Chapter 18

HAILEY

Hailey’s eyes darted around, the lights were so dazzling they were almost blinding. There was no going back now.

Valerian and Hailey descended the staircase, its steps cloaked in plush red velvet.

He was a steady presence at her side, and she felt secure, despite the many eyes on them and the whispers that followed their path.

By the time they reached the bottom, a slight tremor had taken hold of her.

A waiter approached them with a polite nod. “Good evening, sir, madam. Your table is ready.” They trailed behind him, and upon reaching their table, Valerian pulled out her chair with a gentlemanly flourish.

“Thank you,” Hailey murmured.

“You’re welcome, little one,” he replied.

“Little one?” she echoed, surprised by the unexpected nickname.

He simply shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. “It suits you.”

She took a moment to take in her surroundings. The place was breathtaking.

Chandeliers sparkled overhead. Their table was round, adorned with tasteful decorations. The silverware gleamed, and the floral centerpiece was a work of art.

The stage was also beautifully decorated, and they were seated close enough to have a good view.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.

Valerian’s smile widened. “It is.”

She was captivated by the sheer elegance of the place.

Suddenly, Valerian’s hand gently patted her head.

“Look who we have here.”

Following his gaze, she saw Charlize. Beside her was Colhane, who was pulling out a chair for her.

Valerian and Colhane exchanged handshakes and pleasantries.

Hailey rose as Colhane extended his hand to her. She took it, assuming he wanted a handshake, but instead, he lifted her hand to his lips. “Good evening, lovelier than ever.”

“Good evening, Colhane,” Hailey replied.

She resumed her seat next to a visibly tense Valerian, catching Charlize’s sneer out of the corner of her eye.

The emcee took the stage, making a few announcements that she barely registered. She was brought back to reality when Valerian handed her a glass of wine.

“Thank you,” she said, taking a sip. The wine was delightful, the bubbles dancing on her tongue.

“Come, let’s go,” Valerian whispered, leading her towards the stage.

There, she saw a stunning emerald necklace. She was spellbound.

Valerian picked up the necklace and asked her to turn around. She complied, albeit hesitantly, and he fastened it around her neck.

Hailey touched the necklace, and Valerian turned her to face him. “It looks beautiful on you.”

She smiled at him. “Thank you, sir.”

He led her back to their table. She could feel the eyes on her, drawn to the necklace. She had never been the center of attention like this before.

They resumed their seats.

“Beautiful necklace,” Colhane remarked.

Hailey responded with a smile. She could feel Charlize’s gaze boring into her. The arrival of the food was a welcome distraction.

The meal was a three-course affair. By the time dessert was served, she was pleasantly full and sighed contentedly.

“Did you enjoy your meal?” Valerian whispered in her ear.

She whispered back, “I did.”

Their whispered conversation continued, turning into a private joke.

“What are you two whispering about?” Colhane asked, curiosity piqued.

“Nothing much,” Valerian replied.

“If it’s nothing, then you should speak up.” Charlize chimed in.

“This conversation is between Hailey and me. If you two have a problem, why don’t you whisper amongst yourselves?” Valerian retorted.

Hailey remained silent, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. After a while, she excused herself to the restroom, leaving Valerian to deal with Colhane and Charlize.

She entered the restroom and found an empty stall. After freshening up, she began to touch up her makeup.

The door swung open, and in walked Clara and a few other colleagues from work.

“Look who it is.” Clara sneered.

“Hey, everyone,” Hailey greeted, genuinely happy to see familiar faces.

“Don’t ‘hey’ us!” one of the girls snapped. “You think you’re too good for us now that Valerian is your date.”

“No, I don’t.” Hailey was taken aback by their hostility.

“Valerian only wants to sleep with you.” Clara laughed.

Hailey doesn’t offer them a response. The door to the bathroom swings open.

“All of you, out,” a woman commands.

The girls scatter. Hailey recognizes Charlize, still nursing her glass of wine.

“Thank you,” Hailey breathes out, relief washing over her.

“Don’t thank me just yet,” Charlize retorts.

Hailey studies her. Charlize is breathtaking in a soft pink dress and matching fluffy heels. She’s the picture of a fairytale princess.

“Why would you believe Valerian brought you here for no reason?” Charlize questions.

Hailey remains silent, just staring at her.

“He doesn’t love you,” Charlize states. “This isn’t new for him. We’re always on and off. You’re just another girl he wants to bed.

“Afterwards, you’ll return to being the low-class girl you truly are. Did you think we wouldn’t spot a fake? You can’t even afford a decent dress!”

Hailey stands there, stunned.

Charlize continues her tirade. “Do you know the worth of that necklace? A million dollars, and you’re not even worth a penny of it! You’ve managed to make that necklace look cheap, you dirty whore!

“You couldn’t even earn your job like everyone else, you had to sleep your way to the top! Take off that necklace!”

Charlize’s voice is a growl.

Hailey removes the necklace and hands it to Charlize. She begins to walk away.

“Good girl,” Charlize sneers, “and one more thing—”

Hailey turns back to face Charlize.

A liquid hits her. It’s red wine—her dress is soaked. Hailey wants to retaliate, but what’s the point?

There will always be cruel girls like Charlize who never seem to grow up.

“White doesn’t suit you, darling,” Charlize taunts.

Hailey retreats to a bathroom stall. She tries to clean her dress, but it’s futile. She’s only making the stain worse—it’s spreading.

When she exits the bathroom, she spots Valerian flirting with another girl. The girl’s laughter and fluttering eyelashes make it obvious.

Hailey decides to step outside. She finds a beautiful garden and settles on a bench.

The moon is shining, and a gentle breeze provides a soothing comfort.

She reflects on Charlize’s words. It hurts to feel like an outsider. She knows she doesn’t fit in with this crowd.

Hailey longs to be home, watching movies with Matt. She sighs, thinking about how upset Matt is with her. Who else can she confide in about her problems?

Suddenly, a jacket lands on her shoulders.