Declan froze, his body going rigid.

Hailey blinked, looking up at him. "Declan, does this mean I’m your girlfriend now?"

Declan tensed.

"Only people in a relationship can do things like this. Now that I’m your girlfriend… does that mean you’re my boyfriend?" Hailey continued.

It was as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on Declan, instantly extinguishing the heat of the moment. He slowly started to pull away, loosening his hold on her.

But Hailey wasn’t letting him go. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back toward her. Her red lips pouted as she spoke. "What does this mean? If you don’t want to date me, then why did you kiss me? Are you just playing with me?"

Declan swallowed hard, struggling against her sweet scent. "Sorry."

The simplicity of his apology stung, and Hailey felt a surge of frustration. Was he saying he didn’t want her?

"Don’t you like me?" she asked.

Declan remained silent.

Hailey leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of vulnerability and playfulness. "Why don’t you like me? Am I not pretty enough? Not gentle enough? Not obedient enough? Tell me, and I’ll change."

Declan instinctively tried to pull her hand away from his neck, but Hailey kept it firmly in place.

"Declan, I like you," she whispered.

Declan could only stand there in silence.

Hailey was bold and determined, clearly set on making him hers.

The desire that Declan had just managed to push aside reignited within him. At that very moment, a bright light shone through, and the elevator doors opened.

"You’re free to go now," the technician said with a friendly smile.

Hailey quickly withdrew her hand, releasing Declan.

He turned to step out.
----
But then, something soft brushed against his palm—it was
Hailey’s hand, reaching out to take his.

Hailey held his hand firmly.
Declan hesitated for a brief moment.

The technician noticed and smiled. "Are you two a couple?
You look really sweet together."

Hailey immediately replied, "Yes, he’s my boyfriend!"
Declan felt his frustration buid up.

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The two of them exited the hotel, and Declan hailed a taxi.
Hailey followed and climbed in beside him.

He glanced at her. "I’m heading home. Why are you coming
with me?"

“I’m going to take care of you. Didn’t you say you were
drugged? I can help," Hailey said.

Declan’s tone was hoarse as he asked, "Do you even know
how to help me?"


----
“You can teach me. I’m a quick learner," Hailey replied.

Her almond-shaped eyes were.
strikin yihe contrast of black a Ce
whitein them giving off an inaScent
alltive.

Declan recalled that Hailey had once been engaged to
Ewan.

Without thinking, he blurted, "Didn’t your ex ever teach
you?"

As soon ag the words left his mouth,
he instaritly regretted them. It wasn’t
in his 1 ature to pry, and he couldn’t
understand why he had evercasked.

----
Hailey didg’t dwell on it and ~
answered nonchalantly, "Don’t &
mentiga that jerk. Nothing ever
happened between us. We didn’t
even hold hands."

At her response, Declan turned his head, his eyes drifting
to the window.

Half an hour later, Hailey arrived at the familiar, worn-down
neighborhood and stepped inside Declan’s home.

Just then, Pamela emerged. "Declan, you’re back?"