Page 20 of Betrayed By the Alpha

"Elizabeth, help us find the perfect dress."

"Ooh, what's the occasion?" Elizabeth asked curiously.

"A date. The Mayor has invited Hayley to attend the biannual moon festival," Elena spoke for Hayley. “So, we are here to find the most beautiful dress that no one has ever worn. She must look dazzling and expensive."

"Just dazzling would be fine," Hayley spoke up quickly. She was struggling financially and didn't have access to her inheritance yet. She’d been living with the allowance her father had given her for a year and half now. She was slowly running out and didn't know how long the inheritance process would take. Hayley had to learn how to spend wisely. It didn't matter how dazzling she wanted to look. At the moment, she couldn't afford to spend a lot of money on just one night.

"And expensive!" Elizabeth added excitedly. "A new batch just came in. You will love it. It was brought in especially by the faeries. They were handmade and designed by the Queen herself"

"The Queen…" Hayley giggled nervously.

Hayley had no idea how time flew, but when they stepped out after they had gotten everything they needed, they were greeted by the afterglow of the sun.

"When did it get so late?” Elena asked as they walked over to Hayley's car. "We were in there for like five minutes."

"No, girl. A few hours," Hayley corrected.

"The best hours of my life," Elena exclaimed. Hayley chuckled and started up the car. She dropped Elena off at her apartment first before heading back to hers.

When she arrived, she was surprised to see a familiar car in her driveway. Zach was sitting on the stairs leading up to the entrance of her house. He was dressed in all black. He raised his head when he heard her approaching.

Hayley was instantly worried. Zach looked tired. She had never seen him in that state before. His hair was packed up in a tight bun, but few strands had escaped the hold and now fell over his face. He stood up when he saw her. "Zach, what are you doing here?" she questioned, walking up to him.

"Greta said you went out with Elena. I wanted to see you to talk. I need to talk to you."

Hayley wondered just how long he had been sitting there. His eyes looked really tired."T-talk? Now?"

"That's if I'm not disturbing you."

Hayley was about to let him know that he wasn't disturbing her, but she caught sight of Greta, watching them from the balcony. Hayley remembered the conversation she had with her the previous night. They hadn't spoken since as she left for Elena’s early in the morning. "I’ve been out since quite early, Zach. I want nothing more than to go get a good rest. I’m exhausted."

He nodded, placing his hands in his pocket. "I understand. Sleep well, Hayley."

"Wait, Zach." She stopped him before he could leave."I think it's best to just forget that the kiss happened. Let's just focus on what we had planned, it will be easier for both of us."

"I understand," he said.

"Yeah. Well, goodnight," she said. She walked away, and although she knew he was watching her, she didn't look back, not until she was inside the house.

Chapter 10 - Zach

Zach knew for sure his mind was messing with him when Hayley stepped out. It wasn’t just because of how ethereal she looked. It was the dress she had on. It was a dress like the one she had worn in his dream. On her hair sat a golden flower crown. "I know the golden crown makes me look silly, but it came with the dress. It was really expensive, so it had to be worn," she explained.

"You don’t look silly, Hayley."

"Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself" She chuckled. "I have never seen you in such a formal suit before."

Zach himself couldn’t remember the last time he wore one. He rarely attended events and always sent Ryder or Tolliver to stand in for him."I bet you the ladies are going to be envious. I’ve got the most handsome man by my side." She winked at him as she walked past.

Francisco and Benny were right, he really was a fool for rejecting her. He was more a fool for believing Bruce.

"Zach. Are you ready?" she asked him when she got to the car. "We don’t want to get there after the food is gone. The world is a hard place."

He then led her out to the car, pulling the door open for her. When she was settled, he hurried to the other side and got in."How do you feel?" he asked her while he started up the car.

Her voice was filled with anticipation as she exclaimed, "I can't wait for the festival!" Hayley's eyes widened in awe as they walked into the vibrant scene. "Wow," she gasped, taking in the breathtaking sight.

The festival grounds were a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, bustling with people and activities. The scent of delicious food wafted through the air, luring them deeper into the festivities. Hayley couldn't help but think it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

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