Hailey gently stepped on the glass staircase of her luxurious penthouse, her eyes fixed on the glittering city lights below.
The soft light in the living room was enough to see through the thin fabric clinging to her body, which proudly showed her skin and revealed more of her front.
The strap of her nightgown hanging on her shoulders only reveals the creamy-white skin tone she had from the nightlight, which, under the sunlight, even highlights how fair and smooth her skin is.
When she moved to this city, she noticed that everyone seemed envious of her skin tone.
After all, she spent a lot on the best skincare products and dedicated time to caring for her body, which is why she was grateful she isn't sensitive or allergic to most of the products she uses.
She tried many brands, but she loved one in particular.
Well, that doesn't matter right now. She's been doing both paperwork and schoolwork for days, and her back is killing her.
Hailey took a quick stretch as she glanced around the entire living room. Suddenly, she felt a little lonely. But once her eyes settled on the beautiful scenery laid in front of her, it eased up some, and a smile appeared on her lips.
She appreciates the artificial glow of those fake stars surrounding this high-rise residential building, among hundreds of tall skyscrapers occupied by wealthy families worldwide in this city.
Since Metro City became the country's capital, it has quickly built a reputation as the Central Business District of Southeast Asia—home to the International Headquarters. So, exciting things happen every day in High Society.
As it became the hub for thousands of companies worldwide, it also meant that socialites hunted down hundreds of executives, and ordinary citizens dreamed of becoming the next Cinderella. So, rumors spread everywhere.
Having these thoughts, Hailey slightly shook her head gracefully as she withdrew her gaze from the glowing lights and focused on her steps on the stairs.
When she got to the counter, Hailey grabbed a clean glass and walked to the water dispenser to fill it. She was thirsty after completing all the schoolwork for this semester.
When she was about to take a big gulp, the front door of the penthouse was pushed open.
Hailey was frozen on the floor, with the glass near her mouth hanging in the air. Suddenly, her heart pounded loudly as her chest filled with anticipation.
'He's back!?'
Except for her, only one person knows the security code to this penthouse.
With this realization, Hailey wanted to run to the bathroom, but it was already too late. He would see her if she even moved a muscle to hide.
Moreover, it felt as if her feet were nailed to the floor, preventing her from taking another step. With a loud thud in her chest, Hailey listens to the rolling wheels of the suitcase.
She remained unmoved where she stood, waiting to see his handsome but emotionless face.
Hailey gathered her courage, held the glass in her right hand, pursed her lips into a smile, and greeted the man with glee.
"You're back..."
Supposedly a warm welcome, but those were the only words she could manage to say as she was still in shock from his sudden appearance.
Nodding at her in response, he asked, "You're still up. Couldn't sleep yet?"
It's a simple question, but she finds it hard to answer. Even so, she must hurry to reply so this conversation can end soon.
"Ah, I just finished my schoolwork. I will go to bed soon," Hailey replied, but closed her mouth almost immediately. She does not need to say more words, as the man would understand her without further explanation.
Then... She saw that!
He peeked in her direction. It was only a flash, but he indeed scanned her from head to foot. It was just a moment, but he spared a look at her, which sent a chill down her spine.
Subconsciously, her left arm crossed her waist, and her right hand rested above her chest. Then, she observed him from the corner of her eye.
He took off his coat and set it on the armrest before sitting down on the sofa.
She was actually praying for him to climb the stairs. Instead of going straight to his bedroom, he chose to stay in the living room and browse his phone!
Hailey bites her lower lip. She wondered what caused him to come back so early. Plus, he went straight to the penthouse instead of going home to his family.
Pondering that, she shook her head and buried her concerns. Heaving a silent sigh, she gathers the courage to ask him, "Have you eaten dinner?"
He nodded. "Yes, I have already eaten."
"I see." He must have eaten on the plane. She murmured into her head.
Now that she was out of words, she wanted to run to her bedroom. But he was facing the staircase, and Hailey found it challenging to pass by him.
Well, it's not that she was afraid of him. In fact, she just felt a little uncomfortable around him because her chest would flutter wildly.
Hailey forgot that she was holding a full glass of water, and she carelessly poured the contents onto her chest.
'Oh, shit!' She gasped. Instantly, she suppresses her scream of shock, but her gasps are loud enough for him to hear.
Lifting his head and looking her way, he asked, "What's wrong?"
His sexy voice broke the silence, which only heightened her nervousness.
Breathing in, she responded, "It's nothing. I was just startled, and I almost dropped the glass."
Her poor excuse, but the truth is, she was helplessly staring at her soaking nightgown.
It's not just somewhere, but right there in her chest. Luckily, her nightgown is black, so her chest wouldn't be too noticeable.
Hailey bit her bottom lip hard; now it's turning red from the pressure she put on it.
What is she going to do now? There's no way she will march before him, revealing her soaked nightgown!
What would Vince think? That she was seducing him?
But she wouldn't be startled like this if he at least announced his arrival hours in advance! However, it's not her right to demand it from him, and it's in their contract.
Besides, he said he would be gone for an entire week. It's only the fourth day since he left the country for an emergency business trip.
'Why did he come back so soon, anyway?' Hailey mumbled inwardly.
She couldn't help but complain to herself. Of course, she was happy when Vince was frequently out of town for meetings or business trips. Even if it was a personal trip, she didn't mind because it gave her a chance to breathe and enjoy the freedom of not having his shadow suddenly appear at the door.
Yes. She doesn't care about what she wore when he wasn't around.
And tonight, she only wears a thin nightgown that falls just below her bottom.
Vince would see her a*s and black lingerie if she climbed the stairs!