“...GET OUT!!” Cassidy’s voice echoed through the room, shattering its tranquility and drawing all eyes to her. But she didn't care. Her insides bubbled with hatred and annoyance as she locked eyes with Emily. She couldn't help but question herself inwardly how Emily had gotten past Clara and entered the ward.Adrian was confused as he glanced between the two women, wondering what had provoked his sister's rage. However, his main focus shifted back to Emily, who stood silently, her expression devoid of emotion as she faced Cassidy.“Didn’t you hear me? I said you should get out! Right the fuck now before I call the security on you!” Cassidy reiterated, her anger palpable as she advanced toward them. “I heard you loud and clear the first time, Cass,” Emily replied curtly, her voice steady despite the tension she experienced within. Meeting Cassidy hadn't been part of her plans. Regardless, she wouldn't be daunted by her hostility. “But I won’t tolerate being spoken to like that. I was
As Emily glanced at the ornate clock mounted on the wall, she noted it was almost 2 PM. With just a few minutes before she was set to leave and pick Daisy up from school, she recalled that Freya, Daisy's babysitter, had kindly offered to handle that duty for her this time. Letting out a deep sigh of relief, Emily sank comfortably into the couch, clutching a bowl of popcorn as she resolved to leave the matter in Freya's hands. Freya had become a regular visitor in Emily's life ever since Hayley went away, and had reassured Emily about who Freya was. Initially, Emily had been hesitant to trust Freya, harboring doubts about her character. However, as she got to know Freya better, those reservations faded. She recognized Freya's sincerity and noticed how much Daisy also enjoyed her company. Thus, Emily felt confident in entrusting Daisy's safety to her care. While Emily settled on the couch, her eyes were fixed on a show playing on the television, yet her mind wandered back to the events
"Alright, take care of yourself. I'll see you when I get back," Leonardo said as they parted from the hug. Ivy regarded him with a smile and sniffled. "I'm going to miss your troublesome ass. As much as I'd love to come along with you, I'm sorry, but I have a man to reconcile with here. You'd have to do this on your own now, don't screw up! You've already done enough." She corked her brows at him in warning.He chuckled lightly. "Sure. Thanks for the advice." Leonardo nodded curtly with a small smile before redirecting his gaze towards the waiting car."Goodbye, Leonardo." Ivy waved at him.Leonardo was about to enter the car after bidding goodbye to Ivy when his phone rang in his pants pocket. He halted, sliding his hand into it. One glance at it after fishing the device from his pocket told him who the caller was. His brother; Lorenzo.Leonardo was quite surprised to see that Lorenzo was calling him just as he was about to depart. He couldn't help but wonder what his brother wanted
With only two days remaining until the main Artists competition, Hayley had become more determined in her quest for success. Through a blend of talent and fortunate circumstances, she had earned her place among the seventeen semi-finalists who made it from the earlier contest.Currently, her attention was solely focused on the piece she was trying to create but she found it difficult to concentrate as her thoughts wouldn't stop wandering to the conversation she had with Emily the day prior. She was still in disbelief about Adrian's amnesia, which she had confirmed from Nurse Essy. According to the nurse, she affirmed Emily's statement. It wasn't just her that Adrian didn't recall; he also didn't remember Daisy or Leonardo and several employees of his company. It was that bad.Hayley felt a blend of guilt and sympathy stir within her as she dwelled on these thoughts. She felt sorry for him but she mostly blamed herself for what happened to him, despite Emily's reassurances. She wished
Hayley's surprise was evident as she turned to face Leonardo. "Leonardo?" She asked instinctively, rising from her seat in sheer disbelief. A broad smile was etched on his charming face as he approached her. Overwhelmed with relief and elation to see her, he pulled her in for a warm embrace, wrapping her arms around her gently and disregarding anyone else in the room with them. "I missed you so much, baby," Leonardo murmured, his breath warm against the crook of Hayley’s neck as he inhaled the sweet scent that lingered there. Watching their heartfelt reunion, a smile curled on Rosalie's face as she watched them silently. She didn't mind the fact that Leonardo had ignored her and focused on Hayley only. If anything, it warmed her heart to witness his feelings for her daughter. Turning to her assistant, Rosalie waved a dismissal hand at her. "You can leave now," She said quietly and the lady nodded before discreetly exiting their presence. On the other hand, Hayley's heart raced i
You did what?" Hayley gasped in disbelief as she processed the news. Leonardo had just confessed that he relinquished his chase for the fortune to be with her, a revelation that left Hayley utterly astonished.Her brow furrowed in confusion as she gazed at him, struggling to comprehend his decision. Sensing her shock, Leonardo responded with concern. "I had to, baby. I'm sorry, but I couldn’t allow anything to jeopardize our relationship. I'd do anything to have you back." He lowered his eyes, gently taking her hand in his. When he lifted his gaze to meet hers again, he saw the bewilderment still etched on her face.Ignoring her surprise, he continued, his voice laden with emotion. "I love you, Hayley." He emphasized. "I love you so deeply that I'm willing to do anything for you, to even give up the fortune...""I didn't ask you to do that," Hayley interrupted sharply, her eyes flicking between his. Leonardo spoke softly, a warm smile gracing his features. "I know, baby. As strange
