Chapter 11 Chapter 11
Hailey’s POV
My jaw clenched so tight I thought my teeth might crack as Sophia basked in the attention, her laugh ringing out above the music like nails on a chalkboard.
“I need a drink,” I muttered, turning away before I did something I’d regret.
I pushed through the crowd, trying to find a quiet corner where I could down something strong and pretend Sophia didn’t exist.
Finally, I found a spot near the back bar, away from the chaos. I leaned against the counter and signaled the bartender.
“Vodka,” I said. “Straight.”
He poured it without question, and I downed it in one gulp, welcoming the burn.
“Damn, girl,” a voice slurred beside me. “You drink like that, you must be looking for a good time.”
I turned to see a guy leaning way too close, his breath reeking of cheap beer and bad decisions. His eyes were glazed, and he had that cocky, drunken grin that made my skin crawl.
“How about we get out of here?” he said, his hand reaching for my waist. “Find somewhere private where we can, you know, bang.”
Disgust rolled through me like a tidal wave.
I stepped back, shoving his hand away. “Not interested.”
“Come on, don’t be like that,” he slurred, trying to lean in again.
“I said no,” I snapped, turning away.
He mumbled something under his breath, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get away from him.
I wove through the crowd, my head spinning slightly from the vodka, and I bumped into someone.
“Watch where you’re going,” a sharp voice hissed.
I looked up, and my stomach dropped.
Sophia.
She was surrounded by her usual entourage, all of them holding drinks and laughing like they owned the world.
“Oh, it’s you,” she said, her eyes narrowing. “Who the hell invited the wench?”
My fists clenched at my sides. “I was invited, just like everyone else.”
“By who?” she sneered. “The janitor?”
Her friends laughed, and the sound grated against my already frayed nerves.
“Watch your mouth, Sophia,” I warned, my voice low and dangerous.
She stepped closer, her smile turning venomous. “Or what? What are you going to do, Hailey? Cry? Run away like you always do?”
“Try me,” I said through gritted teeth.
Her smile widened, and I saw the challenge in her eyes. “You really think you’re brave, don’t you? Standing here like you actually matter.”
“I’m warning you…”
“You’re warning me?” she laughed, loud and mocking. “That’s rich.”
Before I could respond, she grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked hard.
Pain shot through my scalp as she shoved me backward, and before I could recover, she grabbed a bottle of red wine from a nearby table and poured it over my head.
The cold liquid drenched me instantly, soaking my hair, my dress, everything.
Gasps erupted around us as the crowd turned to watch.
For a second, I just stood there, dripping in wine, my chest heaving with rage.
And then something inside me snapped.
My hand connected with her cheek in a deafening slap that echoed through the room.
Sophia stumbled back, her hand flying to her face, her eyes wide with shock.
“You bitch!” she screamed, lunging at me.
But before she could reach me, Benita was there, grabbing me and pulling me back.
“Hailey, stop!” she shouted.
Other people rushed in, pulling Sophia away as she thrashed and screamed.
“Let me go! Let me at her!”
“She’s not worth it, Hailey,” Benita said urgently, holding me back. “She’s not worth it.”
But I didn’t care. I was done being her punching bag.
Within seconds, security arrived, pushing through the crowd.
“What’s going on here?” one of them barked.
“She attacked me!” Sophia cried, pointing at me with a trembling hand. “She slapped me for no reason!”
“That’s a lie,” I shot back. “She poured wine on me first!”
But the security guard wasn’t listening. His eyes flicked between me and Sophia, and I saw the decision written all over his face.
Sophia was popular. Sophia had connections.
And I was nobody.
“You,” he said, pointing at me. “Out. Now.”
“What?” I stared at him in disbelief. “She started it!”
“I don’t care,” he said coldly. “You’re done here.”
“This is ridiculous,” Benita argued, stepping forward. “She didn’t do anything wrong!”
“Miss, if you don’t want to be thrown out too, I suggest you step back,” the guard warned.
Benita looked at me, her expression torn.
“It’s fine,” I said quietly, my voice hollow. “Just stay. Enjoy the party.”
“Hailey….”
“I’m serious,” I interrupted. “I don’t want to ruin your night.”
Before she could argue further, I turned and walked toward the exit, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed me.
The guard escorted me to the door and practically shoved me outside.
The cool night air hit me like a slap, and I stood there for a moment, dripping in wine, my dress ruined, my hair a sticky mess.
I pulled out my phone and tried to order a ride, but my hands were shaking so badly I could barely type.
Behind me, I heard the door open.
“Hailey, wait!” Benita called out.
But I didn’t stop. I couldn’t face her right now.
I walked down the sidewalk, my heels clicking against the pavement, my vision blurred with tears I refused to let fall.
I was halfway down the street when a car pulled up beside me.
I didn’t look at first, assuming it was just someone leaving the party.
But then the window rolled down, and a tattooed driver leaned out.
“Get in,” he said.
I froze, my heart leaping into my throat.
“I didn’t order a ride,” I said, my voice shaking.
“Doesn’t matter,” he said. “Boss wants you in the car.”
Boss?
Before I could process what that meant, the back door opened.
And Damien stepped out.
He stood there, hands in his pockets, his dark eyes locked on me.
“Get in,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Now.”
I stared at him, my mind racing.
Every instinct told me to run.
But my legs wouldn’t move.
“Hailey,” he said again, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Get in the car.”
I swallowed hard, my hands trembling as I looked between him and the open door.