THE BROWN'S RESIDENCE*

Hailey wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, her arms aching as she stirred the pot on fire. The rich aroma of stew filled the small kitchen, but she barely had time to breathe it in.

The washing machine rumbled in the corner, the sound mixing with the sizzle of frying plantains.

At the same time, she was scrubbing a plate with one hand, trying to keep up with the never-ending chores.

Her blouse clung to her damp skin, and her legs felt like they could give out at any moment.

She was tired, she has been working since she came back.

"Hailey!"

That was definitely Cecilia calling.

Hailey sighed, quickly rinsing her hands before stepping away from the sink. She didn't even get to rest before she was being summoned again.

"Yes, ma'am?" she called.

Cecilia appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed, eyes scanning Hailey from head to toe. A look of mild disgust crossed her face.

"Go to the store and get me some eggs and milk" Cecilia ordered, tossing a few crumpled bills onto the counter.

"And be quick about it. Dinner better not be ruined by the time you're back"

Hailey swallowed down her frustration, nodding.

"Yes, ma'am"

Without another word, Cecilia turned and walked off,

Hailey took a deep breath, pushing down the exhaustion weighing on her chest. She grabbed the money, wiped her hands on a rag, and headed for the door.

The night air was cool against her skin as she stepped outside, but it did little to ease the tightness in her chest.

She walked into the small convenience store and she quickly grabbed the eggs and a carton of milk, then she paid.

"That's all?" the cashier asked, barely looking up.

"Yes" Hailey murmured.

"Have a good night" they said flatly.

Hailey nodded, murmuring a quiet "thanks" before stepping out into the night.

She tightened her grip on the plastic bag, quickening her steps. Cecilia won't like it if she comes back late and again, she placed something on fire.

She was halfway down the sidewalk when she felt something.

Like someone was watching her.

Or worse...following her.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she glanced over her shoulder, but the street behind her was empty. The only sound was the distant hum of traffic from the main road..

She swallowed hard and picked up her pace, her fingers gripping the bag tighter.

Maybe she was imagining it.

Maybe it was just her nerves.

But the faster she walked, the heavier the feeling became.

Hailey barely made it a few more steps before a strong hand suddenly grabbed her arm, yanking her into a dark corner between two buildings.

Her breath hitched and she tried to scream but rough palm clamped over her mouth, muffling the sound.

Her wide eyes darted upward, heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears.

And then...a low, familiar voice sent a chill down her spine.

"Hello, princess?"

Her stomach dropped.

Xavier.

His grip was firm but not painful, his scent was a mix of smoke and something darkly intoxicating.

She struggled, her hands pushing at his chest, but he didn't budge.

Instead, his lips curled into a slow, lazy smirk as he leaned in just enough for her to feel his breath against her cheek.

"Scared?" he murmured, teasing.

She shook her head, though she wasn't sure if it was a denial or just a desperate attempt to make herself believe it.

Xavier chuckled, his thumb brushing against her jaw before he finally pulled his hand away from her mouth.

She gasped for air, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"What is wrong with you?" she snapped.

Xavier tilted his head, studying her.

"Many things, princess, but that's not why we're here, is it?"

Hailey took a step back, pressing herself against the cold brick wall.

"We're not here for anything. You just grabbed me like a psycho!"

His smirk widened. "Psycho? Cute. But I think we both know you're more curious than scared"

"You don't know anything about me"

Xavier took a step closer, effectively caging her in.

"Don't I? You're trembling, but you're not telling me to stop"

Hailey whimpered as Xavier's grip remained firm, his fingers pressing lightly against her waist. He didn't let her go.

"You know, princess, you shouldn't walk around this late... especially looking like this"

Hailey frowned, her brows knitting together. "Like what?"

Xavier chuckled, the sound low and almost sinful.

"Like something waiting to be devoured"

"W-What?"

His grip on her waist tightened for a brief second before he leaned in, his lips just inches from hers.

"You have no idea what you do to me, do you?"

Hailey's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly.

"I...I don't-"

"Those innocent looks again" he muttered almost to himself.

For a second, Hailey thought he might actually kiss her like she'd seen in movies, considering their proximity and position.

But instead, he exhaled slowly, his eyes on her.

Xavier's hand slid down, gripping her waist before trailing lower.

And then...a firm squeeze.

A shocked gasp left her lips, her body jerking instinctively.

Xavier's smirk only deepened as he watched her reaction, his fingers lingering, pressing.

"So damn soft" he muttered under his breath, almost like he was talking to himself.

"X...Xavier-"

He leaned in, his breath fanning over her ear.

"Better get used to my hands on you, princess"

Her heart pounded. She couldn't move, couldn't even think.

Just as quickly as he had grabbed her, Xavier pulled back, his smirk never fading.

"Innocent little thing. Wonder how much sweeter you'd sound moaning my name, makes me want to ruin you even more"

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving her breathless, confused... and completely rattled.

Hailey rushed home immediately, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Her grip tightened around the plastic bag in her hand, the carton of milk and eggs shifting with each hurried step.

She was late. Terribly late.

