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.

real gem–so sweet, gentle. Marrying him would be

If he’s so great, why don’t you get Selena to

pretended to be shocked, “What? No way! He’s your fiancé, not hers. How

and looked up at her with a mock–innocent look, “But I

to

eyes widened in

“Yep, I really do have a

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

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Fri, 28

Chapter 8

quietly observing, couldn’t hold back a

met my boyfriend. How

K94%1

been in Hallon City for a few days. How many people have you met? Don’t tell me you’re with some random

follow the family’s plan, your future’s set. You won’t have to worry about anything Why put

Blackwell

We’ve only been together for a short time, but we love each

“You’re too young to understand. Love doesn’t mean

can. But marrying Christopher means you’re set for life–no worries,

those who could survive it.’

if you don’t marry into the Blackwell family, your dad would never approve of you marrying some random guy. Time’s running out,

and break up with him now–get it over with. Christopher’s right

all

want to, but knew she had no choice. Slowly, she pulled her phone

stay under the radar. He wasn’t looking to be the

away in a spot where he could keep an eye

wasn’t Hailey

scheming in the background and figured Hailey was probably off hiding somewhere, excluded from the

seeing Hailey squirm made Selena smile

here too? How the hell did I not know? He must’ve come just for me, right? Wanting to surprise mel‘ She

was like the universe giving her a

quickly fixed her hair, lifted her dress slightly, and started walking toward

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