Chapter 415

Hailey blinked, looking up at him. "Declan, does this mean you're my boyfriend?" she continued. "Only people in a relationship can do things like this."

It was as though a bucket of cold water had been dumped on Declan, instantly extinguishing the heat of the moment. He slowly started to pull away, loosening his hold on her.

But Hailey wasn’t letting him go. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back toward her. Her red lips pouted as she spoke. "What does this mean? If you don’t want to date me, then why did you kiss me? Are you just playing with me?"

Declan swallowed hard, struggling against her sweet allure. "Sorry."

The simplicity of his apology stung, and Hailey felt a surge of frustration. Was he saying he didn’t want her?

Declan remained silent.

Hailey leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of vulnerability and playfulness. "Why don’t you like me? Am I not pretty enough? Not gentle enough? Not obedient enough? Tell me, and I’ll change."

Declan instinctively tried to pull her hand away from his neck, but Hailey kept it firmly in place.

"Declan, I like you," she whispered.

Declan could only stand there in silence. Hailey was bold and determined, clearly set on winning him over. The desire that Declan had just managed to push aside reignited within him. At that very moment, a bright light shone through, and the elevator doors opened.

"You're in now," the technician said with a friendly smile.

Hailey quickly withdrew her hand, releasing Declan. He turned to step out. But then, something soft brushed against his palm—it was Hailey’s hand, reaching out to take his. Hailey held his hand firmly. Declan hesitated for a brief moment.

The technician noticed and smiled. "Are you a couple? You look awfully sweet together."

Hailey immediately replied, "Yes, he's my boyfriend!"

Declan felt his frustration build. The two exited the hotel, and Declan hailed a taxi. Hailey followed and climbed in beside him.

He glanced at her. "I'm heading home. Why are you coming with me?"

"I'm going to take care of you. Didn't you say you were duped and could use help?" Hailey said.

Declan’s tone was terse as he asked, "Do you even know how to help me?"

"You can teach me. I’m a quick learner," Hailey replied. Her almond-shaped eyes were captivating, the contrast of black and white in them giving off an innocent allure.

Declan recalled that Hailey had once been engaged. Without thinking, he blurted, "Didn't your ex ever teach you?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he instantly regretted them. It was in his nature to pry, and he couldn’t understand why he had even asked.

Hailey didn’t dwell on it and answered nonchalantly, "Don't mention that jerk. Nothing ever happened between us. We didn’t even hold hands."

At her response, Declan turned his head, his eyes shifting to the window.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the familiar, worn-down neighborhood and stepped inside Declan’s home. Just then, Pamela zinged, "Declan, you're back?"

Chapter 416