𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙚! Hailee Steinfeld X M! Reader

4. Concealment

LA, California.

As Y/N made his way through the bustling crowd, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling within him. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as everyone was eager to catch a glimpse of Hailee and Taylor, the stars of the charity event. Yet, for Y/N, this excitement was marred by a heavy sense of disappointment and frustration.

His steps were purposeful, a determination to distance himself from a place that now held a sour taste. The weight of his recent firing hung heavily on his shoulders, a feeling of injustice that gnawed at his thoughts. He had been excited to be part of something meaningful, only to have it snatched away.

In the midst of the crowd, Hailee and Taylor made their grand entrance, radiant smiles and graceful waves capturing the attention of all around them. Y/N's eyes unintentionally met Hailee's for a fleeting moment, and he felt a jolt of surprise. She recognized him. Their previous encounters had left an imprint, and her smile, though brief, was a testament to their shared history.

But before he could react, before he could even consider acknowledging her smile, Y/N instinctively turned his gaze away. A rush of emotions surged within him – anger, hurt, and a sense of vulnerability he wasn't ready to confront. He didn't want to face her, not now, not when his wounds were still fresh.

For Hailee, the moment was a perplexing one. She had expected a smile in return, a friendly nod perhaps, but his swift retreat left her puzzled. A furrow formed between her brows as she watched him disappear into the crowd, her mind working to unravel the unexpected reaction.

However, the sea of faces surrounding her demanded her attention, and Hailee was swept into a whirlwind of greetings, praises, and eager conversations. She smiled, she chatted, and she posed for photos, her professional demeanor masking the lingering thoughts about that brief encounter.

Hailee's POV:

In the dressing room, Taylor and I found a rare moment of tranquility amidst the whirlwind of the charity event. As I absentmindedly twisted a strand of hair, Taylor and I engaged in a lighthearted conversation about our favorite TV shows. It was a welcome distraction from the overwhelming day we'd had, a chance to unwind in each other's company.

Our laughter was suddenly interrupted by Chloe's entrance, her energy filling the room. She greeted Taylor with a warm smile and then turned her attention to me. There was something in her expression that told me she had sensed my inner turmoil.

"Hi, Chloe," I greeted her with a smile, but her knowing look cut through the façade.

"Hey, Hailee. Your mom is on her way," Chloe said, her words carrying a weight that indicated there was more to the story.

I furrowed my brows in confusion. "My mom? But the event's already over."

Chloe's gaze held a mixture of sympathy and concern as she met my eyes. "I know. She might be coming here to see you personally, not as a guest."

A sigh escaped me as I considered the situation. I had hoped to keep my personal and professional worlds separate, but it seemed that wasn't going to happen.

"I guess I should prepare myself," I mumbled, a hint of resignation in my voice.

Taylor's empathetic gaze met mine. "You know you can always stay with me."