Scented candles, champagne, and rose petals… check!
Haley strolled across the bedroom.
A crimson silk gown hugged her curves, flowing down her ankles, with a daring slit that revealed a glimpse of her slender leg.
In the background, a soft melody played, lulling her to give in to the exhaustion from spending the whole day getting ready.
The atmosphere was a mix of jasmine and lavender fragrance wafting in the air, the urge to sleep became stronger with each minute that passed by.
Going to sleep was impossible though. For twenty-nine days, she'd been anticipating and preparing for tonight.
Liam rarely came home.
They'd been married for three years, but their relationship was nothing more than a distant coexistence.
Her husband was always conveniently busy with work, hardly having time for her. The only proof of their relationship was the intimacy they shared once a month.
Tonight marked their third anniversary.
As one of the few nights Liam would get intimate with her, everything must be perfect.
If only he'd come home now. The business trip should be over. His assistant told her Liam's plane landed an hour ago.
Did an emergency come up at his company and he needed to take care of it?
Bored, Haley sat on the edge of the bed and picked up her phone.
She checked into her social media account to kill time, her hope gradually fading into gloom as minutes trickled by.
Haley logged into a news channel that always aired news about top celebrities in the city as well as big tycoons and companies.
It was one of the different ways she used to keep tabs on her husband. Yet, she doubted they would post anything about him. His company hardly got into any scandal.
Just then, a piece of news popped up, featuring NK Enterprise, her husband's company.
Excited, Haley tapped into the news; "William Nash, Famous CEO of NK Enterprise, Checks Into Hotel With his Mystery Girlfriend, Relationship Revealed"
William?
Her Liam?
Haley stood up, her eyes glued to her phone's screen, shock and disbelief taking over. Angry as well when she saw the image of her husband entering the famous Eden Suites Hotel, his arm snaked around a woman's waist.
And when the woman's face was revealed, so many thoughts flooded Haley's mind at once.
Disbelief, fear, and uncertainty.
Leah!
The girl who looked a lot like Lisa, Liam's Ex.
Leah was a mere receptionist at NK Enterprise until one day, Liam noticed the similarities she shared with his Ex.
Not a week went by before he promoted her to the secretary position.
Rumors were flying around at that time that William Nash had a soft spot for his secretary,
Rumors Haley found hard to believe. Liam might be cold and unromantic with her, but he wasn't the kind of person she believed would have an affair, talk more with his secretary.
But what was this news about?
Liam must have gone to the hotel with his secretary for some business dealings, right?
Still, what was with holding Leah's waist?
Sinking in confusion was pointless. Haley dialed his number.
He didn't answer the phone, heightening her anxiety. On her third trial, he finally picked up.
“What's up?” His deep voice, heavy with tiredness, murmured through the phone.
Haley inhaled deeply, controlling her emotions. “Liam, where are you? Today's our third anniversary, remember?”
“So?” From his careless tone, Haley couldn't help but imagine him rolling his eyes. “Not coming home. Sleep by yourself.”
Knowing what she wanted, he still rejected her brutally, his voice holding no remorse, a gut-wrenching punch to her pride.
Just then, a female voice, soft and seductive, came on the phone. “Willy, I'm thirsty.”
Willy?
Even Haley wasn't allowed to call him that.
He truly was with a woman!
At this hour, her husband was with a freaking woman!
The phone beeped. He hung up the call.
Dazed, Haley's gaze fell on the decorations; her hard work. She sank onto the bed, her thoughts spinning and that voice echoing.
Leah.
That was Leah's voice.
What was happening? Did she misread Liam's lack of displaying affection for her as a part of his cold personality?
Sleep departed Haley's eyes, and her throat was suddenly dry. She longed for anything to distract her from the confusing and heartbreaking thoughts, so she gulped down the champagne, wishing it'd wash her sadness away.
Why did he love to hurt her feelings?
During the times he never returned home, was he really with his secretary as the rumors had it?
Haley stirred in the middle of the night, drowsy and starkly aware of the strong hands fondling with her gown.
She found Liam hovering over her, trying to undress her. Haley blinked. Urgh! Why was she dreaming about this man who only knew to break her heart?
