Chapter 161: Chapter 161

[One year later…]

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Hailey van Gowen stepped into the sunlight and put on her sunglasses. It was time to make a change in her life, and she needed to find the courage to do it.

It had been a year since the day Michael had suddenly shown up on her doorstep, and they had started dating.

Since then, Hailey had grown more comfortable in her own skin and fully embraced her old identity. She had completed her community service hours and also became an integral part of the hotel business.

Over the past year, the van Gowens had worked tirelessly to rebuild their reputation. They organized charity events, partnered with local businesses, and participated in community service.

The judge had given Luther a lenient sentence because, technically, he hadn’t committed a serious crime. He hadn’t orchestrated the accident or anything like that, nor had he been behind the wheel. He was only charged for what he was directly responsible for.

Public opinion began to shift as people saw their sincere efforts to make amends. The hotel’s reputation improved, and bookings steadily increased.

Hailey’s dedication and honesty earned her the respect of the business community, quickly making her one of the most admired women in the industry. Her confidence and competence gained her the admiration of executives and colleagues alike.

Luther’s health also improved drastically with proper medical care and the constant support of his family. Ben was even dating someone now, and Hailey had a feeling he was going to propose soon.

This made her happy, as she had met the lucky woman a few times and found her to be kind and graceful. She was the perfect partner for her caring brother.

However, despite Hailey’s professional achievements and the deepening of her relationship with Michael, she felt like something was missing.

They continued to date, but their relationship hadn’t progressed to the next level. To be honest, she longed for something more, a deeper connection and clarity about their future together.

Michael was a considerate man who would wait patiently, giving her as much time as she needed to rebuild her life.

But now, more than ever, Hailey felt ready. She was done waiting for the perfect moment. She was ready to create it.

And that day was today.

Feeling a surge of determination, Hailey stepped out of her apartment and headed to Michael’s place. She was dressed casually, wearing a soft sweater and comfortable jeans. The occasion didn’t call for a formal setting, and this felt right for what she had planned.

Soon, she stood in front of his door. She took a deep breath, mentally prepared herself, straightened her clothes, and rang the doorbell.

‘I can do this,’ she encouraged herself. ‘You can do this, Hailey! Just go for it!’

It didn’t take long for Michael to answer. It was Sunday, so he didn’t have to work, but being the workaholic he was, he liked to catch up on tasks at home during his days off.

That thought made Hailey pause for a moment.

When they were young, Michael had wanted to be a chef. He loved to cook, and it had been one of the few things he genuinely enjoyed.

Thinking about it now, Hailey realized that he had only stepped up to become the CEO and worked hard to succeed so he could gain enough power, influence, and connections to find her without having to rely on his father.

The realization made her feel both guilty and deeply touched. She hadn’t grasped the depth of his feelings for her before, back when she was still in Christian’s clutches, but now it was clear to her as day.

“Hailey,” Michael said, sounding surprised as he opened the door. He seemed startled to see her. “What a nice surprise. What brings you here?”

Hailey smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement and determination. “Hey, I need to talk to you. Can I come in?” she asked softly.

The words tumbled out so naturally, as if she hadn’t been nervous moments ago while waiting for him to answer.

“Of course. Come on in.” Michael stepped aside, letting her enter his apartment.

She walked in, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling within her. There wasn’t a clear label for the emotions she felt, only the knowledge that she was about to take an important step and didn’t want to mess it up.

She knew that Michael would never look down on her, especially when she was trying.

Michael closed the door and turned to her with curiosity. “What’s going on? You seem… different,” he remarked.

“Do I?” She chuckled lightly.

He smiled. “Yes, you do.”

“Okay then,” she said in a tender voice. “I’ve been thinking…”

He looked amused. “About?”

“We could use a change of scenery, right?” She stepped forward and began to play with his tie.

He watched her, puzzled. He didn’t move, just looking at her with curiosity. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“Let’s go on a trip,” she said. “To a private resort. I’ve already booked us in. No distractions, no interruptions.”

Michael raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued. “A trip? Just the two of us?”

“Yes, just the two of us,” Hailey confirmed.

He took her hand and gave it a tender squeeze. “What brought this on?” he asked.

“We’ve been so caught up in work and responsibilities that I think it’s time we took a break. To relax, talk, and just enjoy life,” she answered. “Plus, I want to spend more time with you, Noah.”

Michael looked at her, his eyes softening with affection and understanding. He could see the earnestness in her gaze and recognized the courage that it had taken for her to say these things.

They had known each other for almost two decades. Hailey wasn’t the most openly affectionate person, but she was caring and the best kind of woman he could ever ask for.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” he said, a smile spreading across his face. “Let’s do it.”