“Snooker? Dude, this is a fancy party, not some run–down pool hall. If you’re here for games,


    you’re in the wrong ce,” Ron scoffed, tightening his grip on Brungs arm. “Let Go.”


    Bruno’s face flushed, clearly feeling the pain, but he still didn’t let go of me. Just then, a voice I’d


    know anywhere broke through the tension.


    “What’s going on here?” Hayden’s voice was low, dangerous, as he strode over, gaze locking onto


    Bruno’s hand on mine.


    Dressed in a sharp ck suit, he looked at Bruno with an intense, unreadable expression.


    Bruno stered on a smug grin. “Mr. Hart, I was just inviting this lovelydy to a little game, but


    she’s not exactly feeling friendly.”


    Hayden’s eyes flicked back to me, then pinned Bruno in ce. “And why should she be? His voice


    was ice. “Who are you, and who let you in?”


    Just as he said it, someone whispered in Hayden’s ear. He gave a quick nod. “Make an


    announcement,” he said firmly. “Remove this man and whoever he came with from the event.”


    Brunoughed, sneering. “You think you can throw me out? You’re just some street rat the Harts


    picked up. Who do you think you are?”


    Hayden didn’t flinch. He barely needed to. His security team closed in, but he held up a hand,


    stopping


    them.


    Bruno just smirked, throwing a smug look our way before he left. Right before disappearing, he


    gave me this annoying little whistle. “Keira, don’t think you’re off the hook for that game.”


    Ugh. Absolute worst.


    “What a total trash bag.” Ron muttered, his eyes darting to Hayden.


    Before I could say anything, Hayden turned and walked away.


    Ron watched him for a second, like he wanted to say something, but instead, he nced down at


    my wrist. “You’re red. Can you believe these creeps?” He took my hand gently, looking it over.


    “Does it hurt?” Then he blew softly on my wrist, and out of nowhere, I felt my nose sting, like I might


    start crying.


    Lately, I’d been all over the ce, emotions way too close to the surface. Anytime anyone showed


    me even a sliver of kindness, it hit way too hard.


    “That scumbag… if hees near you again, I’ll–Ron stopped, noticing my watery eyes. I quickly


    pulled my hand back, hiding it behind me.


    “I’m fine, really,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.


    “It’s my fault for bringing you here,” Ron muttered, guilt etched into his face.


    I shook my head, ncing around. “How much longer do we have to stay?”


    Thest ce I wanted to be was here, especially when Hayden had looked right through me like I


    didn’t


    matter.


    $25 BONUS


    “If you’re done, we’ll go,” Ron said, gentle as ever.


    I hadn’t known him that well before, but tonight he’d been nothing but attentive and kind


    As we made our way toward the exit, we had to pass through the main hall. And there he was–


    Hayden, up on stage with Chadwick Hart–the Hart family head and Kylian. Chadwick was mid–


    speech, hyping Hayden up to the whole crowd.


    The room broke into apuse, and Hayden gave a little nod.


    When I looked at him up there, he looked like a whole different person. Like, who was this guy?


    You know how people say that when someone gets rich and famous, they forget where they came


    from? Well, Hayden and I split ways right as he was rising up. And okay, maybe his new status


    wasn’t the reason we ended things, but the guy on that stage? He was light–years from the Hayden


    I used to know.


    Now he was a total powerhouse, admired by everyone. And me? I was just… me. The girl with no


    family who left the Johnstons with pretty much nothing.


    They say Cindere rises to the top and gets her prince. I guess I just crashed back down to earth.


    If he needed a reason to walk away from me, he’d definitely found one.


    “Not only is he ridiculously good–looking, but he’s got that power vibe, you know?” Ron whispered,


    totally starstruck.


    I forced a smile, pretending it didn’t sting. Just as I turned to leave, Chadwick’s voice echoed across


    the hall: “And we have one more joyous announcement tonight!”


    Someone in the crowd yelled, “Is this about an engagement?”


    I felt my heart drop, pulse racing as Hayden’s eyes flicked to mine from the stage.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    My breath hitched, and I clenched my hand, nails digging into my palm as I tried not to lose it.