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 wouldn't need to
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 "Let's run this through one more time," I say, sliding into the passenger seat of Levi's car. The door clicks shut behind me, and he rounds the hood, settling into the driver’s seat. Moments ago, Levi came to pick me up from my house, so I can spend the night at his. That way, he wouldn't have to drive me back here after we break the news to our - my parents, since his already found out. I have no idea if they’ve heard yet, but I hope they haven't. Levi drums his fingers against the steering wheel. “Alright. When we get to your house, we call your parents first,” he says, glancing at me for confirmation. I nod, gripping the hem of my sweater. “And then yours.” "Right." A beat passes in silence. “What’s the story behind how we met again?” His voice is tight, as exhausted as I feel. Levi sighs, running a hand through his hair. "A friend of mine introduced us when we ran into each other in a restaurant. Then, months later, we bumped into each other again
Levi's POV Seeing Hailey chatting freely with my mother, despite her nerves, warms something in me. I almost wish it were real. Mostly because it's been a while since I've seen my mother so engaged in a conversation like this, and I'm glad that Hailey can bring out that side of her. They've gone from talking about her job to family, and then to my mother's farm. I didn't even know how big it was until I heard Hailey bring it up. I can tell my mother has been charmed by her already. I just hope she doesn't get used to her, because all this won't last.Despite everything, the tension in Hailey's body is still palpable, and I think it's because they haven't even broached the main reason for the call - the part of the conversation I've been dreading. A big part of me hopes they'll just keep talking like this until my parents eventually forget why we called in the first place. My father has remained mostly silent through the duration of the call, only chipping in when necessary.
Hailey's POV "When were you planning to tell us you were married, Hailey?" Is the first thing my mother says after picking up the call. No greeting. No small talk. Just straight to interrogation. "I'm doing fine, mum. Thanks for asking." She rolls her eyes, though a small smile tugs at her lips. "Are you okay? Were you forced into it?" She asks, her expression shifting into concern. "I know you just broke up with Jake, you couldn't have just gotten married out of the blue. If someone is blackmailing you, you can tell me, you know that, right?" I almost laugh at that. Mum can be so extra sometimes. What made her think that I'm being blackmailed? Although, it’s tempting to say yes - just to see Levi panic when my mother starts making threats. "I'm not being blackmailed, mum. Getting married was a decision I made consciously." While I was expecting questions - actually, I wasn't. I still hoped that my parents hadn't heard the news - but I didn't expect that she'd be more conc
Hailey's POV It's confirmed. Levi hates me.Why else would he announce something like that without letting me know? He should have at least hinted at it or something. But no. He just dropped the bomb, leaving me as speechless as my parents, who are hearing the news for the first time."What?!" Mum is the first to break the silence."When - how did that happen?" Dad follows. "How long have you guys known? Is that why you both got married?" Yes "How far along is it? Oh my goodness. I'm gonna be a grandma!" The questions tumble out of Mum's mouth so fast I struggle to register them. I sigh, massaging my temple. I wish I'd been more prepared for this."To answer your questions, Mum," I begin, carefully choosing my words. "We found out a few days ago, after we got married," I emphasize the last part of my statement, hoping to make the lie stick. "And I'm one month pregnant."Dad's face darkens. "One month?!" His voice booms, and the screen shakes slightly. He must have hit the table.
