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Hayley and Kimberly arrived at the program center nearly half an hour later. Along the way, they had engaged in conversation and gotten to know one another, leading Hayley to quickly find Kimberly appealing. She thought Kimberly was intriguing and seemed quite different from Clara, especially given her openness during their chat. Hayley also learned that Kimberly was her designated agent for the program, meaning they would be spending a significant amount of time together throughout her stay. This prospect thrilled Hayley, who eagerly anticipated forming a strong friendship with Kimberly, whom she found genuinely nice. Little did she realize what awaits ahead.Upon entering the lobby of the program center, Hayley paused to take in the gigantic hall before her, which was bustling with several other newcomers, all lugging their suitcases.A mix of excitement and apprehension surged through her as she scanned the room filled with guests and competitors. The sheer number of participants w
Hayley raised her brows in realization even though confusion lingered within her. "Oh, I do?" Her brows knitted together.Hayley didn't know what Madam Rosalie looked like as she hadn't seen a picture of her before. Besides this was the first time she was hearing something like this from anyone. How could she look like her? Anyway, people are bound to make funny remarks at times.However, Anna persisted with her statement, as she nodded curtly. "Yes, you do. The blonde hair, the blue eyes... you're like her replica, Nina. It's quite a privilege, honestly." She added.Hayley raised her brows and shrugged, unsure of how to respond. An awkward silence enveloped them for a few seconds before Anna asked as she noticed Hayley's bewilderment."Don't tell me you haven't seen Madam before? You have, right?" She asked skeptically, eyeing Hayley intently.Hayley's lips parted as she struggled to find the right words. How could she explain that she hadn't even seen a photo of their host until n
It was already Hayley's third day in the retreat when she received the biggest shock of her life; An incident she never saw coming. That morning, Kimberly burst into her room in a state of agitation, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere as she urgently called out to Hayley. "Nina, Nina! Wake up! Wake up right now!" Kimberly exclaimed, scurrying to where Hayley was and yanking the blankets away from her. Startled by the commotion, Hayley’s eyes fluttered open, and she let out a yawn, stretching her tired limbs on the bed. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. However, Kimberly continued to tap her insistently. "Wake up now, Nina. You're in trouble! Serious trouble!" Kimberly persisted, taking a seat beside her on the bed as she gazed at her. Noticing the gravity in Kimberly's voice, Hayley’s expression shifted from confusion to concern. Still lying down, she asked as she met her gaze, "What’s going on? What’s wrong?" Kimberly scoffed as she regarded Hayley
"Hey, Leonardo, I think you might need to see this," Ivy announced with a sense of urgency as she crossed the room to where Leonardo was seated in his home office in Clasold City.Lifting his gaze to match hers, his curiosity piqued and he questioned. "Why? What is it about?"Ivy halted at his desk, handing him the phone as she added. "It's about Hayley. She’s going viral on the Internet, and there are some disturbing rumors going around...""What?" Ivy hadn't finished her statement when Leonardo snatched the phone from her hand, quickly scrolling through the social media posts. Ivy simply raised her eyebrows, her words trailing off as she watched him absorb the news.On the other hand, Leonardo's face twisted with shock and bewilderment as he couldn't believe his eyes. As he read further, his anger only intensified when he came across the headline that read 'HOMEWRECKER NINA CARTERSVILLE'. He delved into the post and also the comments that accompanied it, eventually reviewing all ma
Cassidy was filled with excitement and joy as she scrolled through social media posts about Hayley. This was beyond anything she had hoped for. Though she hadn't initially believed that leaving matters to 'L' was the best idea, she was beginning to realize that she could indeed place her faith in 'L'.Clara noticed the genuine smile etched on Cassidy's face as she walked into Adrian's ward. Cassidy was seated beside Adrian on the bed. Her gaze was fixed on Cassidy in confusion as she made her way toward the table to drop the things she had brought with her. While Clara felt glad to see Cassidy happy, she couldn't understand the reason behind it; it was the first time in weeks that Cassidy had looked so cheerful.Teasingly, Clara asked as she sauntered to where she was. "Hey, Cass... What's the matter? What's got you so excited?"As if just noticing her presence, Cassidy raised her hand and met her gaze, her grin only widening as she replied. "I bet you haven't seen what's and who's go
"Madam Rosalie wishes to see you immediately," These were the words that echoed relentlessly in Hayley's mind as she made her way out of their shared room. The man had already left after delivering the message to Hayley. Kimberly had advised Hayley to go alone after providing directions to where Madam's office was located. She had also advised Hayley to try and explain the situation to Madam Rosalie if she'd have compassion on her and allow her to remain in the retreat. With that conviction, Hayley mustered the courage to saunter towards the office. As Hayley traversed the hallway toward Rosalie's office, anxiety churned in her stomach, exacerbated by the disdainful glances from those around her. The air was thick with their animosity and resentment. With her hands trembling at her sides, she fought to steady herself against the backdrop of their mocking whispers. Although she struggled to maintain a composed demeanor, deep inside, her nerves were fraying under the weight of thei
Madam Rosalie had come across the news about Hayley online shortly after returning to the City. Upon seeing Hayley’s photograph, disbelief washed over her as she grappled with the striking resemblance they both shared. It was the first time in her life that she encountered someone who looked so much like her.As Rosalie continued scrutinizing the photograph that evening, a thought had crossed her mind: What if Hayley was the daughter she had been searching for all these years? Initially, she dismissed the possibility, thinking it couldn't be true. But as the night wore on, she remained confused and curiosity gnawed at her, compelling her to request Hayley’s presence in her office the next day.Before now if someone had faced a similar situation as Hayley, Rosalie would have promptly dismissed them from her retreat. However, something about Hayley prompted her to act differently. She didn't want to take any chances and wanted to confirm her suspicion. *Rosalie's heart raced in antic
Hayley didn't notice the disbelief that crossed Rosalie's expression until Rosalie exclaimed with shock."What? Wendy is your foster mother?" she inquired, her eyes glimmering with intrigue. "Do you mean Wendy Forbes from Clasold City?"Hayley hesitated for a moment, then nodded in affirmation. She didn’t find Rosalie's astonishment strange, knowing that they both operated within the same professional sphere. Wendy Forbes, like Rosalie, was also a TV host and a popular figure.Encouraged by her own thoughts, Hayley continued, nodding in affirmation. "Y- Yes, she is."Rosalie grappled with her astonishment, her mind racing with several thoughts as she processed this new information. Something felt off, as if the pieces of a puzzle were not fitting together. She looked closely at Hayley, feeling an unfamiliar sensation arise within her. What was this? Could this young woman truly be her daughter? What if, when she was a child, she had fallen into Wendy's hands? How did everything connec
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