Chapter 67
“Birds of a feather”
Miles POV:
“Haha!” I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard someone laughing out.
“Who must that be?” I said as I turned back to see whom it was and behold it was Ann, Hailey’s friend.
“Heard you are trying to bring my friend down?” See asked me.
“Oh… so you are an ally now?” I was surprised.
“You think I am going to see my friend suffer without saying a word!” Ann told me.
Ann, Hailey’s friend, walks up to me with a smug expression and says,
Miles, I could not help but overhear your little pep talk to yourself. And let me tell you, it is adorable that you think you can take down Hailey. But let us be real, you’re no match for her.” Ann said as I raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, you heard me!” Ann replied on seeing my countenance.
“There is no way Hailey is going to be bigger than me.” I barked at her.
“For goodness’ sake. I am Miles Jordan! I made Hailey. I made her.” I screamed on top of my voice.
“Can you hear yourself?” Ann said chuckling.
“You know nothing Miles… you mean you can win the both of us? You lie!” Ann told me sternly.
“She has been playing this game for years, and you’re just a rookie. You think you are strong enough to take her on? Please. Ann said as she waved her hands.
” Hailey will chew you up and spit you out. She will make you look like a fool in front of everyone. And when she’s done with you, you’ll be left with nothing but a shattered ego, a broken heart and a lost career!” Ann revealed.
“So, if I was in your shoes. I would not even dare!” She told me.
I took a long stare at Ann with a mixture of anger and frustration, but Ann would not stop, and she kept on saying.
“You think you know Hailey, but you don’t. She is a master manipulator, and she has been using you from the very beginning. She’s been playing on your emotions, using your insecurities against you. And you fell for it hook, line, and sinker. You are just a pawn in her game, Miles. And pawns are always the first to get sacrificed.” Ann said staring deep into my eyes.
“You know what!” I tried to respond, but Ann interrupts.
“And don’t even get me started on your little plan to expose her. Hailey has too many secrets, too many tricks up her sleeve. She’ll ruin your reputation before you even get a chance to make a move. She’ll make you look like a jealous ex-boyfriend who can’t get over her. And no one will believe you. You will be the one who looks like a fool, not her.” Ann ranted.
“You’re in over your head, Miles. You’re swimming with sharks, and you don’t even know it. Hailey is a predator, and she’ll eat you alive. You need to walk away now, while you still can. Because if you keep playing this game, you’ll end up getting hurt. Badly.” Ann smirks and takes a step closer to me.
“Ann, I know you’re trying to protect Hailey, but please, you have to help me. I know she’s been manipulating me, but I can’t seem to break free. She has this hold on me, and I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m trapped in this toxic relationship, and I don’t know how to escape.” Feeling tired and alone I begged Ann.
“What makes you think I’d help you, Miles? You’re just a pawn in Hailey’s game, remember?” Ann raises an eyebrow, surprised by my vulnerability.
“Because, despite everything, I still care about Hailey. And I know she’s not beyond redemption. If you help me, Ann, maybe we can both help Hailey see the error of her ways and change her behavior. Maybe we can all move forward and heal from this toxic cycle.” I tried to make her understand.
Ann looks at me with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, seemingly weighing her options.
“Believe me!” I concluded expecting the best.
“Meet me at the coffee shop on 5th Street tomorrow at 2 PM, Miles. And come alone.” Ann said all of a sudden.
I was a little bit skeptical about going to the coffee shop, but since o accepted the invite, I had to be there.
On getting to the coffee shop, I saw Ann sitting at the corner, sipping on a latte.
“Thank God!” I muttered because I felt nervous before spotting Ann and joining her.
“So, Miles, I know you’re trying to take down Hailey. But you’re going about it the wrong way.” Ann asked as soon as we got settled.
“What do you mean? I’m just trying to expose her for who she is.” I replied confused on what she had to say.
“You’re playing right into her hands. She wants you to think you’re fighting back, but really, you’re just falling into her trap.” Ann disagreed.
“What are you talking about? What trap?” I whispered.
“Hailey has a plan, Miles. And it involves destroying you and everyone else who gets in her way. You need to be careful.” Ann said as she leaned closer.
“I can handle it. I’m not afraid of her.” I told her confidently.
“That is exactly what she wants you to think. But trust me, Miles. You are in over your head. You need to back off before it’s too late.” Ann explained.
“Oh shit!” O exclaimed as I watched Kayla walk into the coffee shop.
“What!” Ann asked and looked her way.
“You know her?” She asked me.
As they continue talking, Kayla also spotted us sitting together. Her expression darkens, and she quickly turns around and leaves, thinking she has not been noticed by us.
“Oh, now I understand!” I muttered seeing Veronica beside her.
Meanwhile, Veronica, who has been watching from across the room, gets up and approaches is.
“Ann, I need to talk to you. Now.” She said firmly.
“Veronica, what’s going on?” Ann asked him.
“You’re helping him, aren’t you? You’re helping Miles try to take down Hailey.” Veronica said angrily.
“No, Veronica, I’m just trying to-” I said calmly when she interrupted.
“No, Ann. You’re making a mistake. You’re going to get hurt if you keep playing with fire. Hailey is not someone to be trifled with.” She said.
“Veronica, what’s your problem? Why are you always defending Hailey?” Ann asked her.
“My problem is that you’re blinded by your own ego, Miles. You think you can take down Hailey, but you have no idea what you’re up against. She will destroy you, and everyone else who gets in her way.” Veronica said and I ignored.
“Veronica, that’s enough. You’re not going to threaten us.” Ann stopped her.
“Oh, I’m not threatening you. I’m warning you. And if you don’t listen, you’ll regret it.” She said and walked off.
Veronica then, storms out of the coffee shop, leaving us wondering what’s to come next.