Hailey's POV
"What the fuck?!" Jake's eyes snap open, and a mixture of fear and surprise flashes across his blue orbs. The girl slowly turns to face me. At the sight of her face, I feel myself begin to lose balance, my consciousness slowly slipping away from me. The room tilts and falls backward. The last thing I feel is my body falling heavily to the ground, before darkness consumes me. "Is she dead?" "I'm not sure, let's find out." I hear faint voices whisper over me. Then, water splashes on my face. I gasp for air, unintentionally swallowing, when I feel the water land on my face with force. "She's finally awake," I hear my boyfriend say. "Oh, thank fuck. I thought we would have to deal with a dead body," Charlotte responds. Jake laughs. "She has always been such a pain." Hold on, Charlotte? And why is she talking to Jake? Who are they even talking-? The memories come rushing back to me at that instant. The image of Charlotte on Jake's cock, the look in their eyes when they saw me, and my momentary loss of consciousness. I had just come home from a job interview - although it was postponed. I was tired and cold from walking home under the rain, because my car had broken down and I forgot my wallet. I expected to meet my boyfriend waiting to hear about how the interview went, instead, I was given a surprise that I would remember forever. My boyfriend being intimate with my best friend. Fueled by a mixture of hurt and rage, I shoot up from the ground, but instantly regret doing so when I feel a throbbing in my head. Feeling the cold tiles under my already cold body, I realize that they didn't even have the decency to place me on a bed. 'Such low-lives'. My movements take them by surprise, and I seize the opportunity to grab a hand full of Charlotte's hair. "You bitch!" I scream, pulling at it. "You were supposed to be my best friend, not going behind my back to shag my boyfriend!" Charlotte screams, clawing, blindly trying to move my hand away. She is unsuccessful, as my grip on her is strong. "Let me go!" she yanks my hand. "Jake! Do something!" Jake comes behind me and tries to pry me off her, but I don't relent, taking her with me every time Jake pulls me. He succeeds after a few attempts and I take to glaring at them. My chest rises and falls heavily as a take deep breaths. Jake holds a crying Charlotte in his hands, rubbing her back affectionately. In this moment, I realize that I've truly lost him. If I ever had him, that is. I should be the one getting comforted. Me! He should be apologizing, telling me how it was all a mistake, but he doesn't do that. He doesn't even look at me without glaring. His eyes carry an unfamiliar coldness in them. They had never been as warm as they are when he looks at Charlotte, but at least they weren't cold. He looks like he can't stand to see me, like I did something horrible. Like I'm in the wrong. It breaks my heart. I know I sound pathetic, but a gesture like what he shows Charlotte was something I longed for, even if he didn't mean it. After the first month of our relationship, I don't remember him holding me so affectionately again. Seeing him do something that he never did for me, so easily for my best friend, breaks something in me. Tears stream down my face as little sobs escape me. Then, I break down. My body trembles as I fall to the ground, and I'm not sure if it's because of the cold, or the state of my heart right now. "Why would you do this to me, Jake?" I ask, my voice thick with tears, blurred gaze shifting between him and Charlotte. "Did our relationship mean nothing to you?" The question is directed at Jake, but my eyes are fixed on Charlotte, my supposed best friend. We had known each other since highschool. When I decided to come to school in New York after highschool, she'd followed, even helped me convince my parents. She'd been there, after my college breakup, and even comforted me when Jake and I argued. How could she do this? I step closer to Charlotte. "Did all the years we spent as friends, mean nothing to you?" "Don't touch her," Jake says, staring at me with cold eyes, as he holds her defensively. "You are sick, Hailey. Why would you try to hurt your best friend? What did she do to you to deserve such cruel treatment?" Wow. Talk about the king of gaslighting. He should write a book - 'Gaslighting 101' "I'm sick?" I laugh, a harsh, broken sound. "Me?" I point at myself, "Because I'm hurt after finding my boyfriend cheating?" A sob escapes me. "And you ask what she did? Come on Jake, don't do this." "Look. I don't know if you think we owe you an apology or something, but you aren't getting one," he says casually. "We are in love, and you were just in the way. It's a good thing you found out on your own. We got tired of pretending." At this, a guffaw erupts out of me. 'Maybe I'm sick, after all.' "Love? Do you even know what love is?" I ask. "I didn't force myself on you, you remember? You came to me. You said you loved me first. You, Jake. And now that same you is standing before me, saying he loves another woman. Did I ever stop you from leaving? Did I make you feel like you couldn't just end things?" I question all at once, my voice cracking. I wish I didn't have to be so vulnerable. I almost wish I could start the day over, but then I'd still be living a lie, and would have been continued to be taken as a fool. Charlotte finally looks at me. The moment our eyes meet serves as a confirmation that there hasn't been anything left of our friendship for a long time. Her eyes lack any form of warmth, resentment taking its place. I can't help but wonder where it all went wrong. "Hailey. One problem I've always had with you is that you never seem to understand things," she starts, her voice filled with venom. "Jake has already told you we are in love, what more do you want to know? That we've been seeing each other, even before you guys started dating?"Hailey's POV Her words leave me stunned, and I stare at Jake, questions burning in my eyes. Charlotte smirks. "You just had to always get in the way. You were so desperate for his attention, so we let you think that you had finally gotten it." I face Jake. "Is this true?" He rolls his eyes. "What do you think? It was all pity. You should be glad I was able to pretend for so long. Do you realize how unbearable you are?" My whole relationship had been a perfectly orchestrated lie by my best friend. How much could she possibly hate me, if she was willing to go so far and so long, just to hurt me? "I hate you so much, Hailey," she sneers. "I would go any length, just to see you suffer. You always thought you had it all. Always trying to rub your perfect life in my face. You have no idea how satisfying seeing you heartbroken is." For a moment, I see the broken girl I met in my junior year of high school. Instead of anger, pity for her overwhelms me. She had an abusive child
Hailey's POV The man looms in front of me, and I'm able to trace out his huge form in the darkness. He towers above me by at least a feet, his presence intimidating and radiating menace. The alcohol is completely gone now, leaving me sobered up, and I realize just how vulnerable I am. Trying to act smart would do nothing to help right now, as he can easily overpower me with his size, so I settle for the next best thing. Begging. "Please, just let me go. What do you want?" He chuckles, a low sound that makes my skin crawl. He steps closer, backing me against the cold brick wall. "Don't come any closer," I warn him, trying to portray the boldness I don't feel, but my voice betrays me. He blocks me from the street, so if anyone were to pass by, they wouldn't be able to see what's happening. "Now, why would I do that, baby girl? When I have you right where I want you?" His calloused palm grazes my cheek, sending a jolt of revulsion through me. His other hand begins to ro
Hailey's POV The stranger had driven me back to the hotel in comfortable silence. Coincidentally, he happened to be staying here too, and in the room opposite mine. When he first dropped me off and followed me to the elevator, I thought it was for my safety. But it turned out he was just trying to get to his own room. I still don't know his name though. I couldn't find the courage to ask, and he seemed like wasn't going to share it either - the excuse I gave myself for not asking. When I get to my room, the first thing I do is strip off my ruined shirt, then I take a long, hot bath to get rid of the stench and stress from the day. The bath eases the physical tension, but the memory of the assault is still firmly imprinted in my mind. Although the biker had called the cops, it still feels like the man would suddenly appear in my room to finish what he started. Speaking of cops, I can't believe I thought he was one. A smile tugs on my lips. I should have known from his
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
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
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