Hailey's POV
I wake up to the shrill cry of my alarm from my bedside table. "Just a few more minutes," I mumble, my eyes still sealed. I fumble around for the annoying device, but I send it crashing to the ground, forcing me to finally open my eyes. I instantly regret doing so, as the sunlight filtering into the room is blinding. I forgot to draw the blinds before I went to sleep last night. Shading my eyes with the back of my hand, I sit up in bed. I feel groggy, my head feels like there's a whole parade going on in it. The alarm still blares, only adding to my headache. I bend to pick it up, but I instantly regret it, as a wave of nausea washes over me. I bolt for the bathroom, the remaining contents of my dinner heaving into the toilet. Since the week began, I've been battling new issues in my body every day. Headaches, dizzy spells, tiredness, and most recently, nausea and vomiting. Bloated and sluggish, I stare at my reflection. Each glance at myself in the mirror seems to reveal a new, unwelcome curve. I don't know what's going on with me, but I must say, I don't like it. Even more so because despite all that's happening, I still have to get ready for work. I passed the interview and secured a job as a PR manager in a skincare company, and I'm already starting to regret wanting to be independent. A week after my breakup, I called my parents and informed them of it. *Flashback* "Hi, mum," I greeted when my mother picked up the phone, after the second ring. I could here the smile in her voice when she responded, "Honey. It's been a while since you called. "Yeah," I breathed into the phone, thinking of how to relay the news to her. "How are you doing? Has Jake been treating you well?" I hesitated, playing with the hem of my shirt. "We broke up." The line went silent for a moment, I had been put on hold. When the call was back on, it was my father's voice speaking. "What did that son of a gun do to you." Them thinking the breakup wasn't my fault, warmed my heart. "He cheated." "What?!" my father shouted, and I had to hold the phone away from my ear. "How dare he do that to you! I'm going to make sure he pays." 'Just wait till you hear who it was with,' I thought. "I always knew he wasn't good for her," I heard my mother say in the background, although I'm sure I wasn't meant to hear that. I sighed. "Yes, dad. He cheated on me with Charlotte. My mother gasped. There was a bit of shuffling at the other end of the line, before my mother spoke. "Oh, dear. That must have hurt a lot." "It did." "Are you okay?" she asked softly. Her calm voice was like a soothing balm. "I guess, but it hurt a lot. Charlotte was my best friend since forever." "I know that, honey. They have no idea, what they'd lost, doing that to you." Trust mum to always help me remain confident. "You know, it'd be easier to deal with the heartache if you just come home," she proposed. They were always ready to use any opportunity to get me to return, so they could hand over one of their companies to me. I wasn't ready. Not yet. I expelled air through my mouth. "You know I'm going to refuse that offer mum. I need to figure things out on my own" She sighed. "I know, dear. I just wished you'd listen this time, now you have enough reason. Your father and I are not getting any younger." "I know, mum. I promise I'll come home when I'm ready." "Stop pestering the kid, she just finally broke up with that jerk," my father said. I laughed. My mother scolded him, but I knew she was probably smiling too. "What can we do to help from here, dear?" "For starters, I'd really appreciate a house. I've been lodged at a hotel for a week now." "Consider it done. Anything else?" I shook my head, then realized they couldn't see me. "That's all for now." "Okay, honey," she paused, and whispers followed. "Your father and I have got to go. Take care of yourself." "I will. Love you." "Love you too, honey," my mother responded. "I love you, Coco. I won't let that boy get away with hurting you!" my father shouted from where I assumed was across the room. I laughed and ended the call. *End of flashback* I finish cleaning up and prepare for work, putting on a pink sundress - no dressing requirements for this job - and my favorite pair of Hermes sandals. I make myself toast and eggs for breakfast, which I'm unable to eat because the mere scent of it triggers another wave of nausea. Picking up the plates, I move them to the sink. With each movement, my head feels faint, a common trait I have been experiencing for about two weeks now. I decide not to go to work, in case it gets worse. One day of not turning up won't make the earth stop rotating. Or would it? Finally tired - literally - of ignoring the obvious signs that there is something wrong with me, I pick up my keys and head for the hospital. ... After the first round of testing was done, I was referred to the obstetrics and gynecology section of the hospital. It's been three very long hours since I came here, and my body is shaking with fear and anticipation of the test results. I try to distract myself with mindless scrolling, but the bright screen only amplifies the pounding in my head. I drop the phone and take to staring at other pregnant women in the waiting area. A flicker of unease stirs within me. 