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.

Christopher’s a real gem–so sweet, gentle. Marrying him would be like living the dream…”

yeah? If he’s so great,

No way! He’s your fiancé, not hers. How could she

out laughing and looked up at her with a mock–innocent look, “But I already have a boyfriend, you

was–perfect time to bring out the boyfriend

in surprise,

“Yep, I really do have a

me, honey. You should break up with him. You’re still young.

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Fri, 28 Mar

Chapter 8

been quietly observing, couldn’t hold back a small laugh.

met my boyfriend. How do you know he’s bad

K94%1

only been in Hallon City for a few days. How many people have you

a Dalton. If you follow the family’s plan, your future’s set. You won’t have to worry about

mind, Hailey marrying into the Blackwell family

“But I really like my boyfriend. We’ve only been together for a short time, but we love

doesn’t mean anything when you’re living

Christopher means you’re set for life–no worries,

good life is only for those who could survive

dad would never approve

him

all

had no choice. Slowly, she pulled her

the radar. He wasn’t looking to

tucked himself away in a spot where he could keep an eye on the whole

wasn’t Hailey who spotted him first–it was Selena.

crowd, feeling good about herself. She’d been scheming in the background

seeing Hailey squirm made Selena smile

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?

like the universe giving her a

her hair, lifted her dress slightly, and started walking toward him, a mix of shyness and eager anticipation in her

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