Chapter 12

Hailey sank into the passenger seat, shutting the door a little too firmly. The sound echoed through the quiet car before Dan started the engine.

For a few seconds, she said nothing, her eyes were fixed on the glass reflection of the building outside.

Dan glanced sideways. “Are you okay?” he asked.

She forced a small smile while tugging at her seatbelt. “Yeah. I'm just a little bit drained.”

He gave a slow nod. “Lovers’ quarrel?” Dan asked with a slightly teasing tone.

Her head snapped toward him. “That’s not…” She stopped herself mid-sentence, taking a slow breath. “nothing of that sort.”

Dan smirked faintly, an amusing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“If you say so,” he shrugged casually.

Hailey looked away, jaw tightening. She wasn’t upset about Carter seeing her with Dan, not really, but then she needed Carter if anything.

Dan noticed the shift in her silence and chuckled quietly. “You always get that face when you’re thinking too hard.”

“I’m not thinking,” she muttered.

“Right,” he said smoothly. “And what am I?”

Despite herself, her lips twitched, and a faint smirk curved at the corner of her lips. “You talk too much.”

“Someone has to fill the silence, you know.”

“Then fill it with music,” she replied with a flat voice but eyes faintly glinting.

He laughed under his breath and reached for the stereo. As soft music filled the car, Hailey let her gaze drift back to the city lights flashing by outside.

Just then, she noticed he was taking the wrong turn to her house; her brows formed a small frown.

“I told you you owe me one, remember?” He smirked and pulled the car to a stop at a five-star restaurant, Hailey's eyes widened in shock.

“Dan!” She exclaimed, “Don't tell me we are going in….” She panicked; her eyes darted towards the dress she was putting on. It was office attire and totally not suitable for an environment of this kind.

“Since when did you become so dramatic and care about what people think?” Dan asked, a disappointing frown curved at his lips. “If it'll make you feel better, I'm dressed in office wear as well,” he muttered.

Hailey’s heart thumped as Dan led her through the entrance of the restaurant. The doors swung open to reveal a vast, opulent dining hall.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over polished marble floors and elegantly set tables. Waiters in crisp black vests moved with quiet precision between guests, carrying silver trays with flawless poise.

The soft hum of conversation mingled with the gentle clinking of cutlery and glasses.

Hailey’s eyes widened as she took it all in. She wasn’t used to this level of luxury, certainly not in office attire.

Her pencil skirt and blouse suddenly felt absurdly casual amidst the silk dresses and tailored suits surrounding them.

Dan, noticing her discomfort, gave her a small, teasing shrug. “Relax. No one here actually knows you. And honestly… you look fine.”

They were seated at a table near the center of the hall. The table was elegantly set with white linen, sparkling cutlery, and folded napkins standing tall like tiny sculptures. A small vase held a single rose, and the soft golden light from the chandelier reflected off the crystal glasses.

As the waiter approached to take their order, Hailey quickly scanned the menu, feeling out of place. Dan, on the other hand, ordered with casual ease, as if this kind of indulgence were ordinary for him.

They shared a glance and a faint smirk, then focused on ignoring the subtle, curious glances being thrown their way by other diners.

The food arrived, and the fragrant aromas filled the air. Hailey tentatively picked up her fork, trying to act as though she belonged.

Just then, a woman at a nearby table, clearly irritated by something, slammed her menu onto the table and began complaining loudly to the waiter about a minor issue with her order.

Her voice was sharp and demanding, drawing the attention of other diners.

In the past, Hailey might have shrunk back and quietly watched as the waiter was being humiliated, but years of pain and betrayal, and now the knowledge of her future, gave her courage.

She stood up, fixing her posture, and walked towards the lady. “Excuse me,” she said firmly, her voice calm but carrying authority. “There’s no need to raise your voice. The waiter is doing his job, and you will be treated courteously. But this behavior isn’t acceptable.”

The woman blinked, surprised by Hailey’s directness. Around them, diners exchanged quiet murmurs.

From a table not far away, a familiar presence observed the scene. Trevor sat, casually sipping his wine, his eyes fixed on Hailey. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Hailey, unaware she was being watched, returned to her seat, sitting tall and composed, her chest swelling slightly with pride. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could face the world on her own terms.

Dan leaned back in his chair, clearly impressed by her actions. “Wow. I didn’t know you had that in you,” he murmured, shaking his head with a half-smile.

Hailey shrugged lightly, returning to her meal. “Neither did I,” she admitted under her breath.

Across the room, Trevor’s gaze lingered a moment longer before he returned to his own conversation, the small smile still present, as if he’d just witnessed something he had quietly expected all along.

Hailey stood up, adjusting her skirt. “I want to use the restroom,” she muttered in a low voice, and Dan gave a quick nod before returning to his plate.

She weaved carefully between the tables, but just as she turned a corner, she collided with someone.

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” Hailey exclaimed, stepping back…

It was the same girl from the office, the one she’d bumped into before, the one who had gotten injured because of her.

The girl’s eyes lit up immediately, a mix of surprise and genuine excitement. “Hailey?!” she exclaimed, almost bouncing on her feet. “I didn’t expect to see you here!”

The girl steadied herself with a bright laugh, brushing imaginary dust from her dinner gown.

“Wow, fancy seeing you outside the office! Small world, huh? Should I say we are fated to be together since we keep bumping into each other?” She asked with a grin.

“I'm Mira, by the way…