Desired By Three Alphas; Fated To One novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Not A Slut

Hailee’s POV

After taking a warm bath, I collapsed on my bed, thinking about the drastic turn of events in my life, when suddenly, a text message popped up on my phone.

It was Callum.

Callum: Hey. How did the talk with Nathan go?

I stared at the message for a second, then typed back:

Me: It went okay. He agreed.

A pause. Then another buzz.

Callum: That’s good. Can I call you? Just for a minute?

I sighed and rubbed my eyes.

Me: I’m really sleepy, Cal. Can we talk tomorrow?

Callum: Alright. Goodnight. Sleep well.

Me: *Night :) *

I had barely set the phone down before it buzzed again.

Dane.

Dane: Are you really okay?

I hesitated, but replied:

Me: Yeah. I’m okay. Just tired. Goodnight, Dane.

Dane: Goodnight, Hailee.

I tried to relax... but peace didn’t come. Because right on cue, another message popped up.

Nathan.

Nathan: Did you get home safely?

Me: Yeah. I’m home. Just tired. Goodnight.

I placed the phone aside again and pulled the blanket up.

But it rang.

Nathan was calling.

I immediately hit end.

Seconds later, another text lit up the screen.

Nathan: Don’t ignore me, Hailee. If you don’t pick up this call, I’ll be at your window in ten minutes.

I stared at the message, my frown deepening. Seriously?

The phone started buzzing again. This time, I didn’t hit decline. I answered, my voice tired and flat.

"Hello?"

There was a short silence on the other end, then Nathan’s voice—low and concerned. "What’s wrong with you?"

I swallowed, my throat suddenly tight. "I told you... I’m just tired."

"No," he said. "This is something else. You’re shutting down. Your responses to my texts seem off."

I bit my lip and looked away, even though he couldn’t see me.

"I’m fine, Nathan."

"You’re not," he said. "And I want to know why. What’s going on in your head, Hailee?"

"Nothing, Nathan... I’m just sleepy," I whispered, hoping he would believe my lies.

Nathan responded immediately. "Put on the camera... let’s talk on video call."

I frowned. "Nathan..."

He cut me off.

"If you don’t... I’ll be at your place in ten. The choice is yours."

I sighed, my fingers hesitating over the screen before finally tapping the video icon. The camera blinked to life.

Nathan was sitting on the edge of his bed, leaning forward slightly, his concerned eyes fixed on me. I was lying on my side, my hair still damp from the bath, my blanket pulled up to my chin.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. He didn’t ask questions. He didn’t scold me. He just... stared.

His gaze was steady, unreadable, but heavy enough to make my chest feel tight.

Finally, his voice broke the silence. "Your eyes..." he murmured softly, "they tell me everything I need to know. You’re not okay."

I swallowed hard, but couldn’t bring myself to answer.

"Please," he added gently. "Talk to me, Hailee."

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