded shyly, “Yep, I really do have a boyfriend.”
Rose went into full “worried mom” mode, “Hailey, listen to me, honey. You should break up with him. You’re still young. Don’t let some guy take advantage of you. What your family arranges is always the best.”
1/3
06:14 Fri, 28 Mar A
Chapter 8
Even Christopher, who had been quietly observing, couldn’t hold back a small laugh.
Hailey shot back, “But Rose, you’ve never even met my boyfriend. How do you know he’s bad for me?”
K94%1
Rose sneered, “You’ve only been in Hallon City for a few days. How many people have you met? Don’t tell me you’re with some random country guy, huh?
“Hailey, sweetic, you’re a Dalton. If you follow the family’s plan, your future’s set. You won’t have to worry about anything Why put yourself through the hassle?”
In Rose’s mind, Hailey marrying into the Blackwell family was like hitting the jackpot.
Hailey looked torn but stood her ground, “But I really like my boyfriend. We’ve only been together for a short time, but we love each other.”
Rose just shook her head, “You’re too young to understand. Love doesn’t mean anything when you’re living a life like the Blackwell family’s.
“He can’t offer you what they can. But marrying Christopher means you’re set for life–no worries, no struggles.”
Of course, that good life is only for those who could survive it.’ she added silently.
Rose added. “Even if you don’t marry into the Blackwell family, your dad would never approve of you marrying some random guy. Time’s running out, Hailey.
“You should just call your boyfriend and break up with him now–get it over with. Christopher’s right here watching, after
all
Hailey sighed dramatically, putting on the face of someone who didn’t want to, but knew she had no choice. Slowly, she pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed Owen’s number.
At one corner of the party, Owen slipped in, doing his best to stay under the radar. He wasn’t looking to be the center of attention; he just wanted to find Hailey.
So, he tucked himself away in a spot where he could keep an eye on the whole room
But, as luck would have it, it wasn’t Hailey who spotted him first–it was Selena.
She’d just managed to escape the crowd, feeling good about herself. She’d been scheming in the background and figured Hailey was probably off hiding somewhere, excluded from the group.
The thought of seeing Hailey squirm made Selena smile to herself.
Then, just as she turned, she saw Owen standing in the corner. Her eyes practically sparkled. ‘Oh my God, Owen’s here too? How the hell did I not know? He must’ve come just for me, right? Wanting to surprise mel‘ She thought, thrilled.
This was like the universe giving her a little gift tonight.
Excited, she quickly fixed her hair, lifted her dress slightly, and started walking toward him, a mix of shyness and eager anticipation in her step.
na
Meanwhile, Owen, still feeling frustrated about not finding Hailey, was about to check his phone when a wave of strong perfume hit him. He looked up, and there was Selena, making her way towards him.
“Owen! When did you get here? Why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t even know you were coming!” Selena said, her voice soft and sweet–one of those tones that would make any guy melt
06:14 Fri, 28 Mar b A·
Chapter 8
But Owen wasn’t having it. He raised an eyebrow and shot back “Why would I tell you?”
Selena, thinking he was flirting shifted her hips, rugend at the hem of her dress, and sist in an even more playful voice. Jeez, you’re such a trase.”
Owen felt a bit of discomfort in his stomach. Honesth all he wanted right now was to find Hailey, hear her calming voice. and drown out all the noise around him
“Owen, my dad’s over there. If he knew you were here, he’d be so happy to see you, Selena said, trying to grab his attention
She knew her dad, Aiden, was the focal point of the night, and if she could walk over with Owen on her arm, people would totally think he was her boyfriend
Just imagining it made Selena feel excited almost piddy
But Owen didn’t bite. His phone buzzed at just the right moment, showing Hailey’s name on the screen.
A soft smile spread across his face as be answered, his voice warm and intimate: “Hey, Hailey
Selena’s face instantly froze in shock.
While the noise from the party drowned our Owen’s words, she could see the softness in his expression, and it hit her like a punch to the gut.
How the hell can Owen be that sweet to someone else! He’s never treated me like that? Selena’s mind was spinning with jealousy. “Who the hell is that bandh trying to steal my Owen
She silently vowed to find out exactly who that woman was
On the other end of the phone, Haley’s voice trembled, full of emotion “Owen, my stepmom wants me to break up with you and marry someone else. What am I supposed to do?”
Ө
