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
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
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