'Why am I here?' I look up and my heartbeat quickens, my breath catching in my throat, when I notice a familiar figure turning away from me. My mind flashes back to that night we spent together, six weeks ago. "You feel so tight," he groaned as his cock filled me. He began moving, maintaining a slow place. "Faster," I begged, feeling like his pace was torture. He listened and increased his pace, the sound of our bodies slapping against each other filling the room. I felt a knot form in my abdomen. "I'm close," I moaned, arching my back to him, as he brought his hand to tease my nipple. "Come for me, sweetheart," he encouraged, moving faster, his hand holding my breast firm, the other one massaging my clit. "Oh God," I cried, digging my fingers into his shoulders, something I had been aching to do after seeing him shirtless. He increased the speed of his thrusts, guiding my body until I finally came undone. His thrusts became sloppy, and he gazed at me with hooded eyes. "I'm coming soon babydoll," he said, his voice gruff. He attempted pulling out when he felt himself peaking. But I held my hand over his, guiding him deeper into him. "I'm on birth control," I told him. His expression shifted, as if questioning 'are you sure?' I nodded. He didn't need any more confirmation before he thrusted into me, deep and hard, until he released his come into me. I feel my cheeks warm up at the realization of what I had been thinking of in a public space like this. I can't deny that he had given me the best orgasms of my entire life. We haven't met since that time, and I wonder if he'd still remember me. And if he does, whether he'd still be interested in speaking with me. After all, I left him the next morning before he even woke up. I put my clothes back on and exited his room, got a new key card from the reception, and then locked myself in my room for the rest of the day. He came knocking once, but I pretended like I wasn't in. Then before he left the hotel, he stood at my door to tell me he was leaving, but I didn't respond. So yeah, I doubt he'd be glad to see me, after all that. The craziest thing? I still don't know his name. He turns around, and I'm disappointed to find out that he isn't the one. My disappointment doesn't last long, as just then, I am called into the doctor's office for my test results. "Miss Hailey," the doctor smiles at me once I'm seated. Her smile carries a lot of warmth, her eyes crinkling on the sides. To others, it would seem like a calming gesture. But to me? It only makes me feel uneasy, especially with the ward I find myself in. "You are progressing well. It's good to see you've been taking care of yourself." "Uhm, yeah. I guess?" I reply, confused by the manner she's speaking. 'Why wouldn't I take care of myself?' Her gaze sweeps over my body, and I swear her smile only gets wider. "If I didn't get the signs you mentioned, I wouldn't have believed you. You look remarkably well for someone experiencing morning sickness." 'Morning sickness?' I scratch my thumb with the tip of my index finger, my body racking with nerves. I manage what I hope appears as an easy smile. "What do you mean "morning sickness"?" Her brows furrow and her smile wavers. "You don't know?" She asks. "Know what?" I ask, a knot forming in my throat. "You're pregnant, Miss Hailey."Levi's POV"I know, Dad." I pinch my nose bridge, trying to stifle a sigh that threatens to escape. I wish my father would just get off my back. He's been pressuring me for over a year to get married, or to produce an heir. It only got worse in this past month. If only he could understand that marriage isn't a business transaction, even if it's for the sake of his empire. I'm still young, still strong. I have enough time on my hands to decide if and when I want to procreate. "The least you could do is get a girlfriend, Levi," my father speaks up again. "I've been lenient enough. If you don't get a wife, or a grandchild by this time next year, you can forget about taking over the legacy.""Dad-" I cut myself short as the line goes dead. I hung up. Of course. A string of profanities escapes my lips, and I almost fling my phone across the room. Just then, the door clicks open, and my secretary, Sarah, walks in. The file in her trembling hands shakes slightly. "Don't you know how to f
Levi's POV The lady from that night, three weeks ago. The lady that gave me the best sex of my life, and then decided to disappear from the face of the earth without even telling me so much as her name. Not even a curtsey "thanks," for saving her life - although the sex was more than enough. She stands across the hotel lobby, the same hotel where all that happened. She doesn't notice me though, engrossed in a conversation with a lanky, pale-looking guy with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. 'Is this the kind of guy she likes?' the unwelcome thought flashes across my mind, as I hear her laughing at another thing he says. I don't realize how long I have been staring until Walker taps my hand. "Why did you stop?"He follows the direction of my gaze, and his eyes widen when they land on the lady. "Damn. She's stunning," he whistles lowly. I tear my gaze away from her to eye him. "What? I mean, look at her."I want to punch him for his remark, but he's not lying. Anyone with a working
