Chapter 247: The Past

Hayley’s POV:

It wasn’t long before Nueve emerged.

“Though I’m a bit surprised seeing you here, it isn’t entirely unexpected,” he said, looking at me with a mix of surprise and contemplation. “The news about Sara’s comeback has been spreading like wildfire,” he added.

I nodded, then spoke. “Nueve, I remember leaving something behind here years ago. I came today to pick it up.”

Nueve took a seat casually. “I’ll get it for you in a bit, but let’s have a drink first,” he said, lifting a bottle of liquor and gently clinking it with my glass.

“I heard Siete went to Midnight Pack to find you. How’s everything between you two?”

I shrugged and said, “Nothing special. Things are pretty much the same.”

Nueve smirked knowingly. “Siete is the type who acts impulsively, speaks his mind, and doesn’t beat around the bush. I imagine he’s had a few run-ins with you.”

I shifted the conversation and said, “Your business seems slower than before.”

Nueve raised his gaze, his expression turning serious. “About Gillian… was that your doing?”

Although it was phrased as a question, his tone was more certain than uncertain. I gave a small hum, not denying it.

Nueve nodded, his eyes still steady on me. “Harmony, I know what happened back then. Gillian was in the wrong, but do you understand why Siete chose to protect her?”

That was something I’d been wondering too. But when Nueve put it into words, everything from the past came rushing back. Some things started to make more sense.

My eyes lit up. As we exchanged glances, Siete gave a faint smile and said, “When it comes to Gillian, I have no right to interfere, but I was hoping you could do me a favor.”

I understood now. I asked, “Is this for Siete?”

Nueve nodded and said, “He’s loved Gillian for years. He’s spoiled her, protected her… I don’t fully understand his devotion, but I can’t say anything about it.”

I realized I’d missed some of the details. “Well, let’s not dwell on the past. We all need to move forward, right?”

“Thank you, Harmony,” Nueve said sincerely. After a pause, he added, “It’s been so long since everything happened. When do you think you’ll come back? I heard the new song you wrote for Christopher. You haven’t lost any of your skill from before. Does that mean I’ll be seeing you back in the scene soon?” He looked at me expectantly.

I furrowed my brows briefly, then softened my tone. “Maybe…”

A smile spread across Nueve’s face. He raised his glass toward me. “Harmony, this drink is for you. I wish you a triumphant return soon.”

I clinked my glass against his and drank the contents in one smooth motion, without saying a word. Then, I stood up. “I’m here for what’s mine.”

Nueve led me out of the bar, but instead of taking the usual route, he led me to an elevator at the far side and took it up. We stopped at the 18th floor. He unlocked the door with a key, and I stepped inside.

Everything inside looked just as familiar as before. I controlled my emotions, walking straight to the bedroom. I opened the door to the closet by the large windows, pulled out a box, and held it in my hands.