Haley parted her lips, yet no words came out. His question taking her aback, she almost choked on the food in her mouth.Where was that coming from?Her new man?Was that what he thought of Harry?Was that why he fought the man?No way!“You haven't answered my question…” Daryl went on, his smooth tone turning serious. “Or is it a secret?”Yet, the smile never faded from his face.Suddenly feeling uncomfortable, Haley shifted on the couch. She found herself subconsciously maintaining some distance, Liam's words echoing in her mind. “Why did you ask?” Clearing her throat, she tried to sound normal. Haley avoided his eyes, in fact, to avoid him reading her discomfort.Her heartbeat had already picked up,And she could swear she was sweaty.Not Daryl!No!Haley regarded him as a brother, a best friend even.Hopefully, Liam's assumption wasn't true.Daryl might just be asking out of curiosity. The deep chortle of his voice snapped her eyes to him. Not only that, Daryl shifted close,
Haley didn't like where this was going.Somehow, she dreaded what the future had in store. She just realized that she'd fallen for the wrong person all this time,And Liam was here, telling her nothing mattered, still begging her to come back home. Haley couldn't deny that she'd gotten used to loving Liam.A love that had shattered her heart beyond repair. Despite the truths coming out, she doubted if the scars would ever heal. “W- Why did you come?” She forced the words out, struggling to sound normal. Liam stared into her eyes and she stared back, the pool of emotions in his eyes drowning her. “For you…” He stated, taking her hands in his. “Please believe me, Haley… I'll treat you better this time. Forget the harsh words I said earlier.”His assumption that she was intentionally making him jealous?Him calling her dumb which earned him a slap?Haley had totally forgotten that already, bigger problems taking up the space in her mind.She forcefully extricated her hands from his
It must be morning by now. It had been hours ever since she left him standing on the stairs. Did he spend the night here?Haley had no time to ponder all those thoughts as his figure stopped in front of her. Lifting her head, she squinted her eyes.They burned, just like her body. “You're shivering, Haley…” He squatted, his hand trembling as he reached forward to touch her forehead. Haley winced. The coldness of his hand a contrast to her burning forehead made her want him to keep it there for a while.But,He was Liam.And she didn't need his help.Struggling up the floor, Haley pushed his hand aside.She shifted away in an effort to climb up the bed, and Liam let out an exasperated sigh. “You're not feeling well… Stop acting stubborn.”And without waiting for her reply or permission, he scooped her up in his arms. He acted so fast that his rapid movement had Haley blanking out for a second. “Hey-”“Relax. I'll take you to the hospital.” His tone, gentle and calm halted her
Daryl!Hearing the guy's voice, Haley's eyes instinctively darted to Liam who sat across from her. Their gazes met and none of them spoke a word. Speechless from the sudden intrusion, Haley hoped it was a part of her imagination.And Liam's lack of speech must be due to his anger, for his expression was already dark, and the sign of his fists clenching brought her a sense of dread.She dreaded the fact that Daryl was standing outside her door. She dreaded that she'd have to be forced to stay in the same proximity as both brothers.“Haley-” Daryl's voice came again. “Are you in there? Are you alright?”Haley tightened her hold around the cup. The warmness did nothing to ease her nerves. She felt like vanishing from this place.She wanted to wake up from this nightmare. Liam stood up all of a sudden, heading towards the door. This was it.What she dreaded was about to happen.The last thing Haley wanted was both brothers breaking into a fight in her presence.She just wanted peac
~Liam wanted to believe he'd heard her wrong because the moment Haley finished speaking, she fainted.But he wasn't a fool. She'd told him to f*ck off!Why did his love profession always end up in brutal rejection?Was this how it felt like to be hurt?It was an unbearable pain he couldn't handle. If only it was a physical pain. His heart throbbed, and he wished to just embrace her like that.However,She was unconscious in his arms and her life was in danger. If Haley hadn't arrived, only God knew what he'd do to that dumb guy. Daryl's rapid shift in character still astounded him,But the last thing he expected was the guy professing love to his wife. Liam lifted her in his arms. Her body was so light that he could barely feel anything.Had she been eating recently? Yet, she looked fresher than before. Liam found himself admiring her face, her chapped lips devoid of life. He removed the bloody bedsheet from her body, wrapping her with his jacket instead. When they got do
Shocked at Joye's words, the spoon fell off Liam's hand.Hand over his position?What kind of a ridiculous question was that?Liam threw the assistant a glare, picking up his spoon again. He shouldn't let Joye be here. He should have long sent him out. “Have I become your playmate? When did you learn to crack silly jokes?”But the expression on Joye's face told Liam otherwise.The assistant widened his eyes, blinking rapidly at him. “Don't tell me you're not aware, Sir.”Liam had already scooped another spoonful of his food, but then he dropped it. Was Joye not pulling his legs?“When did that happen?”“Just yesterday, Sir…” Joye cleared his throat, his forehead contorting into a deep frown. “I went to the company this morning and heard all the employees gossiping about it.”That his brother would become the new CEO?Who passed that ridiculous order?If it was the truth, he was supposed to be consulted about it first.It was probably just rumored.“See, Sir…” Joye brought out his
Liam turned around.His fisted hands shook and he struggled to keep them back from flying to the guy's face. Daryl stood in front of him, his face bandaged all over.It was hard to recognize him with that much bandage and gauze. Liam couldn't believe he inflicted this much injury on his brother.He only wanted to bring him back to his senses with just a few punches.He didn't know what came over him.He couldn't stop, probably due to Daryl's provocative words.And if Haley hadn't come in time…“Cat got your tongue, Bro?” Daryl's question snapped him back to the present. “Ha! Is that regret I see on your face? Well, it's too late.”Too late for what?It wasn't like Liam was planning to apologize.An apology was the furthest thing in his mind.And Daryl acting so casually despite these injuries had him doubting if he wasn't faking it.He shouldn't have sustained this much injury. “Tsk.” Daryl chuckled, shoving both hands into his pants pocket. “I wonder what it feels like to sit on t
…At DG Villa Estates. Instead of the blurriness, nausea, and headache, Haley woke up feeling lightheaded.All those heavy feelings were gone. The fever was no more, and apart from a bit of soreness across her body, there was no longer pain. Weird.Sitting up on the bed, she touched her forehead.The image of Liam beating up his brother flooded back to her mind, and everything that had transpired after that.It hadn't been a dream.Haley was a hundred percent sure. She could still feel the traces of the blood where she'd touched them… the fright lingered in her heart about what would become of Daryl. Glancing towards the large windows, Haley blinked at the blinding lights flooding in. She couldn't recall drawing the curtains apart.Was it… Liam?She shifted but something stung her arm, inciting a wince from her. Haley's eyes traveled to the spot, and on seeing the small bandage, realization sank in. She'd been administered an IV Drip.Not only that, there were dozens of drugs
…~ 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