The One She Loved to Hate

Hailey got it instantly.

If Nolan was dumb enough to buy her lies, he wouldn't have spent years playing the humble outsider, worming his way into her family—or dated the daughter of the man he hated most.

Somewhere in the middle of her thoughts, he moved.

By the time she blinked, he was right in front of her.

He grabbed her chin, shoving her face toward the acid-burned mess on his arm.

"I took acid for you. And this is how you repay me?" he sneered, dragging out the name. "Classic Hart."

Hailey shrank back without thinking.

The door creaked open, and she finally got a good look at the woman—the one who owned the dog.

Vanessa Decker. Nolan's latest actress obsession.

She waltzed in, all fake sweetness. "Ms. Hart, I'm sooo sorry. Mike didn't mean to bite. He just likes bones. Maybe you're a little too skinny—he got confused."

She whipped out a crusty old bone from behind her back.

"See? With this, he won't bite you again."

Sure enough, the pit bull lit up, snatched the bone, and trotted over to Vanessa and Nolan.

It flopped down in the corner, chewing with sharp teeth—crunch, crunch—like it was tearing something alive.

The sound made Hailey's skin crawl.

"Ew, Mike. You like crematorium bones too? Guess I'm not kissing you anymore."

Thud!

Something cracked in Hailey's head.

She took off, leg screaming, but she didn't stop.

In the living room—

Her father's urn... was on the floor, tossed like trash.

Tears streamed silently as she dropped to her knees and grabbed it.

She thought her heart had died eight years ago.

Turns out, that was nothing compared to this.

"Hailey, you lied to me. You had to know this day was coming."

Nolan's voice echoed behind her.

He just stood there, watching her fall apart like it meant nothing.

Then—smack!—a sharp slap lit up his face.

"Nolan!" Vanessa ran over, cradling his cheek.

Nolan shoved Vanessa off.

Then his hand shot out, grabbing Hailey by the arm. His eyes burned red—just like the pit bull's.

Hailey's were just as red now, blazing with hate.

She blinked fast, fighting the tears. No way she'd let him see her break.

"You piece of trash," she spat.

Nolan let out a cold, twisted laugh.

He dragged her outside, ripped off his tie, and bound her wrists before shoving her into the car.

As the streets grew more familiar, Hailey started shaking.

"Stop! I said stop!"

She kicked the back of his seat with her good leg, but he didn't even blink. He drove like he was possessed.

They pulled up to a rehab hospital.

When she wouldn't budge, he slung her over his shoulder and stormed in.

Her whole body trembled. Regret clawed at her chest.

She never should've pushed him.

The guy was unhinged.

He didn't pause, didn't speak—just stormed straight into Amelia's room like he'd done it a hundred times.

One hard kick, and the door slammed open.

Then he threw Hailey onto the second bed.

She screamed and fought, but he tore at her clothes, burying his face in her chest.

The shock hit first. Then came the shame.

Nolan leaned over her, sneering.

"Your dad raped my mom. Now I've taken you—right in front of your mom. That intense enough for you?"