Chapter 37

HAILEY

She found herself at her apartment, sinking to the floor as she crossed the threshold. Hailey was in disbelief—why had Charlize done this to her?

She crawled into her bed, turning off her phone. She didn’t want to hear from anyone.

The following morning, she prepared herself for work. Standing outside the office, she took a deep breath before stepping inside.

Whispers followed her, “I knew she didn’t get in on her own merit.”

She blocked them out, heading to her desk. Clara and Maggie sauntered in, taking seats across from her. “So, that’s why you’re always on those trips with the boss, huh?”

She remained silent, choosing to ignore them. Glancing at the clock, she realized it was lunchtime and headed outside.

She found a park bench and ate her meal. After lunch, she returned to the office, only to find her workspace vandalized. On one of her files, someone had scrawled, “Whore, Slut, Prostitute.”

She fought back tears, taking a deep breath and returning to her work.

Throughout the day, people came in, hurling insults at her. Checking her phone, she noticed numerous missed calls from Valerian.

She sent him a text.

Hailey

I will see you later after my waitering job. Xxx

Valerian

Okay, can’t wait to see you.

After work, she changed into her uniform, which reeked of dead fish. She discovered someone had stuffed a dead fish into her bag.

Arriving at Je T’aime, Matt greeted her. “Hails, I’ve missed you.” His embrace threatened to unleash her tears.

He pulled back, studying her face. “Are you okay?”

“Honestly, no.”

“What happened?”

“Work.” She moved past him.

“Is that why you smell like a fish market?”

She shot him a look. He chuckled. “At least you smell like food.”

After her shift, she headed to Valerian’s house. He answered the doorbell. “You look exhausted, Hailey.” He pulled her into a hug.

“You look well.” She managed a smile, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him. He returned the kiss.

She wondered if he noticed her smell, unlike the many customers who had complained that night.

“Maybe I should get sick more often.”

She nudged him, laughing. She settled next to him on the couch. “How was your day?”

“Long. How about yours?”

“Nothing special. Just resting and missing you, Hailey.”

“I missed you too.” She leaned into his embrace.

“Why didn’t you answer my calls yesterday?”

“I’m sorry, it was a crazy day and I was really tired.”

“Did something happen?”

“No,” she reassured him.

They chatted for a while. “It’s getting late. I should go.”

“I’m glad you came. I really missed you.”

He walked her to the door, sharing a kiss before she left.

“Goodnight, sir,” she saluted him playfully.

“Night, Hailey.” He grinned back at her.