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
It was still the early hours of the serene Saturday night, and the evening embraced Adrian reluctantly dressing up for his arranged date in just an hour. Frustration weighed heavily on him as he secured his watch around his wrist. After his reconciliation with Hayley, Adrian had considered canceling the date his mother had persuaded him on. But he knew he couldn't. That would be a breach of the deal he had made with his mother a week ago. And besides, he only needed to endure this one and never have to face her meddling and pressure again. That was the only advantage he held onto.Adrian was certain he'd have no interest in the lady as he believed his heart solely belonged to Hayley. She was the only woman he loved and would ever love. The thought of loving someone else was inconceivable to him. Reflecting on the past days of the week, he realized how much he missed Hayley. He hadn't seen her much lately as she had later extended her leave of absence from two days to a week and had
"... Who is she?" Her voice resonated in his ears as he gazed at her intently. Upon hearing her question, Adrian's eye flickered toward his phone, prompting him to instinctively turn off the device before redirecting his attention back to the stunning lady standing before him. He had no idea who she was and he couldn't disclose Hayley's identity to a stranger, just like that. Thus...Adrian waved his hand dismissively, responding politely. "Uh, just someone I know... But excuse me, you are?" He asked, reciprocating her expressionless gaze and attempting to maintain a sense of composure. Alison's frown deepened as she stared at him for a moment, her face devoid of any emotion as she contemplated if her eyes had just played tricks on her a minute ago or not. The woman she had glimpsed on Adrian's phone bore an uncanny resemblance to her missing foster sister, Hayley. Or was she even the one? She couldn't fathom her own curiosity. Noticing the lady before him remained silent as if lo
Hayley covered her mouth in disbelief, instinctively scanning her surroundings to ensure she wasn't just daydreaming. Was the love of her life really bent on his knee at the moment, poised to propose to her? Was this a dream? "Hayley, mi reina," Leonardo called, his voice laden with tenderness yet anxiety. Hayley turned back to face him, her face contorting with a whirlwind of emotions. "Baby... What are you doing?" She asked, her eyes traveling downward once more to admire the ring. It was a stunning and enthralling piece. Leonardo picked up the ring from the box and held it in his hand as he began, his attention solely on her. "Make me the happiest man in the world again, mi reina..." "Leonardo," Hayley muttered, glancing back at him in disbelief. Despite Leonardo's anxiousness, he carried on undeterred. "I've come to realize that you're my destiny, baby. Life has no meaning without you in it. I felt the void when you left before. I never want to be in that darkness again, baby
Hayley gazed down at him, a mix of disbelief and amusement flooding her heart as she met his needy orbs. At times, she found it difficult to comprehend the man before her. But she also couldn't deny the sensations that blazed through her when he grasped her hand gently, pleading with her desperately.At first, she contemplated giving him what he wanted. But eventually, she decided against it as she wanted to bide his time. "No," Hayley responded after a while, her voice unwavering. Leonardo's frown deepened, his heart breaking into pieces upon hearing the word. "No?" He felt like cursing, but he restrained himself.Hayley shrugged. "Yes, Leonardo. No, I won't give you what you want. If you love me, you'd wait." She said firmly.Leonardo shut his eyes, feeling a wave of frustration wash away his earlier arousal. He hated the fact that she was being a pain in the ass at that moment. But ultimately, he knew he had no choice but to comply."Are you going to be good now, baby?" Hayley as
After notifying Emily they would be on their way, Leonardo escorted Hayley outside to his awaiting limousine. He had long set aside his raging desires after Hayley had delivered those heartbreaking words to him earlier. Though he yearned for her, he knew she wouldn't let him do a thing to her till after the date night. The pain of being patient till then was excruciating. Nonetheless, he was willing to wait. Hayley's smile was radiant as she walked gracefully towards the car, paying no mind to the paparazzi that continued capturing the moment with their cameras.Leonardo opened the car door for her and she smiled at him thankfully before climbing inside. He followed suit after she had settled in comfortably. He sat across in the seat across hers.Throughout the ride to the date venue, Leonardo's eyes remained glued to Hayley lustfully. His eyes occasionally traveled from her face to her body, and they would linger there for a moment before he redirected his gaze to her face.Hayley f
A dazzling smile adorned Hayley's face as she styled her wavy hair with a hot comb that evening. Seated before an elegant dressing mirror in her room, she delicately applied light makeup while her body buzzed with excitement in anticipation of her date night with Leonardo. He was due to pick her up in an hour, yet she found herself uncertain about what outfit to wear. Just then, Emily entered the room, cradling Daisy in her arms. Catching sight of Emily's reflection in the mirror, Hayley chuckled as Emily paused, seemingly taken aback by her appearance. "Is that really you, Hayley?" Emily asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow as she stepped closer. Hayley laughed softly, dismissing the compliment with a wave of her hand. "Oh, please, don’t start, Em." "Mommy is beautiful!" Daisy chimed in, her face lighting up with an adorable smile. Hayley's heart melted at the compliment, and she turned to Daisy, responding warmly, "Oh, thank you, baby." She stood to plant a gentle kiss on Dais
While they were working in the prison yard that afternoon, Lillian occasionally stole glances at Wendy, who was positioned a few feet away from her. It had been three days since the court delivered its final verdict. And Lillian could attest to the fact that those days had been the most challenging of her life.They worked like lackeys in the yard, all day. She got bullied by her superiors; sometimes, she was denied dinner. While she had thought initially that she was resilient and could survive the prison life, now she was beginning to doubt her strength. Only three days had passed but it felt as though she had been trapped in there for decades. The relentless suffering felt overwhelming most times. Most distressing of all was the thought that her son would soon be placed in foster care, as she had been unable to secure her release from prison. Her last conversation with Leonardo had not gone well, and she was acutely aware that he would not intervene on Ethan's behalf.Lillian had o
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