…At DG Villa Estates.After a whole day of chaos, they were finally home. Driving around the city wasn't easy, but the worst experience was the strenuous activities they had to undergo at the hospital. Haley's fears came true. They didn't even get to do shopping all because of that huge drama. The Mall's parking lot suddenly turned into a battlefield, her sister-in-law ended up in the hospital, in fact. “Ouch! Be careful!” Camille yelped as Haley carefully helped her sit on the couch. With one hand cuddling her huge bump, and the other hand holding her waist, her expression twisted, her eyes red as sweat poured down her forehead. One would think Camille was in labor. Haley couldn't even imagine the kind of pain she must be going through.“Haley, my waist- it's gonna break!”“Of course…” Haley chided softly. “Why would you fight with Vera Nash?”The troublesome woman was very strong. It was a miracle that Camille was able to defeat her. Apart from that,One of Vera's bodygua
Haley's ears must be playing tricks on her.Why would Liam go to the mansion to humiliate her parents?Why couldn't he have a private meeting with them?Was he so mad that he couldn't wait?Damn that man!!!It's no wonder the couple were mad at Camille.Liam shaming them in public must have caused that.Who knew what those onlookers were saying?They could jump to any conclusions.They could label Camille with bad words.Because, the all-mighty William Nash was there, they wouldn't dare say that Vera Nash was at fault too.In such a situation, wasn't a pregnant woman supposed to be pitied the most?Vera started it by the way!“No- No- No, you don't mean it.” At her brother's last words, Camille shook her head in disbelief, tears gathering in her eyes. “They're not angry-”“They are, Camille.” Andrew softened his voice, the rage in his eyes fading.But Camille's fear was evident.No longer was she screaming and angry,Her expression shifting from disbelief to fear, she cowered into And
~Stepping out of his car, Liam's eyes swept across the place before they settled on the mini Villa ahead.Was Daryl out of his mind?Why would he move into this kind of place?Apart from being very far from the company, this neighborhood was near the city's outskirts.Was Liam's Intel even correct that his brother had moved in here?But Daryl's assistant would never lie to him.That could cost the guy his job.Well, he'd rot here for all Liam cared.If it wasn't for Haley's sake, Liam wouldn't even come.As his brother kept rejecting his calls, Liam had to come in person.Something told him Daryl knew where Haley was hiding.If Liam couldn't coax the truth out of him, he'd force him to spill it. Throwing a final glance across the vast empty neighborhood, Liam stepped forward and pressed the doorbell.No reply.Was Daryl not home?He pressed it again, and still no answer.Well, if Liam didn't get a reply for the third time, he'd have to conclude no one was living here.Probably,Dary
~Peeking through the tiny holes in the bushes, Haley held her breath. The cars pulled over one after the other, and her parents came out of one.Accompanying them were all the bodyguards from the Woods Mansion. Damn!Was Camille the only person in trouble?When Haley glimpsed the anger on her father's face, she had an inkling of what he was up to.If her brother didn't get punished along with his wife, then many more people would be implicated.Engrossed in watching her parents' car and anxious someone might glance this way, Haley almost forgot one thing.Liam's car!It was no longer there.How strange.When did he leave? “Haley, ouch! It hurts!” Squatting beside Haley behind the bushes, Camille held her waist, hissing in pain. Haley brought her attention to her, sighing.Of course, She'd feel pain.Even Haley's legs were damn aching.They'd been hiding from Liam at first, and then they had to hide from her parents.For more than ten minutes, they'd been in this position.“They
Cuddling her bump, Camille rose to her feet with one hand on her waist. Panting, she placed a hand on Haley's shoulder for support. Suspicion flashed in her eyes as well as wariness. She must be thinking Haley's idea was dangerous.Well, it was a bit dangerous,But it's the only idea that could get them out of this messy situation.“What are you up to, Haley?” Camille asked, her tone filled with apprehension.“Just act along.” Haley supported her with both hands, sneaking her out of the place. “We're going to the hospital.”Camille gasped. She paused for a second, then as if changing her mind, she resumed walking.Haley saw that reaction coming.Apart from hating anything that had to do with hospitals, Camille must have sensed what she was up to. Moments later, she sighed. “I just hope we don't get caught.”Although the idea just came to Haley, she doubted they'd get caught.Their only challenge right now would be the doctor.Would he agree or not?They spent ten minutes on the r
So Haley's parents knew she was in the room.They just pretended not to notice her.Neither did they act shocked or surprised as they stared at her.On both their faces was a look Haley hoped she'd never see again.The remorse in her mother's eyes as she addressed Camille transformed into a cold look. Staring at Haley, she spat out the words, “You're too bold to be standing here. I never thought you'd hang around with any member of the Woods Family.” Haley pursed her lips.“Let me guess…” Standing straight, her mother approached her. “You took Camille out to the shopping mall and made her make a fool of herself. Is it to throw this family into a scandal?”Haley had nothing against her family.Why would she cause a scandal?No doubt, her parents saw the footage circulating around.Haley was in the scene as Vera and Camille exchanged words.“Mum-”“Huh?” Her mother interrupted her, putting on a confused look. “What did you just call me?”Her father looked confused as well. “I think sh
~One of the hospital staff scurried up to him with a padlock. Liam grabbed it and used it to lock the door. “Mr. Nash, don't worry…” The staff whispered to him. “This storage room was once a theater room. It's soundproof and no one will hear her screaming.”Liam nodded and handed the keys to the staff. It was no wonder he couldn't hear Haley screaming.That troublemaker!Of all places, who knew he'd find her here?But Haley was a trouble magnet. It was only a matter of seconds before his father located her.She should be thankful he found her.“Make sure you watch over her,” Liam instructed the staff.He walked away, the sound of his phone's ringtone increasing.It was disturbing, almost irritating.Liam decided to answer it finally.“William Nash, where the hell are you!?” Came his father's angry voice.Liam grumbled, “I'm at the hospital.”“Why didn't you come and see your mother? Didn't Leah tell you what's happening?”Of course, Leah told him.Well, she must be exaggerating.
