The Divorce Prescription

Declan looked at James and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Lambert."

Everyone knew James was the university president and Declan was his student- there was no need for introductions.

James acknowledged him with a slight nod before turning to Hailey and extending his hand. "Hailey, it's time to go home."

Hailey hesitated, her gaze flickering toward Declan. She had planned for Declan to take her home, but now that her father had arrived, she had little choice. Slowly, she walked over to James' side.

James turned back to Declan with a kind expression. "It's late, Declan. Why don't you come along? I can drop you off first."

Declan shook his head. "Thank you, Mr. Lambert, but I'll head home on my own."

James nodded. "Alright. Stay safe, and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."

With that, he led Hailey away.

As they walked away, Hailey glanced back at Declan, reluctance evident in her

eyes. She gave a small wave, her hand lingering in the air.

Declan stood motionless, silently watching her disappear into the night.

...

Hailey and James sat in the luxury car as the driver navigated through the streets.

"Allie, tell me the truth-what's your relationship with Declan? Are you two dating?"

Hailey felt her cheeks heat up, but she didn't shy away. "Dad, I like Declan."

"This is nonsense. You and Declan are not a good match."

Hailey's eyes widened in disbelief. "Dad, do you have something against Declan? I see it now-you're judging him unfairly!"

"Allie, this isn't about his background. Declan is an outstanding young man. He was the top student of his year, and I personally invited him to the university. I've always recognized talent. Do you really think I'd look down on him?"

Hailey knew her father wasn't the type to be prejudiced. "Then why are you trying to stop us from being together?"

Instead of answering directly, James asked, "Allie, do you even know what Declan's father does for a living?"

Hailey hesitated before replying, "I've only heard rumors that Declan's father was

a drug dealer, but I don't believe them."

"Has Declan ever told you about it himself?"

"No, never."

James was aware of the truth about Declan's father, but it had never affected his admiration for Declan's potential.

"Allie, I'm not stopping you from being with Declan. But ask yourself-does Declan even want to be with you?"

If Declan had never shared this part of his life with Hailey, it meant he wasn't ready to let her in.noveldrama

"He... He definitely wants to be with me..."

But even as she spoke, Hailey's voice faltered. She had always

valued honesty, yet at that mome

uncertainty gripped her. Did Declan really want to be with her?

When she had asked him if he liked her, he hadn't answered.

Technically, she was still the one pursuing him. Despite the intimate moments they

had shared, Declan had never officially acknowledged their relationship.

And yet, she was convinced he had to feel something for her.

Her lips still tingled from the

intensity of his kiss. It had been deep, urgent, and ended with a playful bite. The warmth of his touch lingered on her palm, burning like a quiet flame.

James' voice broke through her thoughts. "Allie, you're an adult now. It's natural for you to start dating, and I won't stand in your way. But you need to understand Declan's true feelings. I don't look down on him. In fact, I admire him. know he's still working multiple-jobs—even at construction sites and bars, places with all kinds of people.

"How about this? I'll hire him as your tutor. And in the future, I'll bring him into our family business. He can be the CEO."

Hailey's eyes widened. She stared at James in shock. "Dad... are you serious?"