Chapter 66
Shocked!
Miles POV:
That is the only way to describe how I feel right now. I can’t believe Hailey, my girlfriend, the woman I thought I knew, was behind all this. The scheme, the lies, the manipulation… it’s all just so… Hailey.
I knew her to be a hard-working woman… but this?
I keep thinking about all the times she told me she was working late, or that she was stressed about work. I had no idea she was using that time to plot against some other people.
And Chris, her new victim… poor guy has no idea what he’s gotten himself into.
I can’t help but wonder what else she is lied about. Was our whole relationship just a sham? Was she using me for my fame and fortune too? I think back to all the times she would complement me on my performances or show up at my events. Was it all just a ploy to get closer to me?
I feel like such a fool. I thought I knew her, but I guess I did not know her at all. I keep thinking about all the red flags I ignored. The way she would get defensive when I asked her about work, the way she would dismiss my concerns. I thought she was just stressed or overwhelmed, but now I realize she was hiding something.
I need some time to process this. I need some time to think. Maybe I will talk to a friend. Maybe I will just take a long walk and try to clear my head. I need to figure out what to do next. Do I confront her? Do I end the relationship? Do I try to help her get help.
Damn! I have never been like this my whole life.
One thing’s for sure, though. I can’t just sit back and do nothing. I need to take action. I need to protect myself, and others, from Hailey’s toxic behavior. But for now… I just need some time to think. Some time to try and make sense of it all.
I keep thinking about the times we laughed together, the times we shared our hopes and dreams. Was it all just a lie? Was she just using me the whole time? I can’t help but wonder what else she’s capable of. And that is what scares me the most.
“Hailey, what’s going on? I just found out about your scheme. The lies, the manipulation…” I asked her with a shock and anger laced on disappointment.
“And who is Chris?” I asked her.
“You have never said anything about him… ever since I met you.” I inquired.
“Oh. Chris. He was my ex!” Hailey said.
“Ex!” I said in shock.
“He was not really one… we just had a thing together!” Hailey stuttered.
“You are surprising, Hailey… but I think we will talk about that later.” I told her.
“So, what has he done to deserve all of this from you.” I asked with concern.
“Oh, Miles. Why are you acting naive? You act like you have no idea what it takes to succeed in this world.” Hailey said smirking.
“That is not an excuse for your behavior, Hailey. You have hurt people, damaged relationships… all for your own gain.” I chided her.
“Please, Miles. You are not going to lecture me on morality, are you? You are a celebrity, for crying out loud. You know how the game is played and stop acting like you are better!” Hailey replied rolling her eyes.
“That may be true, but I have never resorted to manipulation and lies to get ahead. And I certainly would not use my relationship with someone to further my own interests.” I made her realize.
“Oh, poor Miles. You really are so innocent. You think our relationship was ever about anything more than convenience and mutual benefit?” Hailey said laughing hysterically.
“That is not true, Hailey. I thought we had something real.” I was heartbroken.
“You wanted to believe it, Miles. And I let you. It was easier that way.” Those words made my heart cut into two.
“You used me, Hailey. And now you are going to pay price!” I threatened her.
“Oh, I am shaking in my boots, Miles.” Hailey mocked me.
“What are you going to do? Break up with me? Please, do. It will just add to my victim narrative.” She said now seriously.
“I will do more than that, Hailey. I will make sure everyone knows the truth about you. And I will make sure you face the consequences of your actions.” I said.
“You think you are so much better than me, don’t you? But you are just as guilty, Miles. You’re just as guilty of using people for your own gain.” Hailey fired at me.
“That is not true, Hailey. And even if it was, it would not justify what you have done.” I barked at her.
“Justify it? You want to talk about justification? You are the one who has been using me for your own publicity, your own image. You are the one who is been pretending to be something you are not.” Hailey retorted.
“Or do you think that I do not know the reason, you gave that role the first time, you saw… it was because you wanted me to be humiliated.” Hailey yelled.
“Didn’t you?” She asked.
“That is not fair, Hailey. And you know it.” I said broken.
“Maybe not, but it’s the truth. And you can’t handle the truth, can you, Miles?” Hailey asked me.
“I can handle the truth just fine, Hailey. And the truth is, you’re a manipulative, lying, scheming person. And I am done with you.” I told her as she started clapping.
“You ate your role even though this is not a movie scene!” Hailey said.
“Oh, Miles. You’re so dramatic. But I suppose it is fitting, given your profession.” She scoffed.
“I’m not going to engage in this conversation anymore, Hailey. I’m done with you. And I’m going to make sure everyone knows the truth about you.” I added as I found my way.
“Oh, I’m shaking in my boots, Miles. Do your worst.” Hailey said.
I have had enough of her lies and manipulation. I’m not going to let her get away with this. I’m going to take control of the situation and protect myself and others from her toxic behavior. I’m not going to be a victim anymore. I’m going to stand up for myself and fight back. I’m going to expose her for what she is and make sure she can’t hurt anyone else. I’m strong enough to do this. I’m capable enough to do this. And I’m going to do it.
I am not going to let her play on my emotions anymore. I’m not going to let her make me feel guilty or responsible for her actions. I’m not going to let her manipulate me into staying in this toxic relationship. I’m going to break free from her grasp and start fresh. I’m going to surround myself with people who truly care about me and support me. I’m going to find someone who loves me for who I am, not for what they can get from me.
I’m going to take back control of my life and my happiness. I’m going to make sure that I’m treated with the respect and kindness that I deserve. I’m going to make sure that I’m not taken advantage of again. I’m going to be strong and resilient. I’m going to be brave and courageous. And I’m going to do it all without her.