Levi's POV Of everything that happened today, at least the call with her parents went well. They were surprisingly cool - except for her father, who looked at me like he was mentally planning my execution. I get it, though. He’s protective. Must be nice, having parents who openly love you. I've walked around the neighborhood a few times now, and I've almost forgotten why I left my house in the first place. Oh, right. I wanted a drink. But I forgot my keys, and going back inside, only to see the look on Hailey’s face after my random exit, didn't exactly sound appealing. I sigh, rounding a corner and heading back in the direction of my house. I can't avoid going back any longer. Besides, it's late. Hopefully, she's asleep. I really needed this walk, and I'm thankful I forgot my keys. Because honestly? This walking-on-glass routine around her is already exhausting. I always have to be mindful of what I say or think all the time around her, and I don't know how long I can keep do
Hailey's POV I'd barely woken up from sleep before I heard the sound of Levi's car driving in. I'd intended to take a short nap, but ended up getting knocked out for four hours. And the funny thing is I feel even more tired than I was when I went to sleep. "Hailey? Are you home?" I hear the faint sound of Levi's voice asking from the living room. With a groan that stretches into a yawn, I push myself off the bed, heading toward his voice. "Hi," I mumble, leaning against the wall opposite him, arms crossed. "Hi." His gaze sweeps over my face, concern crossing his eyes. "Did I wake you?" he asks, a guilty edge to his tone. I shake my head. "You didn't. I was awake before you came home." "Okay." I move past him to sit on the couch. He follows after, plopping down beside me and loosening his tie with an exhausted sigh. I arch an eyebrow. "Long day?" "Yeah," he replies, rubbing the back of his neck. "Trying to nail this building contract. They're being difficult
Hailey's POV I rub my eyes, making sure I'm not imagining things. "Jake?" My voice comes out in a tremor I don't control in time. 'How did he find me? Why is he here?'The reality of seeing him again slams into me, and a wave of dizziness washes over me. I grip the doorpost, knuckles turning white. I'd thought that I had gotten over Jake's betrayal, that it didn't hurt as much anymore. I convinced myself that when I saw him again, he wouldn't have any effect on me. But looking at him right now - the athletic-built, blonde-haired man I'd once been in love with - the constructed wall around my heart cracks, bringing in a flood of memories and emotions I'd thought were buried. "So it's true, you're actually married to him." Jake's tone drips with disbelief and scorn. "I always knew you were desperate, Hailey, but this? This is far more than that." I inhale deeply, willing myself not to let the hurt and anger show on my face. He's looking for a reaction, but I won't give him
Hailey's POV Matt picks on the second ring. "Babes, you got married to your baby daddy and you didn't fucking bother to tell me?!" He whisper-yells to me over the phone. Whispers because he's probably at work, and doesn't want to call attention to himself. I fetch my plate from the microwave and get the coffee I'd been brewing, then walk back to where'd been sitting. "I was going to tell you, but everything just blew over. It was meant to be a secret, but we both don't know how it got leaked, " I reply, picking up my phone from the table. Matt frowns, then shakes his head slowly. "Still, you should've told me immediately after it was out. I know we haven't known each other for long, but I expected a certain level of loyalty, babes." I feel a pang of guilt, for not telling him and making him feel like I don't consider him a close enough friend. And because I'm still keeping something away from him. I sigh, taking a sip of my coffee. "I'm sorry. If I had any control o
Hailey's POV The room swims into focus moments after I open my eyes. With a groan, I roll out of bed but immediately regret it as the now-familiar ache pounds in my head.Not long after, a wave of nausea hits me, sending me rushing to the bathroom. I barely make it in time before emptying the remnants of last night's dinner into the toilet. 'I really need to start accepting that my meals won’t last long these days.'Even when it seems like there's nothing left, I stay on the floor for two extra minutes —just in case. Eventually, I flush, freshen up, and head back to my room to get dressed.I slip into a short brown skirt and a black turtleneck, layering the matching jacket over it. A black purse and loafers complete the look. One habit I've developed over the years is ensuring my outfits always match in color and shade. My love for coordinating colors once made me consider a career in interior decorating, but I had to put my family's business first.Once I’ve gathered everything I ne
