Chapter 163: Chapter 163

Hailey’s face turned red.

Oh, bringing that memory back was totally foul!

She waved her fork at him threateningly. “I told you never to speak of that again!” she scolded.

Michael snickered. “You were so embarrassed when I came to your door that day. You had the courage to say those words, but you didn’t want me to mention it? What kind of nonsense is that?” he teased.

It seemed that he was intent on playing with fire today. “I swear, if you say one more word—”

“But it’s okay. After all, I managed to get you to stop worrying about it when I pulled you into a kiss the next moment.”

Hailey’s face turned even redder than before, if that was possible. Then, in anger, she plunged her fork into the steak on his plate and quickly brought it to her mouth.

Michael looked at her, alarmed. “Hey! That’s my steak!” he protested.

“I warned you. You didn’t listen. Now face the consequences!” she said, taking another piece of steak from his plate.

“You thief! How could you?”

“Now you call me a thief? Okay, you asked for it!”

“Wait, wait, wait! I’m sorry! Don’t eat any more of my steak, please!”

***

That night, they dined in the resort’s downstairs restaurant.

The ambiance was perfect, with soft music playing in the background and candles illuminating the tables.

The two of them enjoyed their meal and talked more about their past, mostly reminiscing about their high school days.

Michael teased Hailey about some funny and embarrassing moments from back then. Even in those days, Michael had been the one cracking jokes, while Hailey had been the serious one, either listening intently or scolding him.

Even though they had been dating for a year now, they hadn’t spent much time together. Hailey’s sentence required her to complete many community service hours. On top of that, she was helping her family with the hotel business and working to rebuild their reputation. She had little to no free time.

Michael was also busy with his business and working with Will. He had plans for the future that he wasn’t ready to share with Hailey yet, feeling he needed to wait a little longer.

But he knew that the time was coming, and it would probably be quite soon.

“What do you think our lives will be like in five years?” Hailey asked curiously. “What about you?”

Michael thought for a moment. “I think I’ll be living a settled life, happy and away from all the chaos, with someone I love by my side.”

Hailey’s heart skipped a beat. “And who might that be?”

Michael looked into her eyes. “You, of course.”

***

Later, they decided to take a walk along the edge of the lake. They walked hand in hand, their steps in sync.

The night was peaceful, and it was refreshing to feel the wind whipping against their faces from time to time.

“It’s so beautiful here,” Hailey said, breaking the comfortable silence. “I can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.”

Michael laughed and squeezed her hand gently. “You’ve said that too many times today.”

“Well, I’m just amazed, okay?”

They found a bench overlooking the lake and sat down to watch the calm waters.

“We used to dream about moments like this, didn’t we?” Michael asked.

Hailey chuckled. “Yes, we did. I thought we were invincible back then. So much has changed, so many things have happened in our lives, so much chaos…”

“But that’s all over now,” he said quietly.

She smiled at him. “Hey, Noah… I’ve been thinking a lot about us. About our future.”

Michael nodded silently, encouraging her to go on.

“I want us to move forward,” she said, her voice calm. “We’ve been taking things slow, and I appreciate that, really. But I’m ready for more. Like you said at dinner, I want that, too. I want to build a future with you.”

Michael’s eyes softened as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

“I want that too, Hailey. More than anything.”

He leaned forward, and she closed her eyes.

The wind blew past their faces, leaving a chilly yet refreshing sensation on their skin.

He moved in, and their lips met in a tender, heartfelt kiss.

***

It had been a month since their weekend getaway.

Now, it was Michael who decided to surprise Hailey with another special day.

He wanted to take her back to a place that held fond memories from their high school days.

The amusement park.

He knew that revisiting that place would bring back the joy and carefree moments they shared in the past.

He didn’t want to be like the other men in his social circle who surprised their significant others with lavish gifts and expensive venues, and then inviting over a thousand people to witness a historic moment.

No, he just wanted a private moment with Hailey. He wanted it to be just the two of them. He wanted something simple and ordinary for a change.

It was a bright and sunny morning when Michael picked Hailey up from her apartment. As he drove to their destination, Hailey looked out the window curiously.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

Michael’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

When they finally arrived at the amusement park, Hailey’s eyes widened.

“No way!” she exclaimed. “You really brought me here?”

“Yes, I did.” Michael got out of the car and opened the passenger door for her.

“What in the world are you doing?” Hailey laughed as she took his hand and let him help her out of the car. “Have you really gotten in touch with your childish side? Why did you have to bring me here?”

“There’s no age limit when it comes to amusement parks,” he laughed. “Besides, remember how much fun we had here in high school? I just thought it would be nice to visit this place again.”

“Well, you have a point,” she smiled, looking at all the rides and the crowds. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go back in time just for today.”