A lawsuit?Did that even make sense?Instead of apologizing, the Woods Family decided to sue them in court!The guts of them!Between Liam's mother and their daughter-in-law, who was the victim?Who sustained more injuries?“How dare they!?” His father ended the call, tossing his phone on the couch. The man was hopping mad, his body shaking with rage. “The Woods Family are overestimating themselves!”His father was right.It seemed the Woods Family were intentionally prolonging this chaos.Why though?“Maybe they don't want to lose face,” Leah said, her statement somehow aligning with Liam's question. “Everyone blames the Woods Family on the media and they want to turn the tables around. I can't even leave the hospital because of the paparazzi outside. Do you think the Woods Family invited them?”Inviting the paparazzi meant they had no problems with airing their dirty laundry in public.Were the Woods Family members so desperate to implicate his family?While coming just now, Liam h
…~ One Year Later ~When others saw the bright sun of the morning, she could only see the orange sun, gradually fading, giving way to darkness. When there was a storm, people looked forward to the peace and calmness after it, while she only foresaw many more storms looming ahead. She should have been more pessimistic than this,Then she could have at least saved one life. If she hadn't been a coward, hoping that crazy guy would have a little mercy, she wouldn't have fallen for his lies. She'd take the gunshot instead.But no,She'd trusted him… that was her biggest mistake.Daryl’s cruelty had been beyond saving. Helping him lure Liam to the occasion was her biggest regret. Maybe… just maybe- if she'd been brave enough, Liam wouldn't have-“Mrs. Nash, sorry to interrupt you!” The secretary barged into the office, snapping her out of her thoughts. “The Stakeholders' meeting will commence in the next three minutes. Do you need my help getting ready?”Haley sighed. Right, the meeti
What gibberish was he sputtering?How did he even manage to sneak into the Villa?How did he manage to overpower the bodyguards?After Daryl’s last words, he hung up, leaving Liam wondering what the hell that crazy boy was up to again.He mustn't be serious about marrying Haley. Apart from being illegal, it didn't make any sense. What stupid judge would get them married without the consent of one party?Daryl was only trying to irritate him.“Sir, is he telling the truth?” Joye who had probably heard the conversation because Daryl's voice was too loud, blinked rapidly. “Is he going to get married to Madam?”Liam chuckled.That was impossible.Haley would not even agree. “I think this is serious, Sir…” Joye exclaimed. “Your brother is up to no good. Let's go and see.”Of course, Liam was going there.If it meant finding that crazy boy there, why wouldn't he go?Daryl was playing with fire.Kidnapping Haley from the Villa was already a gruesome offense? On his command, the driver tu
…Was this it?Was this the end of the family's reputation? The same questions kept resonating in Liam's mind all day. The company's stocks were crumbling again,Some of the shareholders were pulling out their investments,And the employees were all in a frenzy.Watching the Nash Empire crumble right before his eyes was something he never dreamt about.He'd never for once seen this happening in any of his nightmares.Liam thought he'd left no loose ends. Every source the news would get leaked out, he'd already blocked it.How then did his brother lay his hands on this crucial secret? How the hell did Daryl even escape from the police custody? “He shouldn't have left the city yet, Mr. Nash…” The Police Chief assured him, “We are going to find him before the day ends.”The day was already ending.All Liam wanted was for all this to be over. He'd left the Villa without informing Haley. He could only imagine her anxiety at the moment. Joye reported to him that she called and she d
Haley waited at the dining table patiently, her gaze traveling to the doorway now and then. Liam and his assistant must be discussing something important, probably related to work. Well, was it so secretive that they had to discuss it outside?She glanced at the clock.Thirty minutes later, they weren't back yet. Now her mind was troubled.What was taking them so long?What were they even discussing?Liam didn't even wear proper clothing, wouldn't he catch a cold outside? Tapping her fingers impatiently on the desk, Haley stood up. She headed outside the building, looking forward to seeing Liam and his assistant.To her surprise, they weren't there.Even the assistant’s car was gone if he came with any.What was happening?Did they sneak out of the Villa?If not, how could she not have heard any sound?To confirm her thoughts, Haley strode to the security man. “It's too early and cold, Madam… what are you doing outside?” Was the first thing the concerned young man asked. Haley