Levi's POV I pull into the garage and step out to open the door for Hailey. She fell asleep almost as soon as we started driving back. I’d expected the conversation to continue, maybe even get to know each other a little more. Instead, things ended abruptly, and I let myself get too comfortable - making things awkward in the process. I sigh and shake her shoulder lightly. "Hey, we’re here. Wake up." She mumbles something incoherent, shifting to her side - then promptly smacks me in the face. I huff, rubbing my jaw. "Hailey, we're home." 'Home.' Sounds kinda nice. I've never seriously considered settling down - outside the pressure from my father - but I guess the thought of starting a family and having a home with someone I love, is strangely appealing. She stirs slightly, her lashes fluttering open before her eyes squeeze shut again. "Go away, Jake," she mumbles, swatting at my hand. I freeze. 'Jake.' If I remember correctly, her mum mentioned the name th
Hailey's POV I stay silent, staring out at the passing cars until a new waiter brings our food. As soon as the waiter leaves, Levi exhales. "Hailey, I planned this so we could get to know each other. If we can't even talk, what's the point?" He pushes back his chair, getting ready to stand. "We should just go back. I'll pay for the food." Before he can move, I stop him. "Quit being so dramatic, Levi," I roll my eyes. "Just sit, and I will try to be more civil." He hesitates, watching me carefully, then sighs and lowers himself to his seat. "I'm sorry for the way I acted," he mutters. "It's fine." A beat passes. "I'm also sorry for blaming you," I admit. "I was just upset with how you handled things. I wish you'd found a better way to control the situation instead of trying to intimidate the poor waiter. He was only doing his job." "I'll do better next time." I shake my head. "Oh, no. Let's hope there's no next time." An unreadable look crosses his face. "Why? You do
Hailey's POV Levi holds the car door open for me as we arrive at a modest-looking restaurant. I step out, still irritated about the compliment he'd given me earlier. I don’t thank him, maintaining the same silence we had on the drive over. The valet takes his keys, and as we approach, the doorman pulls the entrance open for us. For somewhere Levi has described as "not too fancy," the place certainly gives off that extremely fancy vibe. With tables set for two, a live band playing soft music in the corner, and guests who look like they each have at least one yacht to their name. The men wear tailored suits, while the women glide through the room in elegant dresses, their hair styled to perfection like they’ve just stepped off a magazine cover. Gold balloons fill the empty spaces on the floor and walls, making it clear there's something else happening here... like a celebration of some sort. My stomach tightens.And once again, I find myself facing the consequences of trusting
Hailey's POV "Uhm..." Levi hesitates. "How do I say this?" He exhales. "I want both of us to go out for dinner," he pauses, then his gaze sweeps over me. "Together." I sit up so fast that I nearly choke on my water, coughing violently. "What?!" Why the fuck would he startle me like that? I expected a heads-up or something. He'd come back from his outing a few minutes ago, while I lay on the couch, scrolling through my phone. Then he said he had something to tell me, but I wasn't expecting... this! Levi scratches the back of his neck. "I want us to go out for dinner." "Like a date?" I ask, my voice still raspy. His expression turns awkward. "Not really... But if you want it to be, you can think of it that." I raise an eyebrow. "Why would I want that?" "I just thought that's what you wanted to call it," he shrugs. "No. Why do you actually want us to go out?" Levi sighs. "I want us to get to know each other. My family would probably ask a lot of questions.
Levi's POV The only sound that fills the small, nondescript, cream-colored office is the relentless ticking of the clock on the desk. It's so loud and grating that I'm starting to think that it was put here specifically to test patients' patience. The room itself is sterile, designed to feel welcoming but failing miserably. Everything is white, except for the desk, chairs, and bookshelf. Technically, the bookshelf is also white, but I don’t count it - at least the books add some color. "So you claim you don't have any feelings for her?" My therapist asks, breaking the silence. 'Why does she keep asking me that?'She's been fixated on my relationship with Hailey ever since I slipped up and unintentionally blurted out how insufferable she is. What she doesn’t seem to grasp is - why would I use that word if I actually had feelings for her? She watches me over the rim of her tiny wire-framed glasses, waiting. I lean into the arm of the chair, meeting her stare. She sighs, removin