Cecilia was going to lose it.

She panicked at the thought of what awaited her. She had left something on the fire, and Cecilia had zero patience. If dinner was ruined, if she had kept her waiting-God help her.

The moment she reached the house, she barely took a second to catch her breath before pushing the door open.

And then, she froze.

Cecilia was in the living room, pressed against the couch, her body entangled with someone else's. A guy.

Hailey stared in disgust as she recognized him. He was young, maybe her age, maybe even younger. His hands roamed over Cecilia's waist as she kissed him deeply, not a single ounce of shame in her actions.

It wasn't the first time she had seen this, but it never stopped making her sick. Cecilia slept around and she never cared who saw it.

Hailey had hoped, prayed, that she wouldn't walk in on another one of her...umm activities tonight.

No such luck.

Cecilia must have sensed her presence because she suddenly broke the kiss, turning her head with an irritated glare.

"Look who finally decided to come home" she sneered, wiping her smudged lipstick with the back of her hand.

Hailey swallowed hard, gripping the bag tighter.

"I-I got the milk and eggs" she muttered, avoiding the way the guy was watching her lustfully.

Cecilia scoffed, standing up.

"And you think that makes up for you being this late?!"

"I...I'm sorry, I got-"

"Excuses! I gave you one simple task, and you can't even do that right?"

Cecilia sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes before turning to the boy. She placed a hand on his chest, her nails grazing over his skin.

"Wait here, babe. I need to deal with this little nuisance first"

The boy just chuckled, not bothering to hide the way his gaze lingered on Hailey before he plopped down on the couch, making himself comfortable.

Hailey's stomach churned. She gritted her teeth, forcing herself to remain still as Cecilia stalked toward her.

She knew what was coming.

And no matter how many times it happened...It never hurt any less.

Cecilia landed a stinging slap across her cheek.

The impact sent her staggering back, the bag of groceries slipping from her grasp and hitting the floor with a dull thud.

"You useless little brat!"

Hailey pressed a hand to her burning cheek, blinking rapidly to stop the tears from forming. She wouldn't cry. Not in front of her.

Never.

"I'm sorry. I...I got held up-"

"Excuses! The stew is ruined because of you! Even the plantains are burnt"

The boy sitting on the couch didn't seem the least bit bothered by the scene in front of him. If anything, he looked amused.

Cecilia sighed dramatically, running a hand through her hair.

"Honestly, you're good for nothing. You can't even do a simple errand right"

"Relax, babe" the guy murmured, wrapping an arm around Cecilia's waist and pulling her close.

"She's just a kid" he added while gazing at Hailey.

Cecilia scoffed, turning in his arms and pressing her lips to his in a slow, shameless kiss, as if Hailey wasn't even standing there.

When she finally pulled away, she glanced back at Hailey, her lips curling in disgust.

"Pick that up and get out of my sight. And if dinner isn't ready in thirty minutes, don't bother eating"

Hailey nodded quickly, her head still throbbing from the slap. She bent down, gathering the fallen groceries with shaking hands. As she did, she felt the guy's eyes on her, lingering, watching and it's making her uncomfortable.

When she finally straightened up, he smirked at her.

Hailey swallowed hard and rushed toward the kitchen without another word.

This was her life. And there was no escaping it. Atleast for now.

•••

NEXT MORNING*

Hailey woke up very early the next day, her cheek still ached from last night's slap, but she ignored it.

Silently, she went about her morning routine. sweeping the living room, scrubbing the kitchen counter, and making breakfast. Cecilia wouldn't be awake yet, probably tangled in sheets with last night's boy.

"Good" Hailey muttered.

That meant she could leave without another confrontation.

By the time she was done, the sun had fully risen. Hailey grabbed her worn-out backpack, slinging it over her shoulder as she stepped out of the house.

She walked briskly down the street. The bus station wasn't far, just a few blocks away, and soon, she spotted the old, rattling bus pulling up to the curb.

Climbing in, she made her way toward the back, settling by the window. The seat felt cold against her skin as she hugged her bag to her chest. This was her favorite spot, away from the noise, with a clear view of the city waking up.

She exhaled, resting her head against the window, letting herself relax for the first time that morning.

Phew.

A guy suddenly slid into the seat next to her.

Hailey stiffened slightly, instinctively shifting closer to the window. She didn't turn to look at him, but she could feel his presence and his eyes on her.

"You look familiar, do you attend Hillsworth College?" He asked and that made Hailey to finally look his way.

The guy beside her had a calm, easygoing aura. He was clean-cut and well-dressed.

"Yes" she answered quietly.

"Thought so. We attended the same class yesterday"

"You're a freshman, right?" he continued and Hailey nodded

"Same here. I'm Asher and you are?" he introduced himself, extending a hand.

She hesitated, glancing at his outstretched hand before shaking it lightly.

"Hailey"

"Nice to officially meet you, Hailey" he said warmly and she smiled.

He looks cool.

When the bus finally pulled to a stop near Hillsworth College, Hailey stood up, gripping the straps of her worn-out backpack. Asher stepped aside, allowing her to pass first before following her out.