Hailey's POV It's been two weeks since I met the stranger again - Well, not just any stranger, but Levi King - and I can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that I'm pregnant with his child, after a reckless one-night stand. He gave me his contact card and number, but I still can't bring myself to call him. It's not that I'm desperate. I don't even need his money or anything, I just want him to know that he's about to become a father, and I also want my child to know her father. That brings me to why I’ve been staring at the message icon on my phone for the last few minutes, too nervous to type a single word. "If you won't text him, then I will," Matt says, snatching my phone out of my hand. I told him bits of the story when he wouldn’t stop pestering me after my conversation with Levi two weeks ago. I didn’t want to burden him with the details, but Matt’s persistent, and I guess it felt good to talk to someone. I can't bring myself to take my phone back. He might a
Levi's POV "You're the father of the child I'm carrying," Hailey says. A loud ringing fills my ears. I barely register her words at first. Me? A father? How's that even possible? I'm not impotent, but I could swear I was careful. The events of that night rush back to me like a flood. "Oh God," she moaned, digging her fingers into my shoulders, urging me to go faster. I increased the pace of my thrusts, gripping her body firmly until she finally came undone all over my cock. Shortly after, I felt my own release build. "I'm coming soon babydoll," I told her. I started to pull out, but she stopped me, guiding me back into her. She looked so sexy doing that. "I'm on birth control," she'd assured me. I hesitated, but the look in her eyes convinced me. I thrust into her again, deep and hard, until I spilled inside her. I'm not even in the mind to get turned on by the memory, too pissed at our carelessness. "You said you were on birth control," I point out, my v
Levi's POV The loud buzz of the club's speaker vibrates through me as I sit at the bar, drinking my third shot of vodka. After enduring five more gruesome hours in the office after Hailey left, I came to the club to drown my frustration. Hailey's tear-streaked face keeps appearing in my mind's eye, and a pang of guilt follows after. A warm hand lands on my shoulder, running down my arm and interrupting my thoughts. I'm immediately grateful for the relief. Then, I feel the warm breath on my neck, making my hair stand. A slurring, breathy voice follows. "I noticed you sitting over here for a while now. Would you like some company?" I'm not that drunk to misunderstand her intentions, but I nod anyway, pulling the stool by my side closer. I tap on it, inviting her to sit down. I know she probably wants us to leave the club together, but I'm not in the mood for that. Not today. And if I don't find a way to make things right with Hailey, I'm not sure I'll ever be in the mo
Hailey's POV I lean over the counter to order another martini for Matt, since he's too drunk to do it himself. 'Martini for Matt.' Kinda rhymes. When I met him for late lunch with my swollen eyes, he made me narrate everything that happened to him. Then he comforted me for a while and proposed that we go out drinking. I can't be drinking because of my condition, so he offered to drink two times the amount that he usually would. We have to go to work tomorrow, but he didn't mind. He said he was doing it for me, but I'm sure he's just looking for an excuse to get wasted on a weekday. When he said he was going to take us to a club, my first thought was the one where I met the assaulter because it's one of the most popular clubs around. But luckily, he took me to another one. I don't think I'd be able to go anywhere near that place again. Moreso because I totally embarrassed myself in front of the bartender. "Hey," I call out to the bartender, but he barely acknowled
Hailey's POV For the third time this week, I find myself seated in Levi's office, my fingers twisting together as I stare out the large window. The city stretches beyond the glass, with cars weaving through traffic, and pedestrians moving along the sidewalks. Levi had asked me to come here because the results of the DNA test are ready. We took the test three days ago - just like we agreed - and now, in just two days, we've gotten an answer. He went to pick the results himself but insisted that I wait for him here. I exhale slowly, rubbing my thumb and forefinger together, my body racking with nerves. 'What will the results say?' I am confident that the child is Levi's. But with the way everything went so fast, I'm also afraid that the result might not be accurate. What if it's accurate, but the child isn't Levi's? I squeeze my eyes shut. I can't think like that. If the child turns out to be Jake's - which I'm sure it isn't - I don't know what I would do. No. I wou
