Chapter 887
Hailey didn’t say anything. Honestly, she didn’t know what she could say.
Then, Jonah spoke in a flat, detached voice. “Let’s go.”
Joanne nodded. “Okay.”
Jonah looked at Celine. “Dr Tate, we’ll be heading out.”
Celine replied, “Goodbye, Mr. Pilsner.”
Jonah left with Joanne, Justin, and the others.
Hailey watched Jonah’s figure as he walked away. Her heart ached, like a knife had pierced it, and the pain just wouldn’t stop.
Celine looked at her with concern. “Hailey, are you okay?”
Hailey shook her head. “I’m fine, Celine.”
Lester chimed in, “Hailey, didn’t you always want to do some further studies at our university? I pulled some strings and got you a spot. Do you want to take it?”
Lester was a professor at a top-tier university, and he had managed to get Hailey into a program.
Lately, her fashion design work hadn’t been too demanding. She had been thinking about getting a change of scenery, to take her mind off the heartbreak Jonah had left behind. Going back to school really did sound like the best option.
Hailey brightened up. “Lester, thank you. I’d love to.”
Lestor nodded. “Alright. I’ll pick you up tomorrow and we’ll go to campus together.”
Hailey quickly said, “Lester, I’ll go on my own. You’re a professor, and we should keep a little professional distance. Otherwise, people will say I got in through the back door.”
Lester laughed. “Fair enough. I’ll go have my dinner, then.”
“See you, Lester.”
With that, he left.
Celine watched him go. “Hailey, I think Prof. Larden really likes you.”
They were all adults. Celine could tell Lester had feelings for Hailey. Back
in crisis
when the Lamberts wove on
Lester had even made a move on her, but Hailey had turned him down.
Hailey said, “Celine, I don’t have any romantic feelings for him.”
“I figured. You’re always keeping your distance from him. He’s a smart guy. He’s probably picked up on that.”
Hailey found it comfortable being around Lester. He was intelligent, respectful, and knew where boundaries
were.
“Celine, come on, let’s go eat.”
“Hailey, have you thought about what comes next? Are you really going to raise this baby on your own?”
Hailey placed her hand on her lower belly. Every time she thought about the little life growing inside her, her mood lifted. It was like the pain. lasing Jonah was being replaced by this tiny, budding joy.
“Celine, I don’t plan on getting married. I’ll raise the baby myself. I think that’s a good life.”
Celine completely respected her decision. “That’s fine. This baby’s going to have me as a godmother and Bella as her big sister.”
Hailey nodded. “Exactly! Let’s go eat, Celine.”
“Yeah.”
Hailey and Celine headed to a private dining room and started their meal. Midway through, Hailey got up to use the restroom.
She stood at the sink, splashing cold water on her face. Just then, the door creaked open. Someone came in. Hailey looked up and saw the familiar reflection in the mirror. It was Joanne.
Joanne walked up beside her and started washing her hands. “Ms. Hailey, fancy seeing you here. What a coincidence. I just came to wash up.”
Hailey curled her lips slightly. “Ms. Lilton, there’s no one else around. Who are you putting on this act for? I’m guessing you saw me come. here and followed me. You’re probably just here to show off your small win to someone who lost.