Chapter 24
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Terence’s words made Hailey perk up, and she started following him around again. Kelly was happy to see them make up, but the feeling faded when she saw the mocking look in Terence’s eyes once Hailey’s back was turned. She could guess what he was doing but didn’t intend to give Hailey a heads–up.
Once the last of their suitcases was thrown into the trunk, they made their way home. Hailey couldn’t stop smiling, evidently in a good mood–perhaps it was because she saw hope in winning Terence’s heart again. Even when he broke free of her grasp, she was unfazed.
Harold and Nora waited for them at Rainer Manor’s entrance. They saw how Hailey bustled to and fro around Terence, unable to conceal the enthusiasm in her gaze. A trace of pity flashed in their eyes, but they didn’t say anything.
Since the trio had survived a disaster, Harold and Nora threw a mini celebration for them. When they saw how tired Terence and Hailey looked, they didn’t make them stay for long. Soon, the couple returned to
the annex.
Hailey was about to follow Terence into his room when he stopped her. “What are you doing?”
T-
“I agreed to give you a chance to win me back but didn’t mention anything about us sharing a room. We’re divorced, Hailey.” After that, he shut the door in her face.
Hailey thought about the tricks Nora had mentioned to her when wanting to pursue a man. She pulled out her phone and did an online search–the first result was celebrating the other party’s birthday.
ley checked her calendar and realized it was Terence’s birthday that weekend. She remembered how d stood him up on his birthday last year so she could pick Matthew up at the airport, and guilt washed over her.
She quickly made a call and asked the person on the other end of the line to make a reservation for dinner and flowers. Then, she also had them deliver the expensive watch she’d won in an auction to the
restaurant.
A restaurant located on the top floor of the tallest building in Sphere City was decorated with flowers and streamers. Hailey looked out the window at the view of the city, but she wasn’t too happy. Terence had
yet to arrive.
Thunder clapped outside, and rain splashed against the windows, reflecting her blurry silhouette and crestfallen expression.
She repeatedly called Terence, but he didn’t answer. She felt like a hand had clenched around her heart, making it difficult for her to breathe.
For some reason, she remembered Terence’s last birthday. The butler had filled her in on what had happened–Terence had also sat in a corner of a restaurant, looking desolate as he waited for her.
He’d watched as the dishes were repeatedly warmed and the ice cream cake had been changed. Rain had also been pouring at the time.
Halley threw her phone aside and buried her face in her hands while laughing bitterly. So, this was what it felt like to wait for someone–it was horrible. She knew he wasn’t coming yet couldn’t help feeling
expectant. Ultimately, she would only be disappointed
Terence hadn’t meant to stand Hailey up. It was just that Kelly had made him play poker with her before he could leave the house. He’d thought about texting Hailey to explain the situation, but Kelly stopped him. “Why bother? She stood you up for your birthday last year, right? Let her wait!”
He thought about how glum he’d felt when waiting alone at the restaurant last year. Then, he tucked his phone away.
Kelly was right. He would make Halley wait–he’d waited for her for five years, but she’d never come.
When Hailey returned to Rainer Manor’s annex, she saw that the lights were already off in Terence’s room. Instead of saying anything, she placed the watch she’d prepared outside the door. Then, she said in her heart, “Happy birthday, Terence.”
