Chapter 3
Hailey felt a wave of disgust as she looked at Alyssa’s indifferent face. All the things Hailey had schemed and fought tooth. and nail for, Alyssa treated like they were worth nothing.
But Hailey was sure of one thing: there had to be something that could crack Alyssa’s icy facade. She just hadn’t found it yet.
She glared at Alyssa for what felt like forever, then finally, a sly smile tugged at her lips. Her voice was sweet, but her words cut like a knife. “You wanna know how your dad died? My dad fucked with his car. That day, he faked a stomach ache so your dad would have to drive himself. That’s why he crashed and burned.”
Alyssa’s face finally showed something–rage mixed with a flash of despair. She glared at Hailey, her voice trembling. “What the fuck did you just say?”
Seeing Alyssa’s reaction, Hailey felt a thrill run through her. She pressed on, enjoying every second. “Oh yeah, he died real. bad. His body was so messed up. A real tragedy, huh? Oh, but you weren’t even there, were you? You were off on some business trip, kissing ass to get a project for Sean’s company. Didn’t even give a shit to say goodbye to your own dad. Some fucking daughter you are.
Hailey’s laughter grew louder, more mocking, her words dripping with scorn. And you know what’s really hilarious? Before his body was even cold, you were busy setting up your mom with my dad. Your mom took every cent your dad had, married my dad, and then handed it all over to us, me and him. Think your dad’s turning over in his grave, cursing your name?”
Alyssa heard the words and felt her fingers dig into the floor, nails breaking, blood pooling, but she didn’t notice.
Regret burned through her like acid. She hated herself for bringing Hailey into Endale City, for letting a viper into her home, and causing Mateo’s death.
She had lived under a cloud her whole life, only meeting Mateo when she turned seventeen. Before that, she had been raised by her aunt in a small town while her mom struggled as a single parent. Those were tough, ugly years–bullied and. lonely. Back then, Hailey had been a rare bright spot, giving her food and clothes, standing beside her when bullies came around, offering a little bit of comfort in the darkness.
Later, when she moved back to the bustling Endale City, Hailey’s mother had already died. Alyssa had begged Mateo to bring Hailey and her dad over, even set him up with a job as their driver.
And now, in her mind, she kept repeating the same words over and over. “This is all my fault. I killed my dad
She closed her eyes for a moment, deep in thought, then opened them again, her gaze filled with confusion and pain. “Why? Wasn’t my dad good to you?”
Hailey scoffed, a cold smile spreading across her face, full of sarcasm and indifference. “Good to me? So fucking what? It was nothing but charity from someone who thinks they’re better than me. Just like those old clothes and leftover scraps I gave you back in the village–just to feed my own damnn ego. If he really cared about me, why would he buy you a fucking house while giving me absolutely nothing?”
Alyssa suddenly broke into a laugh, a wild, desperate sound. At that moment, she finally saw it–all that supposed warmth and protection had been nothing but fake, hollow generosity.
Seeing Alyssa’s tears, Hailey’s voice took on a fake, almost mocking sympathy as she gently stroked Alyssa’s face, wiping away her tears with her fingertips. “God, you really are pathetic. But I love seeing you like this–so weak, so helpless. Just like back in the village when you had nothing and no one but me…
Hailey laughed harder, doubling over, then leaned in close to Alyssa’s ear, her voice dropping to a low, sinister whisper. Alyssa, don’t blame me. It’s your perfect fucking life that made me hate you. I just want you to know the truth before your die. In your next life, learn to watch your back and don’t let anyone fuck you over so easily. If you miss your dear daddy, go find him. And as for your perfect life… I’ll be the one to enjoy every bit of it.
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Chapter 4