Yet, as his fingers grazed her body, goosebumps spread across her skin, and she winced.
“Hey, wait…” Haley stopped him, her voice hoarse from crying, still wanting to confirm if she was dreaming.
Liam smirked. “You called me back. Isn't it for this?”
Haley blushed.
He came back. Maybe she'd misunderstood again.
“I've got you our anniversary present. Wanna see it?” She asked.
“Boring.” He trailed kisses down her neck, pulling her nightgown down.
“Uhm, Liam…”
Irritation flashed in his eyes when she interrupted again.
Haley gulped, summoning courage, grateful for the whole bottle of champagne she'd emptied in her stomach. “C- Can… Can you not wear it tonight?”
Liam halted.
His dark eyes bore a hole through her heart, his expression frosting over.
The atmosphere became so stale and suffocating, and her breathing hitched when he pushed her away.
“You're always okay with me wearing protection.” His dark voice made her shudder. “Why not now?”
Haley cowered to the bed's headboard, flushed and embarrassed.
She looked down. “It's your Grandma. She laments every day about us not having a baby.”
“Grandma, huh?” He scoffed, pinning her with a glare. “More like you're desperate to have a child to keep the title of Mrs. Nash in this family!”
His mouth spat venom.
Haley held back her tears and clenched her fists, the bitterness in his words spreading from her heart and numbing her whole.
She loved him and wanted to have his baby. Was it a crime to ask? A marriage was supposed to be a union of mutual consent where the couple lived harmoniously. But she didn't even have a right to voice out her heart desires.His words fell over her like chilled water, dousing the wine's effect, and dampening her hope. Haley sobered up immediately, grief clutching her heart. “Liam, do you think I married you just for money?”Haley didn't see those words coming from him.Through her actions, her genuine love was obvious. While he spent most nights outside, she maintained a perfect home for him to return to.She neither complained nor demanded his affection, just giving and never taking.Why couldn't he see it?The suspicion in his eyes as he stared at her hurt more than daggers piercing her heart. If only she could read his thoughts- his mind. “What else do you expect me to think!” Liam spat out, unaware of the poisonous effect of his words on her heart. Or maybe he was aware. “Hal
…The Next Morning. As Liam ate breakfast in the dining room, the atmosphere was stale and somehow still as if something was amiss. He glanced at the empty chair across from him now and then, his thoughts wiring back to last night.Where was that crazy woman?Was she still inside the bedroom shedding crocodile tears?Spending the whole night in the study room was enough to teach her a lesson. At least, she'd lost the chance of him touching her this month. She would never bring up that ridiculous topic again.Yet, halfway through eating, Liam's indifference turned into a small frown that formed on his face, his eyes darting upstairs. Did she think that starving herself would make him give in and grant her wish?How silly.Liam summoned the maid. “Why isn't Mrs. Nash coming down? Go and get her.”But the maid lingered, her fearful gaze avoiding his eyes.With a hesitant look on her face, she extended a gift box to him. “Actually… M-Mr, Nash. Mrs. Nash left the house an hour ago. She
… At IvoryRains Apartment Building, located downtown.Haley settled in her new apartment, the small and cozy interior a stark contrast to the luxury and glam of Liam's Villa. Yet, in this mini apartment, she felt somehow at peace with herself. Her mind, once clouded with thoughts of Liam alone, was now clearing up. Every minute of her life had been filled with thinking about him, brainstorming different ways to make the man happy. Even though she loved Liam, it was worthless to live in a marriage with three people in it.Haley could stomach anything the man threw at her, but not a betrayal as big as having an affair and impregnating another woman.Lost in her thoughts, the sound of her phone's ringtone snapped her back to the present. Haley picked up the phone from the small table stand, staring at the contact display name. She'd developed this habit of shuddering in fear whenever her mother-in-law called, and now she found herself repeating the same thing. ‘Habits die hard, d
