Alex peeked through the barely opened door, his little bottom wiggling as he tried to catch a better view. Seeing the adults heading toward the dining room, he closed the door and plopped down beside his brother.“So, now that Uncle-in-law Zac and Aunt Helen are married, does that mean we can go hang out with Uncle Justin all the time? Uncle Zac and Uncle Justin are good buddies, and Mom and Aunt Helen are besties. They’re a perfect match!” Alex’s excitement was palpable, and he had adjusted to calling Zac "Uncle-in-law" with surprising ease.Chase stayed silent, giving his overly enthusiastic little brother a side-eye. Justin was likely their biological father. How could Alex have met him so many times and not noticed anything unusual? Chase had started piecing things together after their visit to the hospital and meeting Mr. Yates Sr. Those encounters had raised suspicions. In the past couple of days, Chase had been digging through information online, and it seemed increasing
Helen had completely forgotten about that. Quickly, she raised her hand as if taking an oath. “But don’t worry, sis. Zac promised me he wouldn’t say anything. I even threatened him. If he dares, I’ll disappear again, just to teach him a lesson!” “Yeah, right,” Richard scoffed, his face full of doubt. “Men’s promises are like fairy tales. You actually believe him? You’re already married. Where are you going to run to?” “Why are you so hostile toward him? Are you jealous that he’s got someone and you don’t?” Helen retorted, suddenly energized as she turned the tables on him. “Jealous? Of him? Me?” Richard sneered. “Do you think I can’t get a girlfriend?” “Then go get one already, you perpetual bachelor! Haha!” she taunted, sticking out her tongue at him. “Enough, Helen!” Haley’s sharp voice cut through their bickering. Haley sighed, a headache beginning to form. “It’s fine,” Wilfred interjected, offering a calming presence. “It’s only a matter of time before Zac c
“Knock, knock.” The sound of knocking echoed through the room.Haley put down her phone and got up to open the door. “Wilfred?” Seeing it was Wilfred, she stepped aside to let him in. “There was something off about Justin at the funeral today,” Wilfred said, skipping any explanation for his presence at the event. Haley didn’t bother to ask. “He wasn’t just hostile toward me. He seemed unusually focused on everything I was doing. Has he been giving you trouble?” he asked, his concern evident. Haley sighed and gave a faint, helpless smile. “He misunderstood. He thinks you and I are together, and that we even have a child.” Since Wilfred had gone out of his way to ask, she decided not to keep it from him. Wilfred’s brows furrowed as his gaze sharpened. Justin was trying to get back into Haley’s life—that much was obvious. In this area, men understood each other all too well. “What are your thoughts?” he asked, his tone careful but firm. Truthfully, he didn’t wan
Wilfred left early this morning.“He must be off to see that other woman!” Justin thought. He was sure of it. He was about to instruct William to follow when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Haley stepping out of her house. Justin quickly jumped out of the car and rushed to Haley, positioning himself directly in her path. He bent slightly, his tone pleading.“Haley, I was wrong! Please, don’t change your number, okay?”It had taken him so long to track down her contact information, and the thought of losing touch with her again was unbearable. Not even once—he couldn’t let it happen again.“I promise, I’ll cut down on the texts and calls. Just… promise me you won’t shut me out.”His tall frame now seemed slouched, defeated, as if he were anchoring himself there, unwilling to move until she agreed.Haley frowned, watching his odd behavior. Was he losing it? Had he seriously spent the night in his car, parked on the side of the road?She frowned, noticing his
Haley eventually let Justin into the car—not because she wanted to, but because she was running late. Thankfully, RC Corporation’s headquarters was on the way to the art exhibition, so it didn’t require a detour. When the car stopped across from the building, Haley unlocked the doors and said coldly, “Get out.” “Do you want to come up for a bit? I still have…” He wanted to tell her about the traces of her that still lingered in his office. “Can you stop wasting time? I’m going to be late!” she interrupted, her impatience radiating from every word. “Oh… okay. Then I’ll head up,” Justin said hesitantly, looking like a scolded child. As he stepped out of the car, he turned back and added, “Thank you.”Haley closed the door without a word. Justin stood by the curb, watching her car like he was waiting for something.Haley noticed him lingering in her rearview mirror and slammed the gas, leaving him in a cloud of exhaust.As she drove, she rolled down the windows to air out t
Someone joined in, “My kid’s the same—always stuck to her mom. If I don’t bring home snacks or toys, she acts like I don’t even exist. They say daughters are supposed to be daddy’s little girls, but mine’s more like a bodyguard for her mom.”The group erupted into laughter, and the conversation shifted to parenting. Those without kids switched to other topics, while Haley quietly moved to her exhibit area and got to work. Somehow, the discussion circled back to Justin. “I stayed until the end of the funeral yesterday, and I noticed the seat for the eldest grandson’s wife was empty. Isn’t there a rumor that Emma is his girlfriend? Why wasn’t she there?” “Probably because she’s still not officially accepted by the family. Word is she’s just a girlfriend for now.” “Wait, isn’t she supposed to be Justin’s college sweetheart? Didn’t she already meet his family ages ago? Why hasn’t she locked it down yet?” “Well, here’s the thing—I heard she went missing overseas for a few ye
