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THE UNMASKED

This day couldn’t be more exhausting to Hailey. Countless of interviews were still chasing after her despite her statement. In addition, the company was also on fire of a fuss because of the conference with the reporters. And just every hassle just kept on piling up, even now, that she’s already in her condominium.

“You haven’t explained yourselves about your apparent relationship with Troye.” Her mother muttered.

Hailey smirked and said, “you think that’s what matters now than what I just found out, mom?”

“Why did you have to hide the truth from me? Why are you making me believe in the thing that actually didn’t happen? Mother, a person just died!”

“I didn’t know that you would care.” Theresa said without remorse. “After all, you are not at fault. It was a suicide, it’s not like you killed her.” She muttered as though as easy to swallow.

Hailey furrowed her brows at her mother, and went on silent for a few moments. And then she stood straight, and lifelessly looked at Theresa’s eyes. She let out a faint chuckle when a realization struck.

“It’s for the goddamn company, right?” her mom didn’t respond, instead, she looked away from Hailey’s gazes. “I knew it. Again, you do reckless things just for this property—”

“And for you!” Theresa’s voice drowned her, but Hailey just shook her head at her.

Silence once again ensued, ‘til Hailey let out her unfiltered feeling. “I don’t know how long could I still endure this, mom.” She almost murmured with her eyes surprisingly burning a tear. Hailey turned her back to go upstairs.

“Where’s Troye?” Theresa’s authoritative voice halted her.

Meanwhile, Troye is now on his way to Hailey’s condominium from meeting with Luke. Having these things happened today, especially the revelation of the case, Troye couldn’t help but to feel bothered. He had said the truth right in front of the media, but a thing still bothers him.

He did tell the truth, but he also hid one thing together with Hailey at the same time.

Although, it was a good way of diverting the media’s attention from that one statement to Hailey’s apology.

“She did it on purpose…” Troye murmured, somehow disappointed that Hailey could have mean what she said, even just a tiny bit of sincerity.

His introspection was interrupted when, as soon as he parked the car in the building, he received a call from Inspector Ryan. He frowned for a moment before answering it.

“Yes, sir?”

“I’m so sorry for this, Troye, but you will be taking into a disciplinary action tomorrow.” Inspector Ryan’s’ voice hinted with forlorn. Troye was confused for a moment, but then, a realization was dawned into him.

“It’s alright, inspector. You didn’t have to say sorry.” Troye replied as brightly as he could, enough not to worry the other line.

He had expected this. After all, he used his former title, and even sneaked into the archive area of evidences. He couldn’t escape from the consequence of making a rash action.

“Don’t worry. Since you have contributed a lot during your time, the higher-ups are currently having a meeting to conclude your disciplinary action.” The inspector followed, assuring him. Troye just smiled as though as he can see it.

Their conversation ended briefly, and Troye went out of the car. But he halted mid-way when he was greeted by the cold aura of Theresa. Slowly, he closed the door of his car and stood beside.

“You still have the guts to come here, I see…” she greeted to him. “Because of your alleged relationship with Hailey, many of our investors has been disappointed. And I couldn’t bear with that.” She added.

“I didn’t mean it, ma’am. I apologize.” Troye simply said. He wanted to explain further about that matter, but he sensed that it will be of no use as he talks to the mother of his boss.

Theresa blew air through her nose. “I’m warning you, Troye, don’t you dare lay a hand on my daughter. She deserves the best and it’s not you, keep that in mind.” Theresa remarked with emphasis. “I am going to let it slide for now, but if you were to do something like that again or worse, then you should prepare for the worst.” The lady warned her and instantly headed her way to the red colored car.

But she suddenly stopped half-way and said, “But one more thing,” she faced him again. “How were you still in touch with that case? Aren’t you out of the police force already?” menace can be hinted in the tone, but Troye remained steady and didn’t respond her.

“This is your last warning. Stop ticking your nose to the things that is out of your business.” She said and went off.

Troye heaved a sigh. As soon as the car flew away out of his sight, he also paced his way heading to Hailey’s condo.

And the gloomy silence in the lounge greeted him, with only led lights on. For a moment, he stood there, trying to read the mood that may have happened between the mother and daughter, and ran his gazes upstairs.

“Well, it’s not my business.” He whispered and headed toward his room.

On the other hand, Hailey immediately got up from the sofa upstairs upon hearing the clicking sound of the door. She went toward the rails of the staircase, just to see Troye standing there. But she instantly was caught off-guard when he suddenly gazed towards her direction, prompting her to hide.

“Wait, why am I hiding?” she asked herself upon the confusion. She returned her gazes beneath only to see Troye pacing his way toward his room. She let out a sigh.

Believe it or not, she pretty had a reflection regarding the event that happened today. She almost couldn’t swallow that fact, but for some reason, there’s a tingling feeling in the depth of her heart that made her meant those statements she said in front of the media.

However, in return, her confrontation with her mother tonight unlocked her past trauma.

Hailey leaned on the wall and stared at the ceiling. A few moments after, she decided to go to the terrace. The gentle cold wind greeted her skin, with the moonlight from above sparkled on her eyes.

“Is it great up there… dad?” Hailey flashed a crestfallen smile.

“I missed you already…” the usual fiery voice of hers instantly faded, replacing it with a soft one.

“For how long do I have to stay this way…? Dad, everything has been draining.” Her voice cracked, and the mask that she had been wearing had entirely fallen.

“This is not the life that I wanted for myself, dad…”

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