Turning around, Haley came face to face with Leah. Her good mood plummeted instantly, replaced by irritation and disgust when Leah all but flashed her a sweet smile, rubbing her flat tummy. “Do I need to tell you where I'm going?” Haley replied. “You're just a mistress.”Leah's eyes dimmed, and her smile faded into a deep scowl. “I might be a mistress now, but not anytime soon.”Her tone filled with arrogance, she eyed Haley from head to toe. “As you can see, I'm here to pick out mine and Will's wedding rings.”“Ow?” Haley put on a surprised look, feigning happiness. “Finally, someone to pack off my garbage. Congrats, and please talk to Liam and let him sign the divorce papers soon. Or you will still be the mistress.” Her tone light and full of mockery, Haley was surprised at her own calmness as she stood in front of the woman who literally seduced her husband.Forget it. Liam was no better. Leah's expression switched from white to green, her fingernails digging into her palms. She
The man's expression was masked by surprise for a few seconds, then he laughed. “What took you so long to visit my company?”Haley loosened up. Her lips pulled into a happy smile and she ran over and hugged him. “I'm finally here, Brother. How's life treating you?”“Fantastic!” He stood up and lifted her in the air, his laughter resounding in the office walls. “It was boring all day long before you appeared. What a huge surprise!”Seeing the happiness in her brother's eyes as he welcomed her warmly, Haley's guilt expanded. She pursed her lips and sighed as he put her down.“Why the gloomy look? Lemme guess, you miss your husband already just after arriving here.” Her brother pinched her cheek, taunting her. Then his brows pulled together in a displeased frown. “You've lost a lot of flesh. What's with the skinny look? Are you on a diet?”Haley shook her head. It was true that she'd lost a tremendous amount of weight in the past few years. Ever since she married Liam, Haley couldn't
“Have you made enough of a scene? Now come back home!”The first words he said when she answered the phone. Haley almost laughed out loud, but his words weren't funny.For three years, she'd gotten used to his authoritative voice always ordering her around, but now it sounded foreign in her ears. “William Nash, I told you to just sign the divorce papers. Leave me alone,” she replied, her low voice calm. Haley had been so used to him yelling at her but not anymore.After hanging up the call, Haley switched off her phone. Beside her, Andrew looked terrified, staring at her as if he was looking at an alien. “Hey, is something on my face?” Haley joked. But her brother laughed. “I never thought a day would come when you'll talk back at that man. You were literally begging him on your knees to acknowledge you.”“Yeah, I was a fool.” Haley released a sigh. “Not anymore from now on,” Andrew said. “I'm proud that you're back to your senses. Hungry?”Haley nodded. Since morning, she'd n
...At LuxBites Hotel.The five-star restaurant occupying half of the hotel screamed of luxury, a majority of the guests were the elite socialites and celebrities. While Andrew received a phone call outside, a staff member led Haley to a private room overlooking the city's skyline through the transparent glass walls. The dishes were already served. Seared foie gras, Wagyu beef steak with truffle mashed potatoes, Black truffle risotto, and Chocolate soufflé with vanilla bean ice cream as desserts.Her brother sure knew how to pamper her with food. Haley could hardly recall when she'd last eaten such an expensive combination of meals.What a pity.In the past, she'd always fantasized about such a dinner date with Liam-“Can you believe it?” Andrew joined her, looking a bit irritated. “They just informed me that the scumbag wants “Treasure.””Haley didn't need to ask what “Treasure” her brother was talking about, or the scumbag he was referring to. “Liam? What does he want with it?”
No one needed to be told the intent behind his question.Someone as powerful and successful as William Nash asking such a question couldn't be considered a joke,Not when any answer given by her brother could potentially decide the fate of his empire. Haley waited, holding her breath, her heart racing to hear what Andrew's reply was gonna be. Through the tense silence, her brother's laughter danced in the air, his lighthearted tone easing the tension. “William Nash,” her brother said. “Why ask that kind of question when we're both successful businessmen? No problem, you want “Treasure” right? Let's hold a charity auction.”Smart move!Haley released the air she was holding. Sitting under the desk, her shoulders loosened up. “An auction for “Treasure”? Not a bad idea. When?”His tone, neither lacking of arrogance nor anger anymore, Liam seemed to welcome that idea openly. “Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Don't be late.”As Andrew spoke, the sounds of high heels clicking on the tiled floor