That explained it all. Was she just lucky or were the heavens by her side? Staring into his eyes, she saw nothing but genuine affection.The affection she'd been searching for ever since she returned. Her instincts never lied, and the feeling was strong.Liam loved her.He never hated her.He was only mad because of the misunderstanding.“But you gave me a hard time, huh.” Haley poked at his chest, pouting. However, Liam laughed lightheartedly, taking her wrists in his hands. “Believe me, I didn't.”Right.He'd planned to do worse. If she hadn't summoned the courage, speaking like a crazy person last night, convinced she was speaking to the air, he'd still regard her as his enemy.Her craziness paid off, and-“I'm sorry.” Drawing her close by wrapping both arms around her waist, his expression turned sullen. “I shouldn't have treated you that way.”Indeed, she'd been almost broken beyond repair.Amidst the despair, she marveled at where she got the courage to chase him. “If I fo
On entering the living room, however, the woman came to a screeching halt, her eyes popping out of their sockets.Her lips parted like a fish’s, and pointing a trembling finger forward, she shouted, “You, this silly girl! Why're you with my son!?”Haley's heart dropped to her stomach.Damnit!For some reason, this woman hated her to the core. Even when she visited the mansion, the woman had hollered at and hit her. Wondering what she did wrong, she'd tried to apologize which only intensified her cruel actions towards her. Liam's mother didn't like her.Did she offend her in the past? “I thought you were hitting it off with Lisa already!” She faced Liam. “What are you doing with this wayward psychotic girl? Do you want me to die of a heart attack, Son!?”As she scolded Liam, the bodyguards dropped the boxes and left. Instinctively, Haley found herself shrinking behind him, hiding her presence.As if caught red-handed in an offensive act, she trembled on her toes, grabbing his arm
Haley paused.Then she pulled away with a sigh.Was she supposed to be mad at his words? Did she have the right to?He'd claimed not to love her anymore, but he just touched her.Liam's words might be partially correct. Even though he no longer loved her, at least he was still attracted to her. Lust and love…“You mean desire?” She stared at him, hope igniting a spark in her heart.“Call it what you like…” Liam turned his back to her. “It doesn't change anything.”But it might change a lot.The inkling was strong, fuelling her persistence. Haley didn't even know why she was smiling when she should be broken-hearted at the moment.‘Patience is key.’She'd soon have Liam wrapped around her fingers,But what happened a while ago wouldn't repeat itself. Not unless his wound healed. With a last glance at his back, she got down from the bed and headed inside the bathroom.She washed up the blood stains from the shirt and blew it dry with the hair dryer she found. Many minutes later, s
Haley followed his gaze, checking out the skimpy clothes she wore.The lacey nightwear barely concealed anything, revealing all there was to see. Urgh!She should have gone for a normal shirt and shorts.But in the fit of hunger, the thought about it fled her mind, until-Returning her gaze to his, Haley gulped, taking a cautious step back.Was he this super mad just because she wore something revealing?How the hell did it concern him anyway? “Get changed!” He snapped, pointing behind him to the stairs.The heck! What did she do wrong again?Infuriated by his actions, Haley balled her fists.Right. She was doing her best to make this dumb man understand that she wasn't in the wrong, yet, he kept giving her a hard time. If ordering her around was his way of intimidation, then he'd failed big time. From the deadly look in his eyes, Haley shuddered instead…But she maintained a brave front, lifting her chin and meeting his gaze. “As you wish!”Slowly, she curled her fingers around
Driven by curiosity and hoping that her mind was just being dramatic, Haley followed them upstairs.When she arrived in the hallway, they were already out of sight.But she heard voices… from the master's bedroom.Slowing down her footsteps, Haley's heart beat with discomfort as she approached the door. “Hey, keep still…” She laughed. “I promise it won't hurt.”“Who told you I'm scared?”“You eyes.”“Oh, really?” He laughed. “Watch me-”“No!” The lady's gasp echoed. Then she sighed. “You're so unbelievable, Will… allow a professional to apply it instead.”“It's no biggie. I'm done.”Done?Done with what?Haley pursed her lips, wishing she could disconnect her hearing from her heart.Why were they laughing together?She never knew that grumpy man knew how to laugh,And she couldn't remain here and continue eavesdropping,She had to see what was going on in there.Liam might catch her, so what?Pushing the door open, Haley stepped inside the room. Behold, Liam sat on the bed, facing t