Anna checked her wristwatch for the umpteenth time, irritation written on her face as her patience began to fray. Where the fuck was she? The thought raced through her mind, fueling her annoyance as she glanced at the empty entrance of their room.With just two hours remaining before her scheduled departure from the retreat, Hayley had yet to return after heading to Rosalie's office nearly two hours ago. Anna couldn't comprehend what was going on or taking Hayley's time.She had been anxiously awaiting Hayley’s return, fully aware that she could not leave without completing her final task. She had made a promise to Wendy, and failing to deliver would disappoint her greatly. She couldn't see to that. Wendy had supported her in countless ways, and Anna couldn't bear the thought of letting her down.Anxiety and impatience coursing through her, Anna rose to her feet and paced the room about for a few minutes, still awaiting Hayley. She was the only one in the room at that moment as Kimber
Emily was indoors with Daisy that evening when Freya showed up at the door, bearing gifts for the toddler. "Freya!" The toddler innocently scampered to hug her babysitter, Freya Williams. Emily also regarded Freya with warmth as she stepped aside for her to enter the house. "Welcome, Freya. How are you doing?" Emily asked with concern as she closed the door behind them after they had entered. "I'm great, thank you," Freya replied politely. She then turned to Daisy, who was settled in her arms and she gave her the bar of chocolate she brought for her. "Thank you, Freya," Daisy genuinely accepted the chocolate bar. The three of them settled on the couch, and Emily exhaled heavily, reaching for the remote control on the table. She switched through the channels, searching for an entertaining show for her guest and a show also suitable for the toddler. Meanwhile, Freya chatted with Daisy just like old times and even patted her hair as Daisy told her about her day. She stared at t
ONE MONTH LATER.[Court in Session.]"With this compelling evidence provided, I find it incumbent that you both witness the insides of a prison cell for fifty years, Mrs. Wendy Forbes and Miss Lillian Lopez. You both are hereby sentenced to fifty years in prison, for the crimes of attempted murder and kidnapping. Sentence to be executed immediately," The prosecutor and judge delivered the verdict, her tone unwavering. She was a ruthless prosecutor, one who had zero tolerance for convicts. As the prosecutor, Alexa McKanne made to return to her seat, she halted in her tracks as a shrill noise pierced through the courtroom."Nooo!!" Lilian emitted a heart-wrenching cry, her sharp voice reverberating throughout the courtroom and catching the attention of everyone present.The gathering erupted in murmurs, prompting the judge to call for silence.Meanwhile, Hayley, who was seated next to Leonardo across from Lillian and Wendy, caught Lillian's glare filled with contempt. Despite the palpab
A brief wave of disbelief washed over Leonardo as he stared at Hayley in astonishment. "What?" he blurted out absentmindedly, a hint of excitement seeping into his voice.Hayley felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she observed his reaction, realizing this was the first time she had seen his response to her pregnancy news."Are you serious, baby?" Leonardo asked, his eagerness palpable as his gaze shifted to Hayley's abdomen, contemplating whether she was teasing him or if she truly meant it.A genuine smile spread across Hayley's face as she rolled her eyes at his question. "Yeah, duh...""Mi reina!" Leonardo exclaimed, a surge of pure excitement bubbling within him. He could hardly fathom it. His joy was boundless as he reached for Hayley's hand, holding it gently.Hayley reveled in his excitement, her eyes filled with affection as he began to speak."Hayley Forbes..."She interrupted him, shaking her head playfully. "No, it’s Nina or Hazel now. I can't go by that name anymore, Leona
Hayley hurried with overwhelming joy and excitement toward Leonardo's room, with Daisy beside her. Her elation was palpable as she realized that Leonardo was awake; she could hardly contain her eagerness to see him. At the same time, Leonardo engaged in conversation with his brother, Lorenzo, who had remained by his side since the women had departed an hour earlier following his awakening. Leonardo had undoubtedly been taken aback to see his family upon waking. However, his initial surprise gradually shifted to confusion when he noticed the absence of both his woman and daughter. However, they had reassured him that Hayley had stepped out briefly and would return shortly, while Daisy was in another room with Rosalie and Emily. With this information, his anxious heart began to settle as he accepted their reassuring words. After a further thirty minutes had elapsed without Hayley's return, Leonardo's concern began to intensify. Unable to contain himself, he called out to Lorenzo, who
