Chapter 10
Hailey watched Alyssa walk away, worry gnawing at her. She turned to Sean, her voice edged with urgency, “Sean, today’s the anniversary of Mateo’s death. She’s headed to the cemetery. As her fiance, you really should be there with her.”
Sean’s expression shifted as it dawned on him–no wonder Alyssa had been acting strange all day. He stood up, grabbed his car keys, and said firmly, Tm going right now,”
Seeing him move so quickly, Hailey added gently. Let me come with you. Mr. Dawson was always good to my dad and me. I should pay my respects too.”
Sean looked at Hailey, appreciating her thoughtfulness“. His tone softened, “Yeah, alright. Let’s go together”
Just as they were about to leave, Megan barged in, pouting. “Hey what the hell? You’re both just gonna ditch me? It’s my birthday, remember? I invited my friends over for dinner, and now nothing’s ready. What am I supposed to do, just stand there looking like an idiot?”
Sean frowned and suggested, “How about this? I’ll book a couple of tables at a five–star hotel. You can take your friends there To celebrate”
No. I want a party at home. Megan insisted, shaking her head. “And you’ve got to make Alyssa cook for me.
Sean sighed, rubbing his temples, knowing he was cornered. “Fine. Tell your friends to come over tonight. I’ll have Alyssa make dinner.”
“Sweet! Thanks, bro!” Megan hugged him with a grin before running off to call her friends.
Hailey and Sean headed downstairs together. While Sean went straight to the car, Hailey decided to stop by the flower shop to pick up a bouquet. Coincidentally, the same assistant who had helped Alyssa earlier greeted her with a smile, “Hi! Looking for flowers? Are they a gift? I can help you pick the best ones.”
“Yeah, it’s for a memorial. Can you put something together quickly? I’m kind of in a rush, Hailey said, anxiety creeping into her voice as she worried Alyssa might already be facing Mateo’s old friends alone.
Recalling Alyssa’s visit earlier, the assistant quickly put together a bouquet of daisies for Hailey.
When Sean and Hailey got to the cemetery, it was already packed. Almost all of Mateo’s friends had shown up.
Hailey’s eyes darted through the crowd, recognizing the faces of the business elites. She silently vowed that she wouldn’t let Alyssa win them over so easily. She was set on exposing Alyssa’s ungrateful‘ behavior for everyone to see.
As soon as they stepped out of the car, Hailey spotted Alyssa standing at Mateo’s tombstone, sobbing her eyes out. Mateo’s friends were gathered around, trying to comfort her, saying things like, “Alyssa, he’s gone now. You’ve got to be strong Hailey’s chest tightened. She realized Alyssa had already started gaining their sympathy.
Without missing a beat, she rushed over with a bouquet of daisies, her face lighting up in fake surprise. “Alyssa, you actually made it! I was starting to think you might not show. But hey, no worries. Even though you weren’t here when Mr. Dawson passed, nobody’s blaming you–least of all him. Sure, he didn’t rise you, but ever since he found you, he treated you just
Hailey’s words were laced with hidden barbs, carefully designed to remind everyone that Alyssa had been MIA when it counted, while also hinting that it was Hailey who’d persuaded the reluctant Alyssa to make an appearance. It made Alyssa Hak ungrateful and painted Hailey as the one who truly cared about Mateo.
Alyssa felt a super bubbling up inside, but she kept her expression warm and friendly as she shot back, “Yeah, lucky me. Dad always said you were like a second daughter to him
I