Haley heard the compliments from her colleagues, but she couldn’t muster even a hint of a smile. She had a sinking suspicion that this was Justin’s doing. “Haley, this one’s for you—a deluxe meal all to yourself! Your husband must really adore you!” One of them, clearly pleased with their perceptiveness, handed her the fanciest box with an enthusiastic grin, showering her with praises for her supposed husband. Haley sighed, her frustration evident. This only made her situation more complicated. There was no way she would escape this topic for the foreseeable future. Grabbing her phone and the meal box, she stepped away from the group, avoiding the communal lunch setting. “Why isn’t she eating with us?” someone asked, noticing her retreat. “Seriously? Didn’t you see her on her phone? She’s probably calling her husband. That’s why you’re still single—you can’t pick up on these things. Pay attention!” another quipped. Haley moved to a quiet corner and sent Justin a messa
“Your Emma claims to be independent but is constantly stirring up rumors with Justin? She’s nothing but a hypocrite, wanting it both ways!” “Emma’s not stirring up anything! Those shameless paparazzi are the ones taking all those pictures. You men are just bitter and destructive when you don’t get your way!” *“I thought Miss Xander attended the funeral on behalf of her department? Why isn’t she in any of the photos?” someone remarked, scrolling through the comments for entertainment. Her connection to Mr. Yates was something everyone in the company had heard rumors about. A coworker leaned in, lowering their voice. “I heard she got kicked out by Mr. Jacob as soon as she arrived.” “Really? That must’ve been humiliating.” “With how chaotic things are in the company lately, she’s become a prime target.” The sound of heels clicking against the floor broke the chatter. Turning around, they saw Emma approaching. Everyone instantly clammed up, their voices silenced as if s
“Your Emma claims to be independent but is constantly stirring up rumors with Justin? She’s nothing but a hypocrite, wanting it both ways!” “Emma’s not stirring up anything! Those shameless paparazzi are the ones taking all those pictures. You men are just bitter and destructive when you don’t get your way!” *“I thought Miss Xander attended the funeral on behalf of her department? Why isn’t she in any of the photos?” someone remarked, scrolling through the comments for entertainment. Her connection to Mr. Yates was something everyone in the company had heard rumors about. A coworker leaned in, lowering their voice. “I heard she got kicked out by Mr. Jacob as soon as she arrived.” “Really? That must’ve been humiliating.” “With how chaotic things are in the company lately, she’s become a prime target.” The sound of heels clicking against the floor broke the chatter. Turning around, they saw Emma approaching. Everyone instantly clammed up, their voices silenced as if s
Haley heard the compliments from her colleagues, but she couldn’t muster even a hint of a smile. She had a sinking suspicion that this was Justin’s doing. “Haley, this one’s for you—a deluxe meal all to yourself! Your husband must really adore you!” One of them, clearly pleased with their perceptiveness, handed her the fanciest box with an enthusiastic grin, showering her with praises for her supposed husband. Haley sighed, her frustration evident. This only made her situation more complicated. There was no way she would escape this topic for the foreseeable future. Grabbing her phone and the meal box, she stepped away from the group, avoiding the communal lunch setting. “Why isn’t she eating with us?” someone asked, noticing her retreat. “Seriously? Didn’t you see her on her phone? She’s probably calling her husband. That’s why you’re still single—you can’t pick up on these things. Pay attention!” another quipped. Haley moved to a quiet corner and sent Justin a messa
Someone joined in, “My kid’s the same—always stuck to her mom. If I don’t bring home snacks or toys, she acts like I don’t even exist. They say daughters are supposed to be daddy’s little girls, but mine’s more like a bodyguard for her mom.”The group erupted into laughter, and the conversation shifted to parenting. Those without kids switched to other topics, while Haley quietly moved to her exhibit area and got to work. Somehow, the discussion circled back to Justin. “I stayed until the end of the funeral yesterday, and I noticed the seat for the eldest grandson’s wife was empty. Isn’t there a rumor that Emma is his girlfriend? Why wasn’t she there?” “Probably because she’s still not officially accepted by the family. Word is she’s just a girlfriend for now.” “Wait, isn’t she supposed to be Justin’s college sweetheart? Didn’t she already meet his family ages ago? Why hasn’t she locked it down yet?” “Well, here’s the thing—I heard she went missing overseas for a few ye