.Hayley returned to the hospital after delivering the lawsuit documents to the wardress at Wendy's prison. Approximately an hour prior, the prosecutor, Alexa, who was overseeing Hayley's case, had provided her with the papers following their meeting. Hayley then drove to the prison, where Wendy and Lillian were incarcerated, and handed the documents to the wardress, choosing not to visit any of them. That was the least of her concerns; her only interest in seeing them was during the court proceedings, where the judge would render his final decision. With a sigh of frustration, Hayley pulled herself back to the present as she made a right turn onto the highway, heading towards the hospital. She recalled that the love of her life remained unconscious when she left earlier, and a wave of anxiety washed over her as she wondered if he had awakened from the coma. Thoughts of Leonardo tightened around her heart, causing her anguish. Hayley eventually regained composure as she caught sight
Wendy collapsed on the ground, her head buried in her palms as she absorbed the news of Alison's sudden accident. It hit her like a thunderbolt, shattering her heart into pieces. Her daughter had been involved in an accident and according to what the wardress had mentioned, Alison had also fallen in a coma after the incident. Wendy swallowed, her face flooded with tears. Her heart ached painfully as she grappled with the reality. How could this be? How did this happen? She felt a pang of guilt constrict her heart tightly, knowing she was mostly responsible for the unfortunate circumstance that had befallen her daughter. If she hadn't gotten herself in trouble in the first place, none of this would have happened. With that, her cries intensified as she remained on the ground. "I'm very sorry, ma'am," The wardress tried to sympathize, her tone laden with pity. But that did little to console Wendy, whose thoughts were all over the place. Meanwhile, Lillian had also been shocked upon he
"What are you saying? He has a guardian! You can't take that action."Lillian's heart raced with anxiety as she absorbed the unsettling information relayed to her over the phone. Despite her efforts to maintain her composure, her hand trembled slightly as it pressed the receiver to her ear. Beads of sweat began to form on her temples, and her anger flared as the caller finished her statement.Her grip on the phone tightened, and Lillian shot back, her frustration palpable. "What do you mean by that? You can't do that! He has a mother! I am his mother!"She fell silent as the caller replied, a response that clearly unsettled her. Lillian started again. "Listen, you cannot do this to me. Ethan is my son. I’ll be out of here very soon. Just be patient, please." Lillian pleaded, a tear streaming down her cheek that she quickly brushed away.She listened closely to the caller's words until the line beeped, indicating the call had ended.Her heart shattered, and fresh tears flowed down her
Hayley headed out of the hospital as soon as she received the news about Freya's capture. Right after Lillian was apprehended, she had instructed an officer of the law to discreetly conduct a search for Freya, ensuring that she returned to the city in one piece so she could serve her fair punishment for her actions. Hayley was quite surprised by the speed of the development, however, that was the least of her concerns at that moment. A blend of satisfaction and annoyance brimmed within her as she headed out to the awaiting car, parked in the hospital lot. She had nearly forgotten Emily was trailing behind her until Emily's voice sailed into her ears, pulling Hayley from her thoughts. "Where are you going, Hayley? Who was it on the phone?" Emily pressed, her tone filled with concern. Realizing she hadn't shared the news with her, Hayley stopped midway and turned to Emily in an attempt to placate her confusion. "I'll be right back, Em. I need you to stay behind and watch my mother a
Hayley made her way to the restroom section of the hospital and leaned against the door once she stepped inside. Her heart raced, stirred by memories of her confrontation with Clara.Painful tears stung her eyes despite her efforts to remain composed and resolute. She felt she didn't deserve to cry. If anyone ought to shed tears, it should be Clara, not herself. She hadn't done anything wrong.With this resolve, Hayley sniffled back her emotions, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand before heading towards the sink to wash her face. She stared at her reflection in the mirror afterward, her chest heaving. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled before further questioning herself if she had been too harsh on Clara or if she truly deserved what she got from her. Her thoughts were disrupted as the door to the bathroom swung open, startling Hayley. Without moving an inch, Hayley caught a glimpse of the person who had just walked in through the mirror and saw it was Emily."Hey, ar
Meanwhile, Clara watched in silence as she absorbed the affectionate scene unfolding before her. Occasionally, her gaze would trail from the newfound couple to Hayley, who watched with enthusiasm and joy. Clara felt her heart pricked painfully, once again remembering that she and Hayley were no longer friends. And it was all her fault. She literally betrayed Hayley. Abandoned her when she needed her the most and turned her back to her in her times of trial and peril. She wondered if Hayley was ever going to forgive her for her actions.Sure, she had only acted out because she didn't like the way Hayley's deception affected Adrian. But recognizing Hayley's other predicament with Wendy and Lillian, she had now come to understand why Hayley had lied to them about her identity in the first place. She was obviously running from something and just didn't want to get entangled with her past again. It was unfortunate that Leonardo had just shown up to thwart those plans of Hayley.Reflecting