Halley froze. The hairpin she wore was a gift from her aunt. Hattie smirked. “You wear a $3,500 Chanel hairpin like it’s nothing, but it would take Declan forever to earn that. Think you two are a good match?”

Halley put her hands on her hips. “What does it matter to you? You and Declan aren’t right for each other anyway!”

Hattie fumed. “How dare you!”

Declan looked at Hattie. “I don’t want to see you again. Don’t make me say it a third time!”

Hattie felt both love and fear for Declan. His cold, piercing gaze made her shiver.

“I’ll just wait and see, Declan. You and Hailey won’t end well.” Hattie turned and left with her group.

Hailey sighed in relief. “Finally! Don’t let her fool you, Declan. Don’t ever date her. She badmouthed you!”

Declan glanced at Hailey. “What did she say about me?”

Hailey, wanting to spare his feelings, said vaguely, “She mentioned your family situation.”

Declan wasn’t surprised. His background wasn’t a secret, and he didn’t care what people said. He looked at Hailey’s beautiful eyes. “Is that why you fought with her?”

Hailey nodded. “Yes!”

Declan stepped closer, his tall figure looming over her. “Do you have feelings for me?”

His question made Hailey’s heart race. She’d never felt this way before. Her heart pounded, and her face flushed. With Ewan, everything had been calm, but with Declan, just his presence made her cheeks burn. It was the first time she’d felt this way about a man. She’d developed feelings for him since the night he’d appeared before her in the rain.

Hailey looked at him. “I…”

Declan saw it in her eyes—a look he’d seen from other women, including Hattie, who had pursued him with the same gaze. He took another step forward. “Do you want me to be your boyfriend?”

Hailey nervously tugged at her sleeve. She was shy, but she usually voiced her feelings. She looked up at him. “So… would you?”

Would he be her boyfriend? Declan shook his head. “No.”

Hailey froze. Declan’s face remained expressionless. “Don’t waste your time on me. I don’t like you.” He turned and walked away.

Hailey stood stunned. He didn’t like her? But why did he ask? As she watched him go, she stomped her foot in frustration. Why didn’t he like her?