Hailey's POV Every time I ask that "what could possibly go wrong?" question, the universe shows me a shit ton of things that could. "What?!" I shout into the phone, my frustration burning hot. I don't know why I keep agreeing to him, even when he keeps screwing things up. 'Why do I keep doing this to myself?' "The marriage wasn't fake, Hailey," he says, exasperation dripping from his tone. But I don't give a flying fuck about how frustrated he is right now. He caused it. "My lawyer messed up the deal. Instead of us signing a fake agreement, we actually got legally married by contract," he hesitates, like he's preparing himself to deliver more bad news. "For one year." 'Ah ha. I knew there had to be more.' On Monday, we met at Levi's attorney's office to sign what was supposed to be a fake marriage contract, because Levi insisted that my parents might want proof that we're really married. I agreed because again, he made a lot of sense. And AGAIN, I made a mistake by
Hailey's POV The day had been going so much better—until now. I’d been enjoying the little bubble of self-deception Levi and I had created for ourselves. But of course, his dad had to burst it.From his explanations, I couldn't quite tell if his intentions were as noble as he claimed. What I could tell was why Levi resented him so much. The man doesn't know where to draw the line between business and family. He thinks business logic works for family matters. I hope Levi doesn't turn out like him. Still, in those brief moments, I caught a glimpse of their similarities—their knack for claiming good intentions while their actions suggested otherwise.As I step back into the main hall, a hand slips into mine."Come on, they're waiting," Levi says, tugging me toward the tables.He doesn’t ask what I talked about with his dad, or how the conversation went. Part of me feels relieved. Another part feels... a little hurt by his lack of concern.I stop, holding onto his hand. "What's the rus
Levi's POVI leave Hailey for a moment to grab her a cup of apple juice from the buffet, but a hand claps down on my shoulder, halting me.I follow the hand up to find Elliot grinning at me."Lev," he says, pulling back. "We haven’t talked since you got here. What's up with you?"A stab of guilt hits me. He’s the groom—he should be basking in attention, not chasing me down. I should’ve swallowed my pride and congratulated him first.I sigh, resisting the urge to rub the back of my neck. "Not much," I reply. "Congratulations, man. I should’ve said it earlier."He waves it off. "It's fine." Typical Elliot. Never holds a grudge, never takes things too personally. I’ve always admired that about him. If the roles were reversed, I'd still be keeping score. Hell, I am still keeping score—and he doesn’t even seem to notice. And even if he notices my reservations toward him, he still plays it easy—even sent a congratulatory email for my wedding, despite the way everyone found out. He’s the b
Hailey's POV I feel like I'm on cloud-fucking-nine, and as much as I hate to admit, it's all because of Levi. He's been all over me today, and I love it so much.I guess Chloe was right... but that's not the point. The kiss at the lake? It felt magical, like a scene straight out of a romance novel. I loved it. And I hate that I loved it, and am still loving it. Ugh... This trip has my feelings mixed up. We’re at the after-party now, in the hotel’s event room. Levi’s been glued to my side most of the night—except for now. He went to grab me a drink. Can you believe that? The hall is decorated beautifully. Midnight blue streamers drape the walls and ceiling, glinting under the soft party lights and flashing cameras.Yes, cameras.Feels like this party was thrown more for the paparazzi than for the couple. Honestly, I had more fun in the other events that took place during the day. "I still can't believe Levi's actually in love," Christina says with a chuckle.For some reason, th
Hailey's POVThey couldn't have chosen a better day, time or venue for the wedding. Everything's just so beautiful. The weather's cool, the sun mild, and there are no signs of coming rainfall either. The time for the reception is perfect. Three o'clock in the afternoon, giving everyone time to celebrate with them, probably go home and change up for the after party at the hotel later. And they couldn't have chosen a better spot for an outdoor reception. In front of a private lake house, owned by one of Elliot's associates. If the couple wants, they can listen to an impulsive urge to go swimming. The church wedding was also perfect. Alicia's only nephew was the little groom. He arrived with his mum last night, a few hours after the picnic. And little Daisy, Levi's niece, was the little bride. The couple's vows were sweet and genuine, I even shed a few tears.Everyone had happy smiles on their faces, and the happiness is still very much present. It's been a good day so far, and I alm
