____ After narrating everything, Essence dabbed at her eyes with a napkin, blinking rapidly. “Wow… Hailey. Your story made me so emotional. Indeed, you got really got lucky.” Sky nodded. “Yeah, and here I was thinking you were just glowing from new moisturizer. Turns out it’s that special man.”
HAILEY When I arrived at Thompson’s house, the warm glow of lights spilled onto the porch like stardust. He was already there, waiting for me....hands in his pockets, that radiant smile lighting up his entire face. Without a word, he reached for my hand. His touch was warm. He didn’t lead me int
“There it is,” I said quietly. “Finally showing your true face.” He stepped closer, his voice thick with threats disguised as reason. “It doesn’t have to be this way. I’ll even invest in your company. Make it one of the biggest. But if you walk away from me... I’ll tear everything you love apart.
I moved to walk past him, pretending not to notice. But he stepped into my path, blocking me. “Hailey,” he said, his voice low, raspy with something that sounded like desperation. “Please. Just… listen. I was wrong. I shouldn’t have treated you that way. I regret it....more than you know. I miss y
HAILEY The days after I finally broke free from Zion felt like stepping into a dream, except this time, it was real. My world, once smothered in grey, had bloomed into vibrant color. There was light again, laughter, even love. I found myself swept up in something I hadn’t felt in so long....exci
I turned and walked away without hesitation, heels clicking confidently against the floor. Behind me, I heard him roar. “Hailey! What do you think you’re doing?!” But I didn’t stop. I didn’t look back. I walked to my car, drove off, and left him behind, just like I should have a long time ago.