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As soon as Hayley was escorted away by the officers to the waiting van, Emily hurried inside the house after wiping away her tears and after the other women departed. Her heart raced as she paced the living room, grappling with what to do next. A flurry of questions clouded her mind, yet she found no solution to the conflicting situation. She was new to the city and didn't know anyone who could be of help, well, except Leonardo. But he was currently out of town, and Emily was also hesitant to call him, given they had an impending revenge plan against him. Emily stood rooted to the spot as she wracked her brain, searching for other alternatives. Eventually, she could only let out a hiss of frustration.She raked her fingers through her hair and groaned, heavy breaths eliciting more tears in her eyes as she felt utterly powerless."Now is not the time to cry, Em. Get yourself together!" she chastised herself through sniffles, trying to stifle her tears.Her tears were not just about the
Leonardo was in his company office in Clasold City that afternoon, accompanied by his assistant. It had been quite some time since he had visited the office, and with the recent threats from his brother weighing on his mind, he felt compelled to check on some important matters. Although he had entrusted his responsibilities to his reliable assistant, he believed it was essential to stay informed about the current state of his company since he left months ago."Here are the sales reports since your last visit, Sir," his assistant informed him, presenting him with a file.Sitting up straighter in his swivel chair, Leonardo took the file from his assistant and quickly reviewed the contents of the report.When he had finished, he nodded appreciatively, impressed by the information he had gleaned.Handing the file back, he lightly patted his assistant on the shoulder. "This looks incredible. You've done a great job. I knew I could rely on you. Thank you for your diligence and hard work."Th
Leonardo contemplated for a moment before blurting out the news. "I'll be leaving for Kleeton City, tomorrow." He announced at the table, during dinner with his family that evening. Silence ensued as all eyes turned to him after his utterance. They gazed at him in bewilderment, sadness, and confusion. But Leonardo didn't care. He couldn't stay with them anymore, not after what happened to Hayley in his absence.With his mother and grandfather already discharged from the hospital, he saw no reason also as to why he should remain in Clasold City. They didn't need him anymore. Though he had received confirmation about Hayley's release, a few minutes after his call to the commissioner, he still felt compelled to leave. He wanted to check on Hayley and see how she was doing, and also because he couldn't help the unsettling feeling that dwelled within him, heightening his anxiety and suggesting that something else may have gone wrong after he left for Kleeton, considering Hayley still hadn'
Hayley sighed wearily, feeling a wave of relief flood through her. "Thank you, Taylor. I really appreciate your help. I will be looking forward to it. Thanks, again." Hayley spoke into the phone, her hand running through her hair as Emily watched her from the couch. Emily was curious to know the outcome of Hayley's plea to Taylor for help.After hearing Taylor's response, Hayley ended the call and let out a heavy sigh while returning to the couch, collapsing into it after placing her phone aside on the table. She sighed again, her gaze directed at the ceiling as she remained silent.Filled with curiosity, Emily asked after a few minutes, breaking the silence. "Well, how did it go? What did she say about the order?"With her gaze still fixated on the ceiling, Hayley replied wearily. "I have filed the restraining order against the Lewis. It should be made official soon. Taylor said she'd take care of it." She sighed again, her thoughts all over the place and her heart racing wildly.Emil
Leonardo's heart raced uncontrollably beads of sweat forming on his temples as he repeatedly dialed Hayley's number, only to face no response each time. Confusion and fear enveloped him; he couldn't grasp what had gone wrong.He had returned from Clasold City merely an hour ago when he immediately rushed to the mansion with a sole purpose, and that was to confirm or dispel his deepest fear, whether Hayley had truly left him again. Though a part of him already sensed the truth to that before he even arrived, knowing the head of security wouldn't have just lied to him without cause, Leonardo remained reluctant to believe Hayley could leave him without an explanation.He couldn't understand what he had done wrong or what had gone amiss in his absence. Ever since he sent her that text in Clasold City, before her arrest, Hayley had yet to return any of his calls or texts.After a relentless series of calls, his heart sank, and an exasperated sigh escaped him as he collapsed onto the sofa.
Leonardo's heart shattered into pieces upon hearing Hayley's words. He was struck with bewilderment and disbelief as he couldn't grasp what she meant by that. She had just leveled an accusation against him. How true was that? Though confusion clouded his mind, he maintained a polite tone as he implored her gently. "Baby, please. Talk to me, what are you talking about? What have I done?" "What haven't you done, Leonardo?" Hayley retorted, shaking her head in disbelief as she stared at him. "You're really playing dumb with me right now, aren't you? How long did you plan to use me for your games and manipulations? How long had you intended to keep this facade of yours? You dare hurt me again. I forgave you and gave you a second chance, thinking you've outgrown your old selfish and self-centered self." She scoffed, her tone filled with regret and hurt as she added. "But I should've known better. Leonardo Anderson will always be Leonardo Anderson." Leonardo got even more confused after
Hayley made her way directly to the couch and collapsed into it upon getting there, her mind racing with a whirlwind of tumultuous thoughts. Her heart clenched painfully and hot tears welled up in her eyes at the painful realization that she had just broken up with Leonardo. She palmed her face as tears cascaded down her cheeks, feeling like her heart was being violently ripped out from her chest. It hurt. The pain was excruciating, acknowledging he had betrayed her again. Hayley's heart was utterly shattered as she sobbed profusely, pouring out her heart. After Emily slammed the door in Leonardo's face, she re-entered the house, only to find Hayley in tears. She felt a twinge in her heart, realizing the depths of Hayley's heartbreak. She stood there, momentarily frozen as she watched Hayley cry out her heart like a four-year-old. It broke Emily to see Hayley like that. Ever since she came to Kleeton City, all Hayley ever did was cry all day. It was both heartbreaking and frustrating
"Leonardo," The soft tone of a feminine voice sailed into Leonardo's ears as she called out to him.Though drunk to a stupor, Leonardo's brain cells registered he was being called, and this prompted him to halt in his tracks, instinctively directing his gaze towards the source of the sound. But he wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted him.A wave of disbelief washed over Leonardo instantly as his eyes landed on the chubby woman who was already approaching him with a broad smile etched on her face, her steps in elegant strides. His eyes remained glued to her as she finally stopped in front of him.With a smug smirk, the woman started teasingly, breaking the silence. "Long time, No see, Leonardo." She added when he remained silent. "Are you just going to keep gawking at me like that? Well, have at it."Leonardo scrutinized her intently, feeling his eyes were playing tricks on him. He was rendered speechless, his eyes traveling from her face to her long brown hair and her beautiful
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