Hailey's POV After I put on my dress, the make-up artist adds finishing touches to my makeup and then leaves the room to go to someone else. We'd decided on using just three rooms for the preparations, so no one had to go around to different rooms just to get what they needed. About five of us are in a room - mine and Levi's room, precisely - and I haven't had time to calculate how many are in the other. But since Alicia's the bride, she gets to do her own makeup and dress separately. "Oh my," Chloe gushes, coming over to me. "You look breathtaking." I smile at her reflection in the mirror. "So do you," I say. And I mean it. The women in Levi's family are really beautiful. They all have their own unique, striking features that make them stand out. Chloe's hair is immaculately styled in a high ponytail, the blonde highlights peeking out. Her makeup is done to perfection and the green eyeshadow brings out the color of her green eyes. She looks perfect. The door clicks ope
Levi's POV Hailey lets her robe fall, sending it pooling around her legs. She's completely naked. Her hair tousled, her skin glowing with sweat, her eyes wild. My heart skips a beat. So many surprises in one day... my heart can't take it. She's gone from giving me the silent treatment to flirting, to stripping for me - all in one day. I take my time to admire her body. Her perky breasts and hard nipples, calling for my attention. Then my eyes trail down to her stomach. I've always been with models and actresses, and their flat stomachs seemed like the deal for me. But seeing the beautiful woman in front of me, the curve of her belly—soft, real, perfect. I immediately rethink any kink I thought I had. A low groan escapes me. I wish I could take a picture, just to make the moment last longer. She starts to shrink back, her confidence dissolving. She's misread my silence. Before she can do anything crazy - like put her robe back on - I get up quickly and catch her han
The women stumble into the lobby, laughter and chatter lighting up the place. We'd been hanging around, waiting for them, and contrary to what I told Hailey, there was no bachelor party. Just a group of family men sitting around, talking about business and reminiscing. Though I hadn't stayed down here for long. I left when Hailey called and began sex talking to me. I knew it was part of a silly game they were playing, but it didn't stop the blood from flowing down to my crotch. I had to excuse myself to...handle the situation she caused. As if on cue, Hailey walks in behind the others, looking as stunning as ever. She still seems as sober now as she did when I last saw her earlier in the day. I doubt she joined them in drinking... she couldn't have, for not-so-obvious reasons. She's deep in a conversation with Jess and doesn’t even notice me watching her. Seeing her blend in so easily with my family does something to me. It makes me feel like she really belongs here, like all
Hailey's POV She covers the speakers again, so her voice comes out muffled. "They're coming. I'm scared, please send help quickly," Sam cries into the phone and ends the call without waiting for the officer's reply. She puts down her phone and begins laughing. We don't waste a moment in joining her, going into a laughing fit. "Okay, that was really good acting," Cindy chuckles. "Could've fooled anyone." "The station's probably in panic mode by now," Alicia adds. Samantha makes a mock bow. "Thank you, thank you." "Where did you learn to act so well?" Cindy asks. "Mum made us take acting lessons when we were younger," Samantha replies, glancing at Aunt Rose, who has a smug grin on her face. "You hated it, but see how well it's worked out for you," Aunt Rose says. Sam rolls her eyes. She rubs her hands together, leaning forward excitedly. "So, my turn to spin the bottle." Christina passes it to her, and she spins. I watch in anticipation and dread, praying th
Hailey's POV Most of the ladies cheer in excitement, while I just watch them, smiling to myself. I hear the sound of a car approaching where we are, and I turn in its direction. It soon comes to a stop close to our picnic spot, where the limos had been earlier. Three women come out of the car and begin walking toward us, each wearing smiles on their faces. Alicia notices this and stands immediately, running toward them with an excited grin on her face. They must be her friends. I'd wondered why they hadn't shown up yet, because Levi mentioned something about the picnic being for her friends and family too. They hug her back with equal excitement, but I don't miss how one of the lady's expression darkens when she glances my way. 'weird.' Alicia happily drags them over to the cloth, and they take their places beside her. "I know you all have met my friends - well, aside from Hailey," Alicia says to the other women, before turning to me. "Hailey, these are my best fr