Leonardo pressed the device against his ear as he listened intently to his friend, Massimo, who was on the other end of the line. His face remained expressionless, though flickering some hints of annoyance as he listened further. He didn't seem to be enthusiastic about whatever Massimo was saying to him that morning. Yes, Leonardo had reached out to him as soon he got to the office, to figure out a solution to Hayley's predicament. If anything, Leonardo trusted Massimo implicitly as the only one capable of rectifying the unpleasant situation. But now, it seemed the man was hearing a different thing from his supposed reliable friend.After a momentary silence, Leonardo's once-calm expression shifted into frustration as he retorted indifferently. "What do you mean it's not possible, Massimo? For fuck sake, I already promised Hayley I would take care of this! What are you trying to say?"Massimo's deep voice reverberated through the phone as he attempted to explain, dismissing Leonardo'
Hayley sat behind her desk in her office, her fingers gliding across the mouse as she worked with diligence on the computer in front of her. It had been two days since her ass got exposed... or not. Drawing in a lungful of air, She exhaled heavily as she felt a wave of relief and peace washed over her for the umpteenth time that afternoon, her heart swelling with gratitude. At that moment, all she could think was thank goodness. Thank goodness for Leonardo. As much as she hated for it to be so, he was her savior. He had really kept his promise to her to protect her and keep her safe again. Safe away from the uncalled-for attention that accompanied Wendy's vindictive announcement and acts for her head. How Leonardo had managed to do it, Hayley still didn't fully understand. But she was glad it was all over now. She was glad nothing had changed between her and Adrian, who was still oblivious to the truth. Despite feeling a pang of guilt in her heart for still deceiving him, she was g
Truly, he had done that. Her billionaire ex-husband had kept his promise to her. It was over now. It was finally over! She hadn't been exposed. "Nina, come have a look, baby," Adrian's suggestion jolted Hayley out of her reverie as she glanced at Leonardo. Hayley flinched, lowering her gaze as she felt a pang of embarrassment. Adrian then lifted his gaze towards Hayley and beckoned her, his naive brown eyes staring at her. "Baby, come have a look. You might have seen her before during the time you collaborated with some other artists from across the country, three years ago."Hayley swallowed, her gaze faltering as she could barely lock eyes with Adrian. It felt like Adrian's eyes were piercing through her soul. His innocent and pathetic look only intensified Hayley's guilty heart to tighten even more. When would she tell him the truth? Could she ever?"I highly doubt that Nina has come across her before, Adrian." Leonardo chimed in, noticing Hayley had gone dumbstruck without her,
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
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. Yo
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 Daisy's
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