Chapter 149: Don’t Come Looking for Me Again.
Hayley’s POV:
“That new song Christopher is releasing—it was written by you, wasn’t it?”
The moment we met, Siete came right out with it, his tone calm and steady, betraying no hint of emotion. He was staring at me, almost as if he was hoping I’d deny it. I stayed silent, which was as good as admitting it. The song’s style was unmistakably mine, and the lyrics were in my signature style too. Anyone who knew me well would recognize it at once as my work.
“I thought you said you weren’t going to write songs anymore. Why make an exception this time?” Siete asked, looking at me with confusion.
I hadn’t expected him to find me so quickly. I’d already considered the consequences before doing this, so I didn’t bother to beat around the bush with him. “I didn’t write the original song. I just made a few small adjustments. It’s no big deal.”
“But the style is so obvious, Harmony. Aren’t you worried that word will get out that you’re making a comeback?” I gave a small smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I have no intention of returning to that world. This was just a favor for a friend.”
Siete looked at me, incredulous. “If that’s the case, why didn’t you let me take this opportunity instead?”
I shrugged, answering him honestly, “I’m sorry, Siete. It was just a one-time thing. The past is still fresh in my mind, and I can’t bring myself to step back into the spotlight as a ‘new’ me. This was my one exception—it won’t happen again.”
Siete’s brows furrowed. “Harmony, I know you suffered a lot back then. That incident deserves to have the truth revealed. I believe you’d never do something like that, but…”
Hearing this, I couldn’t hold back anymore and interrupted him. “Siete, you say you believe in me, but that belief always comes with conditions, doesn’t it? We were teammates, yet you never truly trusted me. When it came down to choosing between me and her, you would never choose to believe in me.”
Siete’s face showed a flash of discomfort, as if I’d hit a nerve. He looked at me, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“Siete, if we can’t be teammates, then let’s not be friends either. Don’t come looking for me again.”
I turned to leave, but Siete grabbed my arm. “Harmony Gillian didn’t mean to hurt you. She talks about it all the time. She wants to relive those glory days with you.”
I let out a cold laugh and shook his hand off. “Sorry, I’m not interested. As the Alpha of the Shadow Pack, I’m busy. I don’t have time to chase after the so-called glory days ‘with her’ anymore.”
Leaving him with those words, I walked away without looking back at the stunned Siete. I took a deep breath, feeling far calmer than I would have three years ago. I’d finally managed to let go of those old memories. I was no longer trapped by the past.
I kept walking down the road by myself, not really aware of how much time had passed. Suddenly, the sound of a car horn broke through my thoughts. Hera started to stir with excitement, making me think it might be Benjamin. Instinctively, I looked up, only to see a van pull up in front of me. The window rolled down slowly. But instead of Benjamin, it was Christopher’s face that appeared. “Hayley, what are you doing out here all by yourself?”