Haley eventually let Justin into the car—not because she wanted to, but because she was running late. Thankfully, RC Corporation’s headquarters was on the way to the art exhibition, so it didn’t require a detour. When the car stopped across from the building, Haley unlocked the doors and said coldly, “Get out.” “Do you want to come up for a bit? I still have…” He wanted to tell her about the traces of her that still lingered in his office. “Can you stop wasting time? I’m going to be late!” she interrupted, her impatience radiating from every word. “Oh… okay. Then I’ll head up,” Justin said hesitantly, looking like a scolded child. As he stepped out of the car, he turned back and added, “Thank you.”Haley closed the door without a word. Justin stood by the curb, watching her car like he was waiting for something.Haley noticed him lingering in her rearview mirror and slammed the gas, leaving him in a cloud of exhaust.As she drove, she rolled down the windows to air out t
Wilfred left early this morning.“He must be off to see that other woman!” Justin thought. He was sure of it. He was about to instruct William to follow when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Haley stepping out of her house. Justin quickly jumped out of the car and rushed to Haley, positioning himself directly in her path. He bent slightly, his tone pleading.“Haley, I was wrong! Please, don’t change your number, okay?”It had taken him so long to track down her contact information, and the thought of losing touch with her again was unbearable. Not even once—he couldn’t let it happen again.“I promise, I’ll cut down on the texts and calls. Just… promise me you won’t shut me out.”His tall frame now seemed slouched, defeated, as if he were anchoring himself there, unwilling to move until she agreed.Haley frowned, watching his odd behavior. Was he losing it? Had he seriously spent the night in his car, parked on the side of the road?She frowned, noticing his
“Knock, knock.” The sound of knocking echoed through the room.Haley put down her phone and got up to open the door. “Wilfred?” Seeing it was Wilfred, she stepped aside to let him in. “There was something off about Justin at the funeral today,” Wilfred said, skipping any explanation for his presence at the event. Haley didn’t bother to ask. “He wasn’t just hostile toward me. He seemed unusually focused on everything I was doing. Has he been giving you trouble?” he asked, his concern evident. Haley sighed and gave a faint, helpless smile. “He misunderstood. He thinks you and I are together, and that we even have a child.” Since Wilfred had gone out of his way to ask, she decided not to keep it from him. Wilfred’s brows furrowed as his gaze sharpened. Justin was trying to get back into Haley’s life—that much was obvious. In this area, men understood each other all too well. “What are your thoughts?” he asked, his tone careful but firm. Truthfully, he didn’t wan
Helen had completely forgotten about that. Quickly, she raised her hand as if taking an oath. “But don’t worry, sis. Zac promised me he wouldn’t say anything. I even threatened him. If he dares, I’ll disappear again, just to teach him a lesson!” “Yeah, right,” Richard scoffed, his face full of doubt. “Men’s promises are like fairy tales. You actually believe him? You’re already married. Where are you going to run to?” “Why are you so hostile toward him? Are you jealous that he’s got someone and you don’t?” Helen retorted, suddenly energized as she turned the tables on him. “Jealous? Of him? Me?” Richard sneered. “Do you think I can’t get a girlfriend?” “Then go get one already, you perpetual bachelor! Haha!” she taunted, sticking out her tongue at him. “Enough, Helen!” Haley’s sharp voice cut through their bickering. Haley sighed, a headache beginning to form. “It’s fine,” Wilfred interjected, offering a calming presence. “It’s only a matter of time before Zac c
Alex peeked through the barely opened door, his little bottom wiggling as he tried to catch a better view. Seeing the adults heading toward the dining room, he closed the door and plopped down beside his brother.“So, now that Uncle-in-law Zac and Aunt Helen are married, does that mean we can go hang out with Uncle Justin all the time? Uncle Zac and Uncle Justin are good buddies, and Mom and Aunt Helen are besties. They’re a perfect match!” Alex’s excitement was palpable, and he had adjusted to calling Zac "Uncle-in-law" with surprising ease.Chase stayed silent, giving his overly enthusiastic little brother a side-eye. Justin was likely their biological father. How could Alex have met him so many times and not noticed anything unusual? Chase had started piecing things together after their visit to the hospital and meeting Mr. Yates Sr. Those encounters had raised suspicions. In the past couple of days, Chase had been digging through information online, and it seemed increasing
On the second floor, Alex quietly cracked open the door just enough to peek out with one eye, looking downstairs. “It really is Uncle Zac!” Alex whispered excitedly. “What are they talking about? Uncle Richard looks so worked up. Are they interrogating Uncle Zac?” he added. “I don’t know,” Chase replied in an equally hushed tone. Alex pulled back slightly and tilted his head, trying to press his ear closer to the door to catch snippets of the conversation. “What does getting a marriage license mean?” Chase gave his younger brother a look of disbelief. For someone who constantly nagged about finding their mom a boyfriend, how could he not know this basic thing? In fairness, it wasn’t entirely Alex’s fault. The shows he watched mostly focused on couples falling in love, fighting, and making up—they never really got into the technicalities of marriage. Patiently, Chase explained, “It means two people in love register their marriage and become legally recognized as