Hayley was rendered speechless for a moment, trying to process the news Adrian had just revealed to her. It really wasn't Wendy's program. She had thought it was. But if that was the case, this meant she stood a chance, right? A chance to participate in the competition and pursue her career. Becoming a renowned artist had always been Hayley's long-life aim. With this program, her dreams could finally come true. The prospect of using the upcoming competition to showcase her talent to the world excited Hayley. Even if she didn't win the cash prize, the recognition and exposure she would gain from it were invaluable. But there was a downside to think of. Hayley realized. This was an international program that would definitely be discussed on the world news, meaning all participants of the competition would automatically go viral on the internet. Going viral had its consequences when it came to Hayley. Her facade would be shattered if someone recognized her, especially if that person wa
Raising his brows in realization, Leonardo nodded curtly and handed Hayley back the bowl, adding politely. "Please be careful, baby. I don't want you to choke on your food again.Hayley replied playfully, her tone sassy. "Yeah, yeah. Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine." She said after taking the bowl from him.Leonardo let out a light scoff, reclining back in the chair as he watched Hayley resume eating, her attention solely focused on the food bowl. A serene and comfortable silence enveloped them and the only sound that could be heard in the office was that of the slurping noddles as Hayley continued eating. Leonardo found her eating style amusing as Hayley clung the bowl to herself tightly like she was scared someone was going to snatch it away from her. Hayley practically looked like a child, holding onto a candy. It was undeniably cute.Leonardo enjoyed watching her as she ate on, bringing back memories of the days when he used to bring Hayley lunches in her studio, then in Cl
Locking eyes with Hayley for some time, Leonardo contemplated his response. Disregarding her last taunting question, he gave her a curt nod and explained. "Her name is Ivy Hart. She's my childhood friend. I was surprised, baby, because I hadn't seen her in ages. The last time I saw her was ten years ago. A year before you and I got married."Hayley huffed dismissively, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right." She paused, sighing heavily before asking again, voicing her curiosity. "But how, Leonardo? How did you do it? How are you even doing it? I just don't get it. Don't you think Wendy would have figured out by now that I'm not the one going viral on the internet as her long-lost daughter?" Hayley asked, her voice laden with skepticism and confusion. Chuckling boyishly, Leonardo replied with a smug smirk. "Not unless she's in this country or this city... Honestly, baby, I don't know how Massimo had done it or is doing it. But I can assure you that you won't be exposed, okay? Everything is
"Please, my son, I'd love it if you could give the lady a chance. It's just a date. One date with her. She's a nice girl from a good family, and I'm certain you'll like her. But if you don't after the date, I promise I won't bring it up again. I won't pressure you about her anymore. Please, give her a chance, Adrian." She pleaded, her voice echoing in his ears through the phone. It was the same request she had been making for weeks now, and Adrian was sick of it.He felt frustrated as he listened to his mother on the other end. The woman just wouldn't let him be or stop nagging him until she had gotten what she wanted. He couldn't understand why she was so insistent on him going on a date with the Forbes girl. His mother was so eager and determined to see him married off. It was tiring. Fed up and not in the mood to argue that somber evening, Adrian replied sedately. "Okay, mom. I've heard you." He said flatly, finally giving in to his mother's persistent wish.The next thing Adrian
It was yet another blissful Saturday morning. Just like the other one, Hayley decided to spend some quality mother-daughter bonding time with her daughter again. The last session had been abruptly disrupted by Leonardo's unexpected appearance, leaving Hayley unsettled and Daisy hanging in the middle of the truth Hayley was about to reveal.After the incident with Leonardo the other day, Hayley became pissed and frustrated, causing her to lose interest in revealing the truth to Daisy again. The toddler, who had been engrossed in the movie she was watching, completely forgot about her mother's impending confession too. Hayley couldn't deny the sense of relief. It was also a good thing for her since the child hadn't pressed her for answers since after that day. It seemed Daisy had already grown accustomed to living without her dad, which made Hayley slightly proud.But now, Hayley felt a newfound readiness as she was finally ready to disclose to Daisy, some aspects of the truth about her
"Thanks for letting me stay, mi reina," Leonardo expressed gratefully to Hayley, moments after he had gotten settled into her home.Hayley stole a glance at him and shrugged. "Don't thank me. I had no other choice." She stated curtly before returning her attention to the second batch of pastries she was diligently glazing. Despite her nonchalant demeanor and the sassy tone she had used on him, deep down, Hayley was secretly pleased that Leonardo was there, in the kitchen with her and Daisy. She was glad he was the one she had met at the door. Her heart fluttered with a warm feeling of affection. However, as she reminisced further, her mind couldn't help but ponder about the bond Daisy had with Leonardo, recalling the father-daughter they had shared moments earlier. Daisy seemed to have taken a liking to him, despite having only met Leonardo a few months ago. Unlike Adrian, who had fought tooth and nail for two years before Daisy finally acknowledged his presence in their lives and g
Later that morning, after the second batch of pastries was ready, Hayley proposed they all see a movie indoors. Though she had initially set up for just her and Daisy. However, now that Leonardo was present, there would be a change of plans, which included Hayley, holding in the information she had wanted to share with Daisy about her dad.Hayley and Leonardo were seated behind Daisy in the cozy living room. While Daisy solitary occupied the small love sofa, Hayley and Leonardo shared the couch behind her. That way, they'd been whispering and engaging in a conversation, careful not to disrupt Daisy's focus on the cartoon they were all enjoying. It was only a few minutes into the movie when Hayley suddenly questioned, her curiosity getting the better of her. She had been wanting to ask Leonardo this particular question for some time now, but she hadn't been able to as they were always at work. Hence, This seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask him. Hayley thought.Without turning
As Hayley sank into the office swivel chair that Monday morning, her mind pondered on the hurtful things she'd done to Adrian over the days. Regret and guilt seeped into her heart as she replayed the moments when she had callously dismissed Adrian's heartfelt confession. It was all her fault. But there was something she couldn't quite comprehend. And that was the reason why Adrian was suddenly pouring out his emotions to her almost every time they spoke.Before now, Adrian rarely told her the three-letter word. If anything, he had always been patient with her, reassuring her that he would wait for her, despite her countless rejections. But now, he seemed to have changed. Hayley couldn't pinpoint the reason, but she knew it deep within her. Adrian was behaving uncanny. Or could it be that he was growing tired of waiting for her? And if so, could she really blame him though? She was the selfish one, after all.Hayley let out a weary sigh as she gazed up at the ceiling, lost in her thoug